Largest shopping mall in the US with 500+ stores, Nickelodeon Universe theme park, and Sea Life aquarium.
About Mall of America
Beyond shopping, MOA houses SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium (with a 300-foot underwater tunnel), FlyOver America (a flight simulation ride over U.S. landmarks), Crayola Experience, a 14-screen movie theater, and a comedy club. The complex attracts over 40 million visitors annually — more than the combined attendance of Disney World, Graceland, and the Grand Canyon.
MOA has no central heating — the body heat of shoppers and the heat generated by lighting systems keep the building warm even during Minnesota's freezing winters. The mall's retail mix ranges from luxury brands (Nordstrom) to outlet stores, with a strong representation of stores not found elsewhere in the Midwest. The surrounding Bloomington area adds hotels (over 7,000 rooms within walking distance), the Water Park of America, and easy access to the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge.
Nearby Landmarks
Transport Options
Quick Comparison
| Option | Cost | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | $12-18 | 8-10 minutes | Convenience, groups, heavy luggage |
| Rideshare | $10-15 | 8-10 minutes | Budget-conscious, app users |
| Train | $2 | 12 minutes | Budget, avoiding traffic |
Good to Know
Late Night Transport
MOA is open until 9:30 PM (some restaurants until 10:00-11:00 PM). The METRO Blue Line runs until midnight, providing easy return service to MSP. Uber and Lyft are available from the mall's rideshare pickup zones. The surrounding Bloomington hotels offer free shuttles to MOA and MSP. MOA's nightlife options include the House of Comedy and several themed restaurants with bar service.
Luggage Tips
MOA has guest services areas with shopping bag holding and assistance. While there are no public luggage lockers, the hotel concierge services at Radisson Blu (directly connected to the mall) and JW Marriott (opening 2024) can hold bags. The METRO Blue Line can accommodate luggage for the short ride from MSP. Many travelers use MOA as a layover activity — the mall is designed for this use case.
Accessibility
MOA is fully ADA-compliant with elevators, escalators, and wheelchair-accessible entrances on every level. Wheelchair and electric scooter rentals are available at Guest Services. Nickelodeon Universe has accessible rides and companion pass options. The METRO Blue Line is wheelchair accessible. The mall offers a sensory guide for visitors with autism or sensory processing differences. All restaurants have accessible seating.