Minnesota – Shopping
Minnesotans know how to shop and we’ll show you where! The first enclosed mall in the U.S. was Southdale in Edina. The country’s hippest discounter, Target, was founded in Minneapolis in 1962. And Mall of America is the largest shopping and entertainment complex in the U.S. Add to that several outlet malls, antique shops, charming local boutiques and urban shopping districts, including Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis and Grand Avenue in St. Paul.
Mall of America is the North America’s largest shopping and entertainment destination featuring over 520 stores, 60 restaurants and the largest indoor theme park – Nickelodeon Universe. SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, The LEGO store, American Girl Store, FlyOver America, Crayola Experience, SMAAASH – America’s Adrenalin Arena, The Escape Game, and Moose Mountain Adventure Golf + Black Light Mini Golf are wonderful, fun-filled attractions within the Mall. Plus there’s no sales tax on clothing or shoes which makes for some fantastic bargains.
Mall of America is located in Bloomington, MN, just 15 minutes from downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul and just minutes from MSP International Airport. Connect to it all with the Metro Blue Line Light rail train or hop on one of the free shuttles to the Mall that all of Bloomington’s nearly 60 hotels offer.
Mall of America offers more than 400 free annual events, including celebrity appearances, book signings, music performances and more. For a schedule of events, store directory, travel services and other information, visit online or call.
There are also a selection of outlet shopping malls in Minnesota:
Twin Cities Premium Outlets
Just a few miles from Mall of America in Eagan, this is the newest addition to the Minnesota shopping scene. With more than 100 stores, including several that are new to Minnesota, you are bound to find what you’re searching for. The complex’s unique and convenient racetrack design provides easy access to all stores, which include designer brands such as Cole Haan, Coach, Lucky Brand and Vera Bradley.
Albertville Premium Outlets
The largest of Minnesota’s outlet centres, Albertville Premium Outlets, is located on I-94 between Minneapolis and St. Cloud. The focus here is on upscale, designer fashions and sportswear. Brands include Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Kenneth Cole, Jones New York, Puma and Columbia Sportswear Company.
Several nearby hotels offer shop-and-stay package for visitors to Albertville Outlets, and there are many other hotels in nearby Monticello and the northwest Twin Cities metro area.
Medford Outlet Center
Located on I-35, 50 miles south of Minneapolis, the centre houses more than 30 shops including Bath & Body Works, Bass, Gymboree, Old Navy and Kitchen Collection. Outdoor sports buffs will also want to stop at Cabella’s, just down the road in Owatonna. There are several motels in Owatonna, including one with an indoor water park.