9 Things You Can’t Miss at Mall of America, Bloomington, MN

(UPDATED APRIL 2022) Did you know that the Mall of America is the largest shopping complex in the country? Nestled in Bloomington, Minnesota, minutes from Minneapolis, this megaplex offers typical mall shopping (over 500 stores) and entertainment, and one-of-a-kind shops that you haven’t seen anywhere else. Best of all, it has a theme park located right in the heart of it.

Nickelodeon Universe is the mammoth family fun attraction that boasts rides, a slew of restaurants, and meet and greets with your favorite characters. After an invigorating visit (without kids), here are nine things you can’t miss at the Mall of America. 

1. Riding A Unique Coaster 

I love rides that go upside down and sideways. I found this and even more on the SpongeBob Square Pants Rock Bottom Plunge roller coaster at the Mall of America. You literally go up the first straight up and down incline lying on your back, then crest over the top and fly down a pretty steep plunge before starting the loops and other thrills of the ride. It’s pretty exhilerating, especially considering its indoors.

The ride seems to last quite a long time for a coaster, and was my favorite thrill ride at Nickelodeon Universe. 

Note: Riders must be be 48″ tall. 

2. Shopping at the Anchor Stores

Macy’s and Nordstrom are the glossy, shiny and incredibly stocked anchor stores to Mall of America. With great discounts and sales running continually, chances are if you want it, they’ve got it and for the right price. You don’t even have to come into the full extent of the mall to enjoy the goodies at either of these anchor stores. 

Fun Fact: When the mall opened in 1992, Bloomingdale’s and Sears were also anchor stores.

3. Flying Over America

Flying Over America is a simulator ride experience that offers unique features to enhance your ride, such as wind, scents, and mist. During the ride, you soar through the skies and across the country as you get a visual treat of scenic areas from various states. I won’t spoil it for you but expect to see lakes, mountains, landmarks, and more in this really cool offering. 

There is also a Flying Over Canada version, as well. 

4. Sampling the Food Scene

With over 100 choices for food and drinks at the Mall of America, you will go insane trying to decide what to have! The choices seem endless! There are 21 food court offerings (think Panda Express and Sbarro), 13 fast-casual spots (Auntie Anne’s and Noodles & Company), 19 full-service eateries, and 21 places to get your junk-food fix. If you need suggestions, I’m all about the Duck Donuts, Ruby Thai Kitchen, and Wahlburgers.

I was in awe over the 17 shops for my coffee and tea needs, including the only Lululemon fuel space I’ve ever seen. Check the mall website for a list of the restaurants that offer online ordering or curbside pickup.

Full-service restaurants include Rainforest Cafe, Margaritaville, Sugar Factory, and Cadillac Ranch, to name a few. Whew! I’m exhausted thinking about all of them. 

Besides Mall of America, Minnesota also hosts one of the best state fairs in the entire country. Read more about the fun and great food scene at the Minnesota State Fair here. 

5. No Tax

Stock your closet or buy those clothes you’ve wished for while saving money. Know why? Because there is no Minnesota state sales tax when you purchase clothing. How cool is that?

6. Share Your Coloring Skills

The Mall of America offers the Crayola Experience, a 60,000 sq. ft. space with cool things to see and do. It is also the largest selection of Crayola products found anywhere.

Dive into the 25-hands-on activities where kids and adults alike enjoy creating crafts, coloring, making crayons, and learning throughout the whole experience. You can even star in your own coloring page. My favorite activity is to name and wrap a crayon with whatever name you choose. I created a red Wherever I May Roam crayon.

7. Investigating Sea Life

Another great find in the Mall of America is SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium. While the price tag is a bit steep, the visuals of the underwater life featured in the tanks are incredible. I find it challenging to take good pictures at most aquariums across the country, but this one was an exception. Walk from jellyfish to sea dragons, and sharks to clownfish, while you explore the kind of sea life from that particular part of the world.

The Shark Cove was fabulous! There are also stingray touch tanks, perfect for letting the kids have hands-on time. The moon jellies exhibit was my favorite; colorful, fun, and almost psychedelic.

8. Play with Legos

Kids and adults both love visiting a LEGO store, and Mall of America has a great one. Whether you make a purchase or not, you can still enjoy playing with the massive quantities of these favorite building toys to let your imagination run wild. There are also several life-size LEGO creations to admire and take great photos of.

9. Experience New Stores First

Mall of America is a popular area for new stores to make their homes. Some of the newer ones added in 2022 include Beard Papas (cream puffs), Draper James (Reese Witherspoon clothing line and home accents), The Neighborhood (locally-made Minnesotan products) ALAND (Korean fashion), and Dauren (contemporary streetwear).

Mall of America: A Vacation Destination In Itself

With so many wonderful things to see and do, regardless of the weather outside, the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, is a unique vacation destination. It’s a shopping spree, a way to get in your Fitbit steps, and a place to wander for hours. Happy exploring!

Fun Fact: The Mall of America cost $650 million to build in 1992.

Photo Gallery

Thanks to Mall of America for proving me with attraction tickets to explore Nickelodeon Universe. All opinions and reviews are mine and 100% unbiased. 

Pin This Post For Later!

Check out more of our Midwest articles:

Reasons You Should Visit Medora, ND

Best Things to Do in Janesville, WI

Awesome Reasons to Visit Elgin, IL