The four stories of the Mall of America, filled with 520+ stores and 50+ eateries, can be quite overwhelming. However, there is a wrong way and a RIGHT way to shop the Mall of America.
This is not the kind of mall where you want to say, “I need this specific item from this specific store.” Instead, this is the kind of mall where you weave in and out of stores aimlessly, picking up random things you probably don’t need (and some that you do) along the way. Why? Because no matter where you enter the mall, you’re probably going to pass a bunch of really cool stores before you get to the one you actually wanted to go to.
My mom and I spent three days in the mall, tackling a different floor and walking as much as 6 miles every day. I wouldn’t say I’m an expert, since over that weekend we found ourselves saying “how did we miss that?” and “there’s ANOTHER Victoria’s Secret?” more than once. However, the absolute best part was experiencing the places that you could not see elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Mall of America
How Big is the Mall of America?
As of 2023, the Mall of America covers 5.6 million square feet.
How Many Stores are In the Mall of America?
As of 2023, the Mall of America has 520 stores, over 60 dining options, a 7-acre theme park, an aquarium, and several excursions such as an Escape Game, mini golf, an arcade, and more.
Where is the Mall of America?
The Mall of America is located in Bloomington, Minnesota – just about two miles from the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport.
How do you get to the Mall of America?
DRIVING: If you’re in the Bloomington/Minneapolis/St. Paul area, you can easily find the Mall of America from the 24th Avenue South exit on I-494 East or the Killebrew Dr./81st Street/24th Ave. S exists off of Highway 77 South. There is plenty of parking, or you can valet at the North entrance off Lindau Lane or at the Radisson Blu.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: If you do not have a car, the Hiawatha Line (Route 55) light rail can get you between the airport and the Mall of America. The trains leave every 7-15 minutes, depending on the time of day, and you can get there in about 12 minutes. You can also use the Hiawatha Line to get from downtown Minneapolis to the mall in about 40 minutes. If you’re in St. Paul, Route 54 can take you from downtown to the Mall of America from the 6th & 7th street stop. Lastly, the Twin Cities metro buses can drop you off at the transit station on 24th ave.
RIDE-SHARING: While there are no Park & Ride spaces at the mall, there are Uber and Lyft drop-off and pick-up zones. The five designated zones are:
- Level 1, East Ramp
- Level 1, West Ramp
- North entrance
- Radisson Blu
- JW Marriott
What time does the Mall of America Open and Close?
The Mall of America is open from 10 AM to 8 PM Monday through Wednesday, 10 AM to 9 PM Thursday through Saturday, and 11 AM to 7 PM on Sundays. Be sure to check the mall’s official website for updated closures and holiday schedules. Please also keep in mind that certain stores and attractions may have different operating hours from the mall itself.
These are some of the unique stores you should take the time to step into as you’re touring the Mall of America.
Miscellaneous Mall of America Stores
One of the best things about the Mall of America is the little mom-and-pop shops that might not have survived if they weren’t located in such a tourism haven. They’re the best places to buy gifts, souvenirs, and impulse items that you weren’t looking for, but definitely needed.
Alpaca Connection
Location: 367 East Broadway
Hours: M-F 10 AM to 9:30 PM, Sat 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM, Sun 11 AM to 7 PM
There definitely are not many stores like this Alpaca Connection. Stuffed toys, throws, sweatshirts, and more are all made from alpaca fur by a Peruvian family. It’s a homegrown business that now attracts hordes of tourists and regular shoppers (you can also shop online)!
Callister’s Christmas
Location: 148 East Lower Broadway
Hours: M-F 10 AM to 9:30 PM, Sat 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM, Sun 11 AM to 7 PM
Callister’s Christmas store is heaven for Christmas lovers and decorators. You’ll see wall-to-wall ornaments in all shapes and sizes. You’ll also have options for personalization and bulk orders. Callister’s is planning on opening two seasonal locations in Wisconsin this fall.
Games by James
Location: 358 East Broadway
Hours: M-F 10 AM to 9:30 PM, Sat 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM, Sun 11 AM to 7 PM
This nerd haven technically has a few locations scattered throughout Minnesota. They carry everything from new gadgets like fidget spinners to the classics, like Monopoly. Even non-game nerds will enjoy taking a stroll through this store!
I Love Minnesota/Minnesot-ah!
Location: 372 West Market
Hours: M-F 10 AM to 9:30 PM, Sat 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM, Sun 11 AM to 7 PM
If you’re like me and you like to make sure you go home with some sort of souvenir, “I Love Minnesota” is a great place to check. They have all sorts of collectibles (ornaments, magnets, etc.) as well as unique-to-Minnesota items, like local chocolates and maple syrup. There’s another store called Minnesot-ah! that is operated by the same company and located on the first floor of the mall at 157 East Broadway.
Indulge + Bloom
Location: 314 North Garden
Hours: M-F 10 AM to 9:30 PM, Sat 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM, Sun 11 AM to 7 PM
Indulge + Bloom is really a floral shop, but their store is cute and holds lots of little gifts and knick-knacks that you can fit in your suitcase! It’s one of those small stores that you will inevitably walk by and feel compelled to pop into.
JM Cremp’s Adventure Store
Location: 206 South Ave.
Hours: M-F 10 AM to 9:30 PM, Sat 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM, Sun 11 AM to 7 PM
The JM Cremp’s “Adventure Store” is one that pulls you in no matter who you are. You’ll see people of all ages wandering through and running their hands over the toys, unique apparel, and household items.
Lotus Jewelry and Gifts
Location: 247 East Broadway
Hours: M-F 10 AM to 9:30 PM, Sat 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM, Sun 11 AM to 7 PM
This cute shop sells jewelry and gifts from local artists as well as several Minnesota-focused items that could be considered great souvenirs! It’s definitely worth poking your head into, especially if you’re looking for nice gifts to bring back home.
Lotus Beads
Location: 368 North Garden
Hours: M-F 10 AM to 9:30 PM, Sat 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM, Sun 11 AM to 7 PM
Lotus Beads repairs and makes custom jewelry. You can even walk in and make a personalized piece in-store! What a great item to bring home!
Mall of America Gift Store
Location: 285 East Broadway
Hours: M-F 10 AM to 9:30 PM, Sat 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM, Sun 11 AM to 7 PM
If you’re looking for a souvenir that actually SAYS “Mall of America” on it, this is your place. They have all sorts of collectible items (I got an ornament from this store), but they also have some cute shirts that say “Mall of America” but don’t look too kitschy. If you don’t find anything you like while you’re there, they’re available online as well.
Mona Williams
Location: 180 South Avenue
Hours: M-F 10 AM to 9:30 PM, Sat 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM, Sun 11 AM to 7 PM
Mona Williams can ONLY be found at the Mall of America. They stock their floor with clothes from top designers. They also have a sub-brand called “The Laundry Evangelist” and even hold a “Laundry Camp,” teaching you about their products and about how to properly treat and wash your clothes.
Persepolis
Location: 838 West Market
Hours: Hours: M-F 10 AM to 9:30 PM, Sat 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM, Sun 11 AM to 7 PM
Persepolis is like a more sophisticated “Hot Topic” on steroids, for bikers. Anyone can walk in there and find a great piece, but they definitely cater to the biker style. Honestly, it’s just a bad-ass store that is worth at least checking out online if you don’t have time to peruse.
Sox Appeal
Location: 391 West Market
Hours: M-F 10 AM to 9:30 PM, Sat 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM, Sun 11 AM to 7 PM
I don’t know about you, but I love a good sock store with a punny name. Sox Appeal isn’t much different from your typical store full of socks from wall to wall, but I thought I’d add it in because not every mall has a super cool store like this, and I do think it’s worth stopping in!
Tomodachi
Location: 316 North Garden
Hours: M-F 10 AM to 9:30 PM, Sat 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM, Sun 11 AM to 7 PM
Tomodachi is a unique toy store specializing in Japanese pop culture. Inside, you’ll find stuffed toys, keychains, and more. Pusheen fans will be exited by the giant Pusheen on display and the abundance of Pusheen plush toys.
Typo
Location: 132 North Garden
Hours: M-F 10 AM to 9:30 PM, Sun 11 AM to 7 PM
Typo is another one that technically has a handful of other locations across the country. However, given its scarcity, I thought stationary store nerds like me would enjoy it. You can find all sorts of little things in this store, from a beautiful new journal to a silly little knickknack souvenir to bring home. Typo is a small, cute store, so I recommend taking at least one minute to wander through it! They also have an online store.
Bakeries and Restaurants at the Mall of America
Minneapolis/St. Paul and Bloomington have tons of great restaurants, but you don’t have to even leave the Mall of America to find the best ones. When you visit the mall, you don’t have to leave at all. You can stay in a hotel that connects right to the mall, and walk right out into it, and find a place to eat without ever stepping outside. These are some of the best and most unique:
Baking Betty’s
Location: 392 West Market
Hours: M-F 10 AM to 9:30 PM, Sat 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM, Sun 11 AM to 7 PM
Baking Betty’s mouthwatering cookies are great for events, gifts, or a snack as you’re walking around the mall. You’ll only find Baking Betty’s in the Mall of America!
Beef Jerky Experience
Location: 341 North Garden
Hours: M-F 10 AM to 9:30 PM, Sat 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM, Sun 11 AM to 7 PM
The Beef Jerky Experience is a meat lover’s paradise. They have every jerky flavor imaginable. Grab some samples and you won’t be able to resist bringing a bag back to your hotel room for your midnight snack.
Cadillac Ranch
Location: 352 South Avenue
Hours: M-TH 11 AM to 12 AM, F-Sat 11 AM to 1 AM, Sun 11 AM to 11 PM
Though Cadillac Ranch technically has three other locations (Pittsburgh PA, National Harbor MD, Kendall FL) it is one of the most unique places to eat. Inside the 11,000 square foot eatery, you’ll find a mechanical bull, more than 30 TVs, an indoor fireplace, and delicious meals to choose from (plus an extensive drink menu). Go for the onion ring tower and definitely try the Cadillac Ranch Kettle Chips if you’re in for something unique.
Carlo’s Bakery
Location: 335 North Garden
Hours: M-F 10 AM to 9:30 PM, Sat 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM, Sun 11 AM to 7 PM
What began in 1910 as a Hoboken, the NJ-based family bakery has moved into a Mall of America treasure. You may have seen master baker Buddy Valastro on TLC’s Cake Boss! Stop by Carlo’s Bakery for a quick cannoli. You’ll need it for energy so you can keep shopping!
Dough Dough
Location: 372 East Broadway
Hours: M-F 10 AM to 9:30 PM, Sat 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM, Sun 11 AM to 7 PM
Edible cookie dough at its finest! Dough Dough serves it by the scoop in flavors ranging from the basics (chocolate chip) to the more obscure (salted caramel). They also have a food truck, so if you step outside the mall for any reason, you might be able to catch Dough Dough somewhere around town!
Macarons by Maddie Lu
Location: 166 West Market
Hours: M-F 10 AM to 9:30 PM, Sat 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM, Sun 11 AM to 7 PM
Yet another wonderful place for a sweet treat, Macarons by Maddie Lu is located right outside of Macy’s. Maddie’s has traditional flavors like vanilla and mint, and newer concoctions like “Doritos” and “Mini Donut.”
Minniewaffolis
Location: 323 South Avenue
Hours: M-F 10 AM to 9:30 PM, Sat 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM, Sun 11 AM to 7 PM
Chances are that you’ll be spending full days at the mall, so you’ll have to start with breakfast, right? Minniewaffolis is probably more dessert than breakfast (in the best way). As the name suggests, you’ll find waffles galore here, topped with all your favorite sweets and fruits.
Rybicki Cheese
Location: 382 West Market
Hours: M-F 10 AM to 9:30 PM, Sat 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM, Sun 11 AM to 7 PM
If you’re visiting the Minneapolis area for the first time, and especially if you haven’t been to the region, you may need to experience a taste of Wisconsin while you’re there. Rybicki Cheese is exactly what it sounds like – a store full of cheese! They’re also full of Wisconsin and Packers memorabilia. You may be wondering what you’re going to do with a cheese store while you’re shopping, but hear me out. Not only can you grab some free samples, but you can purchase some fresh cheese, then drop into “Old Vine and Spirits” for a bottle of red, and have yourself a relaxing night in your hotel!
Twin City Grill
Location: 130 North Garden
Hours: M-TH 11:15 AM to 9:30 PM, F 11:15 AM to 10 PM, Sun 11 AM to 7 PM
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite for lunch or a relaxed dinner, the enormous menu at the Twin City Grill will have something for you. You’ll find a mixture of salads, steaks, and sandwiches, including Minnesota favorites like walleye fish fry. The restaurant decor is reminiscent of 1940’s dining.
Coolest Attractions at the Mall of America
Shopping and food are not the only things you’ll find at America’s largest shopping mall. From mini-golf to roller coasters, there’s plenty for you and your family to explore! Here are some of my favorites:
Nickelodeon Universe
Location: 5100 Center Court
Hours: M-Sat 10 AM to 9 PM, Sun 11 AM to 7 PM
Enjoy seven acres of amusement park rides, souvenir shops, and dining all based on Nickelodeon’s most popular characters – all within the mall. Tickets start at $40 per person.
Crayola Experience
Location: 300 South Avenue
Hours: M-Sat 10 AM to 6 PM, Sun 11 AM to 6 PM
For some more family-friendly fun, stop by the Crayola Experience to make your own crayon, play games, and learn about your favorite art supplies.
Rock of Ages Blacklight Mini Golf
Location: 336 East Broadway
Hours: M-W 10 AM to 8 PM, Th-Sat 10 AM to 9 PM, Sun 11 AM to 7 PM
While you could try your hand at Moose Mountain Adventure Golf, which is like a regular mini-golf course (aside from the fact that it’s inside the mall), why not step outside the box for a glow-in-the-dark version? Putt your way through rock music history – and wear black for even more fun.
Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium
Location: 120 East Broadway
Hours: M-W 8:30 AM to 7 PM, Th-Sat 8:30 AM to 8 PM, Sun 8:30 AM to 6 PM
Believe it or not, this aquarium holds a 1.3 million gallon underwater world. From crocodiles and sharks to jellyfish and seahorses, all your favorite marine life creatures are here!
The Fair on 4
Location: 402 East Broadway
Hours: M-Th 11 AM to 9 PM, F-Sat 11 AM to 11 PM, Sun 11 AM to 7 PM
You don’t have to wait for the state fair to come around if you’re visiting the Mall of America. At The Fair on 4, you can enjoy all your fair favorites – axe throwing, go karting, arcade games, and deliciously fried fair foods. Try cheese curds, corn dogs, pizza, burgers and sandwiches, fried Oreos, and more.
