Here is a detailed 3-day and 5-day itinerary for your visit to the Mall of America (MOA) in Bloomington, Minnesota, covering shopping, dining, attractions, and more:
3-Day Itinerary: Highlights of MOA
Day 1: Shopping and Entertainment
- Morning: Start your day with a relaxing breakfast at a nearby café or your hotel.
- Midday: Begin exploring the expansive shopping options at MOA, which features over 500 stores. This will include browsing through high-end retailers, unique boutiques, and everything in between.
- Afternoon: Visit Nickelodeon Universe, the indoor amusement park. With 27 rides, it’s perfect for all ages, from thrilling roller coasters to gentler rides for families.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at one of the mall’s full-service restaurants like Twin City Grill or Cedar + Stone. Afterward, consider catching a movie at the on-site AMC Theatre.
Day 2: Family Fun and Exploration
- Morning: Start your day at SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, which is home to thousands of sea creatures, including sharks and sea turtles. The 360-degree tunnel is a highlight.
- Afternoon: Explore the Crayola Experience, where kids can engage in hands-on creative activities, or head over to the Museum of Illusions for mind-bending optical illusions.
- Evening: Relax and unwind at Rick Bronson's House of Comedy for a show, or enjoy dinner at one of MOA's diverse dining options.
Day 3: Relaxation and Local Exploration
- Morning: Take it easy with a round of mini-golf at Moose Mountain Adventure Golf, located inside the mall.
- Afternoon: Head out for some outdoor relaxation at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge or visit a nearby park.
- Evening: Return to MOA for a final evening of shopping or enjoy dinner at a new restaurant, and perhaps take a last stroll around the mall.
5-Day Itinerary: In-Depth Experience
Day 1: Arrival and Orientation
- Morning: Arrive and check into your hotel. Start by getting familiar with the mall’s layout using a visitor's guide.
- Afternoon: Explore the major stores and enjoy the first round of shopping.
- Evening: Have a casual dinner and explore the mall's atmosphere in the evening.
Day 2: Shopping and Dining
- Morning: Dive into shopping at your leisure, visiting a mix of well-known brands and local stores.
- Afternoon: After a lunch break, continue your shopping adventure. Consider dining at one of MOA's upscale restaurants like Cantina Laredo or FireLake Grill House.
- Evening: Check out the Nickelodeon Universe again for some fun rides or enjoy an evening movie at the AMC Theatre.
Day 3: Attractions and Entertainment
- Morning: Spend your morning at Nickelodeon Universe and try out all the rides, or visit SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium for a deep dive into the ocean world.
- Afternoon: After lunch, take in the Crayola Experience or the Museum of Illusions for a more interactive and fun experience.
- Evening: Enjoy an evening of comedy or entertainment at Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy, followed by dinner at a popular restaurant.
Day 4: Local Exploration
- Morning: Take a short trip to nearby attractions like the Minnesota Zoo or visit the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge for a peaceful nature escape.
- Afternoon: If you're up for more exploring, visit the nearby parks or check out local attractions in Bloomington.
- Evening: Head back to MOA for dinner at a restaurant you've yet to try. You can also enjoy some last-minute shopping.
Day 5: Relaxation and Departure
- Morning: Have a leisurely breakfast and take some time for any last-minute shopping.
- Afternoon: Unwind at one of MOA's lounges or visit any final attractions you've missed earlier.
- Evening: Depart for home, concluding your adventure at the Mall of America.
Tips for Your Visit:
- Attraction Bundles: Consider purchasing multi-day attraction bundles if you plan to visit several of the mall’s attractions, such as unlimited rides at Nickelodeon Universe.
- Dining Reservations: Make dining reservations in advance, especially for popular spots like Rainforest Café or CRAVE American Kitchen & Sushi Bar.
- Transportation: Use the MOA Transit Station for easy access to public transportation or consider valet parking for convenience.
With these detailed itineraries, you can plan your visit based on your interests, whether it’s focused on shopping, family-friendly activities, or a mix of everything MOA has to offer.
