The Mall of America can be found in Bloomington, Minnesota, and is one of the most visited tourist destinations anywhere. The MOA, which was the largest mall in the world for years, attracts a staggering 40 million visitors every year. It not only has more than 500 stores and more than four dozen restaurants, it also is home to all kinds of attractions, including the largest indoor theme park in the country. While anytime is a good time to visit this amazing mall, the coming holiday season is probably a prime time for a trip to the MOA. That way, not only can you spend some time exploring an exciting and unique tourist attraction, you can also get your Christmas shopping done. Minnesota has no sales tax on clothing, so you may even save some money. Be sure to allow more than one day to visit – the mall is over 12,000 square feet, and one day is not enough to see everything and shop till you drop. Here are a few highlights that you’ll want to catch while you’re there.
- The Underground Aquarium. This marine-themed tunnel is a sight you won’t want to miss. A moving walkway will propel you along while you concentrate on the sharks, stingrays, and other marine life in the aquariums that surround you. You can take the aquarium’s virtual reality ride that simulates a dive in a submarine, and if you’re a certified SCUBA diver, you can even swim with the sharks.
- Nickelodeon Universe. As you might imagine, the Nickelodeon Universe theme park is full of fun things to do – this attraction alone might rate a whole day, especially if you’re bringing kids. Take the interactive Ghost Blasters ride, and ride a haunted mansion of pesky ghosts. Try the unique thrill ride Brain Surge, which allows the riders to control the movement of the ride, and is different every time you ride it, or the Splat-O-Sphere, that launches you nearly 60 feet up in the air before sending you hurtling toward the ground. Or test your skill on the Flying Dutchman Ghostly Gangplank Ropes Adventure Course.
- Santa and Christmas Decorations. The Mall of America made the Travel Channel’s list of “Most Christmassy Places in America”, and for good reason. The mall decks the halls with two dozen giant wreaths, 300-pound red ornament bulbs that hang from the ceiling, and two massive, four story tall Christmas trees. But perhaps best of all, the mall is home to America’s most popular Santa. In order to spend less time waiting in line, you can book your appointment to sit in Santa’s lap online.
The MOA has other great attractions too, like a comedy club, a miniature golf course and a kid’s spa. A visit to the Mall of America will feel like a gift to yourself, and it will probably be the most fun you’ve ever had while Christmas shopping.
