It’s not the biggest mall in the world. It’s not even the biggest mall in America. But the Mall of America, located in the suburbs of Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota, is by far the most visited. Each year, eight times the population of the state (about forty million) come to the Mall of America to experience the most talked-about extravaganza in all of commerce.
Well over five hundred stores full of twelve thousand workers arranged along four levels have greeted the guests of this megamall since its opening in 1993. For the faint in heart, not to worry… two seven story parking structures flank the mall on each side with thirteen thousand spaces available between them. It’s even readily accessible by bus and rail transit. In fact, so many people come to visit the Mall of America that the air conditioning must run even during the winter to keep people comfortable.
But the fun of the mall is not getting there. It’s being there. Foremost among its many attractions is The Park at Mall of America, the largest indoor theme park in the country. Trees galore, two roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, and plenty of other attractions keep visitors hopping. The park is also known as Camp Snoopy, and is themed around the Peanuts characters made popular by Minneapolis native Charles Schultz.
Even today, the Mall continues to grow. The original builders regained control and have begun implementing plans to expand with hotels, dinner theaters, an ice rink, and a water park.
But why salivate over what might be when we can slaver over what is? Do you like marine biology? Visit the Underwater Adventures Aquarium. In a fix to get hitched? Try the fully-functional Chapel of Love. In need of a higher education? Mall of America provides campus space for National American University. Other unique attractions await guests: Lego Imagination Center, The River Church, Rainforest Café, Dinosaur Walk Museum, A.C.E.S. flight simulations, NASCAR Silicon Motor Speedway, Aquamassage, Paul Bunyan’s Log Chute, the Minnesota Viking’s locker room, and the original, undisturbed home plate of Metropolitan Stadium await all who come. And for those who have been back in the day (yet still after its opening in 1992) know that it once was home to Planet Hollywood and Hulk Hogan’s Pastamania. And if that isn't enough, the national staples of Sears, Nordstrom, Macy’s and others can all be found within the confines of Mall of America.
Some love it as a fun and convenient one-stop shop. Some hate it as a bloated monument to consumerism. But at the end of the day, Mall of America – the Megamall, Sprawl of America, Hugedale, The Mall, or whatever you want to call it – simply is what it is: an anticipated trip, a fond memory, and a shopping spree all wrapped into one.
