The Mall of America (MOA) is an iconic destination located in Bloomington, Minnesota, known for its immense size, diverse shopping options, and numerous entertainment attractions. For many, it may seem like the largest mall in the world, but is it really? This article will explore the size, ranking, and unique features of the Mall of America, as well as compare it to other massive shopping centers across the globe.
Size and Ranking
Mall of America: The Largest Mall in the U.S.
Spanning 5.6 million square feet in total space, the Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the United States. The sheer size of this retail and entertainment complex is one of its most remarkable features. The mall houses over 500 stores, making it a haven for shoppers of all types. With its vast space, the mall offers an array of experiences ranging from fashion and electronics to home décor and more.
Within its walls, visitors will find a wide selection of stores, restaurants, and attractions spread out across four levels, making it one of the most exciting shopping destinations in the country. However, despite its dominance in the U.S., the Mall of America is not the largest mall in the world.
Global Ranking
Twelfth Largest Mall in the World
While the Mall of America holds the title of the largest mall in the U.S., it ranks as the twelfth largest shopping mall globally. When it comes to the title of the world’s largest shopping mall, other malls around the world surpass the Mall of America in size. Though MOA is often regarded as one of the biggest, it doesn’t make the top spot globally.
Comparison with Other Malls
West Edmonton Mall: The Largest Mall in North America
Located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, the West Edmonton Mall is currently the largest shopping center in North America. Spanning approximately 5.3 million square feet, it is slightly smaller than the Mall of America but remains the largest in the continent. The West Edmonton Mall offers not only shopping but also a host of other attractions, such as an indoor amusement park, water park, and an ice skating rink, among other unique features.
Though West Edmonton Mall is smaller in square footage compared to the Mall of America, it provides a distinct experience that combines retail with leisure activities, which adds to its immense popularity.
Other Large Malls Around the World
Several other malls around the world are larger than the Mall of America in terms of total square footage. A few noteworthy examples include:
Dubai Mall (Dubai, UAE): The Dubai Mall is the largest shopping mall in the world by total area, measuring over 12 million square feet. It boasts over 1,200 retail stores and features a variety of entertainment attractions such as an indoor ice rink, an aquarium, and a virtual reality park.
SM Mall of Asia (Pasay City, Philippines): The SM Mall of Asia ranks among the largest malls in the world, with a total area of about 5.5 million square feet. In addition to shopping, it offers an array of dining, entertainment, and leisure options, including an IMAX theater and an Olympic-sized ice skating rink.
Golden Resources Mall (Beijing, China): Known for its size and variety, the Golden Resources Mall in Beijing measures 6 million square feet. It was once the largest mall in the world when it opened in 2004, and it remains a major destination for shopping in China.
Despite being smaller in comparison to these and other malls, the Mall of America holds its ground as a significant retail and entertainment hub.
Unique Features of the Mall of America
Nickelodeon Universe: The Largest Indoor Theme Park in the U.S.
One of the most distinctive features of the Mall of America is Nickelodeon Universe, the largest indoor theme park in the United States. This amusement park offers a variety of rides and attractions suitable for both children and adults, making it a family-friendly destination. From thrilling roller coasters to kid-friendly rides, visitors can enjoy an exciting experience in the heart of the mall.
Nickelodeon Universe is just one of the many entertainment offerings at the Mall of America, further solidifying its status as a top destination for fun and excitement.
Shopping and Entertainment: A Diverse Range of Options
The Mall of America is home to over 500 stores, offering a broad range of shopping experiences. Whether you’re looking for high-end luxury brands, mainstream retail, or unique specialty shops, MOA has it all.
In addition to shopping, the mall features an extensive selection of restaurants catering to every taste, from fast food to fine dining. Visitors can enjoy everything from casual meals to gourmet experiences, making it easy to spend an entire day enjoying the mall’s offerings.
Entertainment options also abound at the Mall of America. Beyond Nickelodeon Universe, visitors can enjoy attractions such as the SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, where they can explore marine life, or watch the latest blockbusters at the mall’s AMC Theatre.
More Attractions at Mall of America
The mall offers numerous other activities, such as mini-golf, an escape room, and virtual reality experiences. The sheer variety of entertainment options makes the Mall of America much more than just a shopping destination; it is a complete experience in itself.
Visitor Information
Annual Visitors: Over 40 Million
The Mall of America attracts more than 40 million visitors annually, making it one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world. Its vast array of shopping, dining, and entertainment options draws people from all over the globe. The mall’s status as a major attraction contributes significantly to its large number of visitors each year.
Accessibility: Getting to the Mall of America
The Mall of America is easily accessible from various locations, with a range of transportation options available for visitors.
By Car: Located just off Interstate 494 in Bloomington, Minnesota, the mall is easy to reach by car. It offers plenty of free parking in several garages, accommodating the large number of visitors each day.
By Public Transit: The Mall of America is well-connected by public transit, including bus services and the Metro Transit Light Rail, which has a stop directly at the mall. This makes it convenient for those traveling by public transport to access the mall from Minneapolis and other surrounding areas.
By Air: The mall is just a short distance from the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, which makes it a convenient stop for travelers flying in from around the country and abroad.
Conclusion
While the Mall of America is the largest mall in the United States, it is not the largest mall in the world. The title of the world’s largest mall is held by shopping centers like the Dubai Mall and the West Edmonton Mall. Nonetheless, the Mall of America remains one of the most iconic malls globally, offering a unique combination of shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences.
Its status as a major tourist attraction, coupled with its impressive size, makes it a must-visit location for anyone traveling to Minnesota. Whether you’re interested in shopping, dining, or simply having fun, the Mall of America has something for everyone.
