Mall of America

The place

Mall of America opened in 1992 on the land once occupied by Metropolitan Stadium, the former home of the Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. It is one of the largest enclosed shopping centres in North America, arranged on several levels around open courts, and it combines retail with entertainment, including an indoor theme park and an aquarium. For many people in the region, it is simply the place to go when the weather outside is too cold, too hot or too wet.

Events

The central rotunda and other public spaces host a steady programme of events: seasonal displays, product launches, performances, book signings, community fundraisers and holiday activities. Events change constantly, so the complex's own calendar is the only reliable source for what is on and when.

History in brief

Metropolitan Stadium closed in the early 1980s after the teams moved to the Metrodome in downtown Minneapolis. The site was redeveloped, and the opening of the mall in 1992 made Bloomington a national retail destination. Light rail arrived in 2004 with the line that is now the METRO Blue Line, linking the mall with the airport and downtown Minneapolis.

Visiting with mobility equipment

Long, level, indoor corridors make the complex popular with walkers year-round, and our note on indoor walking options around Bloomington looks at this in more detail. Distances are large, though, so plan rest stops, know where lifts are on each level, and consider whether a rollator with a seat or a wheelchair would make a long visit more comfortable. Guest services can advise on accessibility; check the official website before your visit for current information.

Good to know

• Busy weekends and holiday periods mean crowded walkways; weekday mornings are usually calmer.
• Parking ramps are large: note the level and entrance you used.
• If someone tires easily, agree a meeting point in case you are separated.