Mall of America - The Pride of the United States

[lisa]

Mall of America (MOA) is the second largest mall in North America and the largest in the United States. It was established in 1992 by the Triple Five Group, who also own the biggest Mall in North America, AIRPORT TAXI West Edmonton Mall. Located in Bloomington, Minnesota across the Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport interstate, MOA spreads across an area of 4, 870, 000 sq ft - an area large enough to accommodate up-to seven Yankee Stadiums inside.

MOA entertains over 40 Million visitors in a year, making it the most visited mall in the whole world. Considered as a city within a city, it is one of the top tourist spots in the United States.

Things to do in Mall of America

Shoppers Paradise

Mall of America is the spot for all of the passionate shoppers. It has over 520 stores, 50 restaurants and three major department stores (Sears, Macy's and Nordstrom).

Top Attractions within the Mall of America

Nickelodeon Universe: It is the largest indoor amusement park in the country and is located in the center of the mall. 30, 000 live plants and 400 live trees are planted in this theme park, which act as a natural air purifier.

The park consists of:

• Rollercoasters: Avatar Airbender, Fairly Odd Coaster, SpongeBob Square Pants Rock Bottom Plunge, Pepsi Orange Streak.

• Family Rides: Ghost Blasters, Carousel, Dora, and Log Chute

• Kid Rides: Pineapple Poppers, Diego's Rescue Rider, Crazy Cars, Balloon Race, Back at the Barnyard Hayride, Backyardigans Swing-s-Long, Bog Rigs, Blur's Skidoo, Wonder Pet's Flyboat, Swiper's Sweeper, Rugrat Reptarmobiles and La Adventura De Azul

• Thrill Rides: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Shell Shock, BrainSurge, Splat-O-Sphere, Danny Phantom Ghost Zone and Jimmy Neutron's Automic Collider.

SEALIFE Minnesota Aquarium: There are more than 10, 000 sea creatures to amaze you, in this aquarium. Take a look at the beautiful sea turtles, sharks, seahorses, rays, jellyfishes and many more. The aquarium was named "The best shark exhibit on the planet" by Animal Planet and "The World's Best Shark Encounter" by the Discovery Channel. SEALIFE Minnesota Aquarium also hosts birthday parties, meetings and other special events.

Chapel of Love: Chapel of Love has hosted more than 5000 wedding ceremonies in the past 15 years. That is almost a wedding per day! So if you have not decided your wedding venue yet, MOA could be the place for your Big day.

A. C. E. S. Flight Simulator: Get into the shoes of a pilot by taking control of an exhilarating flight from the cockpit. Experience the realistic scenery and get the feel of flying a real fighter plane. You can do combat flight war against your friends or land on an aircraft carrier. ACES flight simulator is located in the third floor of MOA.

The Flying Dutchman Ghostly Gangplank and Anchor Drop: It is the tallest Sky Trail Rope Course in the world. You can climb up to 56 feet high, plunge into the anchor drop and experience the brand new spiral drop in the Nickelodeon Universe.

Theatres: Enjoy the D-Box Motion Code™ experience with realistic motion effects from the movie brought to life. If luxury-movie-watching experience is what you seek then you can try out the VIP theatre, which provides special privileges like service of beer and wines.

Mall of America is a popular spot for all of the Hollywood stars, musicians, athletes, authors and chefs to meet their fans and connect with them.

How to get there

Transit Centre: You will find all kinds of public and private ground transportation in the transit centre, like buses, taxi service, MSP airport transportation etc, connecting you to the different cities in Minnesota. It is located in the sub level of the East parking ramp.