Minnesota Malls: The Complete Guide to Shopping, Dining & Entertainment

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I have been to many places in the United States and I can say that Minnesota is exceptional. It fuels my adventurous spirit to explore each corner from Downtown Minneapolis to my childhood favorite - Nickelodeon Universe in Bloomington! If you get tired of its nature parks and popular tourist destinations, I have another suggestion worth your time while you are in the state: retail therapy.

It is indeed overwhelming to spot outlets and shopping malls while you're in a state as big as Minnesota, so before I give you my pick, I'll give you a guide on how to pick one. Get ready to hop in with me on this indoor adventure!

Let's get to how I came to decide which mall is best.

First things first: Size of the shopping mall

In a state as big as Minnesota, it is not a surprise that some malls here are as big as twin cities combined. The size of the mall means a lot about how much it serves its purpose to the mall-goers. A large space may mean it caters for concerts, large conventions, a ton of amenities, and other entertainment options. Being a large mall could also mean it is a destination in itself, the bigger the place the bigger the crowd it could attract.

I find it appealing for a shopping mall to "have it all" so I prefer to visit a mall that offers the largest shopping and entertainment experience. If you have the appetite to wander around endless stores and booths to find unique brands and escapes, always go for the big malls.

The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes is the second biggest mall in the whole of Minnesota, so if you would love to explore the biggest mall, definitely check this out!

Store selection: Does it have what you're looking for?

Malls often have a mix of designer stores to casual retail shops but they should have the store that you are seeking. Strolling and walking around the mall should be an adventure alone. If you enjoy window shopping, the extensive selection of stores in the mall should excite you. From well-known retail giants to charming boutique shops and unique specialty stores, there should be something for everyone's distinct tastes and preferences to discover.

One of the stores I usually look for in a mall is Polo Ralph Lauren. I love their staple menswear and some of their retro looks but the winner for me is the included tailoring and waxing services. It's easy for me to build a connection with this brand as I love outdoors and adventure and they have a directory of physical stores on their website.

Luckily, I found their store in Twin Cities Premium Outlets! Aside from the fact that they have the most number of stores in the state, they made it east for me to shop at my favorite brand.

Entertainment and Dining Options

A great way to gauge what is the best mall is to check their website and see if they have the restaurants that you love to eat. There should be plenty of cuisines to choose from from fine dining options to sweet treats like cookies. I love going to a good number of restaurants so there is an alternative if ever the restaurant I want to go to is fully booked for lunch or dinner. The meals that they have should also be offered at a good price, of course!

If you get tired of strolling the mall, there should also be several entertainment options available like a play area for the kids, big spaces for walks and - any other activity that would take your mind off the stress of walking around. Needless to say, you should feel like a guest and you are treated in a variety of ways to satiate your needs be it with food or activity.

Eden Prairie Center has their own mall walking program where guests are welcome to walk the center during mall hours. undoubtedly a perfect place to enjoy the day, It has also has the best restaurants with fair prices.

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Location, location, location

Just like what they say in real estate, shopping is also about "location, location, location". The reason why location is not that high on the list for me is because most malls are cleverly constructed in the middle of everything. Some malls are even near the Minnesota-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)! You are spoiled for choices in Minnesota as some malls here are near the top 50 hotels in the state, making it convenient for everyone to visit.

So for this factor, it's not a big thing depending on the time that you have dedicated for shopping and your hotel if it's near light rail stations or major shuttle hubs for each mall. I prefer to go to a mall with its free shuttle service so it is not hard for me to haul my shopping spree when it's time to go.

If you are looking for a mall that is near all the transportation hubs, post offices, charity and community events, and residential areas, the Southdale Center is where you should shop. It was designed by its architect during the 1950s as a statement against the car-centric culture of the time and is even the oldest enclosed mall in the country.

Amenities and Features available in the mall

Malls are not only attractions but they should offer comfort and convenience to shoppers, too. This will help mall-goers unwind in peace and enjoy the atmosphere. Some amenities I am very fond of are lounging areas, massage chairs, valet services, fitness centers, and free wi-fi. Amenities are important because they add value to the customer experience and make them want to return at another time.

Other popular amenities common in most malls are concierge desks, pet-friendly spaces, breastfeeding rooms, and water stations.

Rosedale Center has plenty of seating areas for you to lounge and the big bonus is that they have a free parking space for shoppers. Stores are also easy to locate because of the good mall layout.

Recommendation from Locals

It is always important to ask around locals what's the best. It will make your life easier instead of checking each mall in person. Locals will suggest the best restaurants, the best shops (MN has no sales tax on clothing), the best theme park, and more! This is the ultimate factor for me in deciding which mall is best, as the locals are more familiar with their neighborhood.

If you're lucky, you can even find a shopping buddy!

The Best Shopping Mall in MN: Mall of America

With all the factors I listed above, there is no question that the best shopping mall in Minnesota is Mall of America. It welcomes 40 million visitors annually and has over 520 stores on the property with a size of 129 acres, this mall deserves its zip code!

The grand Mall of America® is conveniently situated in Bloomington, MN, just a stone's throw away from the bustling Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (MSP). This bustling airport serves as a primary hub connecting travelers to various destinations across North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

If you happen to be at the Mystic Lake Casino and Hotel, they have free shuttles to the mall every day. If you are going by car, you can leave your car at the 24/7 parking lot of the nearby Radisson Blu. Reaching the hotel is never a challenge as well by public transportation as there are buses that run every 30 minutes from Downtown St. Paul to the mall.

Mall of America offers a wide selection of stores from the usual retailers to discount stores. You will feel like a prince ready to feast as there are a lot of entertainment and dining options to choose from. Grab your lunch from any of the more than 50 restaurants that serve different cuisines like American, Indian, Chinese, and Japanese. Aside from the food and shops, there is much more to see here if you're looking for fun activities like the Moose Mountain Adventure Golf, escape games, movie theaters, and Crayola Experience (or Lego stores!) if you are bringing kids with you on this trip.

Everybody in Minnesota loves Mall of America and a local friend recommended this to me. We had lunch at the Twin City Grill last Easter and all the magic popped with all the easter bunnies and easter egg decorations throughout!

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Mall of America ticked all the boxes in my checklist of what I am looking for in a shopping mall and I guarantee you, the Minnesota shopping scene will not disappoint you! Retail therapy in MN is a great way to tour the state. Enjoy your shopping adventure and I hope this guide helps!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many malls are there in Minnesota?

There are more than 30 shopping malls in Minnesota.

What is the best food I can buy in Minnesota?

Tater tot hotdish is a popular snack you can eat and is a must-try when you're here!

What other districts are good for shopping?

Head over to the "Twin Cities", Minneapoli,s and St. Paul for more shopping options. You'll find the most updated trends here with more affordable options

Is Minnesota an expensive state to travel to?

This is subjective depending on where you live but let's put it this way: the cost of living in Minnesota is 3% lower than the national average. There are more bargains that you can find in the state and a budget of $1000 would go a long way.

What is the largest mall in America?

It is the Mall of America! So when you are in the state, don't miss the chance to visit the country's largest mall!

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