Mall of America
6.2Friend Score / 10#8 of 8 Attractions in Minneapolis
Known formall of americanickelodeon universesea life aquariumindoor theme park
The biggest mall in America — 500-plus stores, a full indoor theme park (Nickelodeon Universe), an aquarium, and mini golf under one roof in suburban Bloomington. Free to enter and genuinely useful on a brutal winter or rainy day, but it's a mall: expect crowds, chain stores, and à la carte pricing for everything fun.
Key facts
| Hours | Mon–Sat 10:00–21:00 Sun–Sun 11:00–19:00 |
|---|---|
| Price | $$ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Mall of America station (METRO Blue Line terminus); trains replaced by buses through Aug 19, 2026 |
| Time needed | Half a day; a full day with Nickelodeon Universe |
| Best time to go | Weekday mornings; avoid weekend afternoons and school breaks |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Friend Score
6.2/10- Value6.0
- iconic6.5
- Freshness9.2
- Crowd level4.0
- Authenticity4.5
- Accessibility7.5
Frequently asked questions
- How do I get to Mall of America from downtown Minneapolis?
- Normally the Blue Line runs straight there in about 35-40 minutes, but through August 19, 2026 buses are replacing trains for track work — same route, longer ride. Driving takes 20 minutes-ish outside rush hour with free ramps.
- Is Mall of America worth it for visitors?
- If you love shopping or have kids, yes — especially in winter when indoor anything is gold. If you came to Minneapolis for character and culture, spend your day at the lakes or museums instead; this is a (very large) mall.
- Is Mall of America close to the airport?
- Very — it's one light rail stop (or a 10-minute drive) from MSP Airport, which makes it a classic long-layover move. Note the current bus replacement on the Blue Line through August 19, 2026.
- Is there a sales tax advantage at Mall of America?
- Yes — Minnesota charges no sales tax on clothing or shoes, which makes MOA a legit deal for wardrobe shopping compared to most states. That's the quiet reason locals actually go.
- Does it cost anything to enter Mall of America?
- No — entry and parking (12,000+ ramp spots) are free. You pay for the fun stuff: Nickelodeon Universe rides, SEA LIFE aquarium, mini golf, and whatever the food court does to your wallet.
- How big is Mall of America really?
- Over 500 stores across multiple levels wrapped around a 7-acre indoor theme park — walking one full lap of one level is close to a mile. Wear real shoes and grab a map.
- What are Mall of America hours?
- Generally 10 am to 9 pm Monday-Saturday and 11 am to 7 pm Sunday, though individual stores and attractions vary. Holiday hours change, so check mallofamerica.com.
- How much is Nickelodeon Universe?
- Rides run on a points/wristband system — unlimited-ride wristbands typically land in the $40-60 range depending on day and any online deals. Buying online in advance is usually cheaper than the counter.
Nearby in Ask Minneapolis
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- Nokomis East BeachBeach6.35 km · 79 min walk
- Minnehaha Regional Park & FallsPark7.15 km · 89 min walk
- Minnehaha Falls & Regional ParkAttraction7.16 km · 89 min walk
- ColitaRestaurant7.65 km · 96 min walk
Where to stay near Mall of America
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