Beyond the Mall of America: Best Malls in Minneapolis

Whether you’re a mall junkie or simply need a new place to feed your shopping habit, don’t settle for the Mall of America when you’re in Minneapolis! From bargain hunters to upscale boutiques, Minneapolis is one city where you’ll find more than the standard mall façade throughout the city. Most of the shopping centers in the area also feature monthly events, fashion shows, and special shopping days with extreme discounts. You’ll be a classic Midwestern shopper in no time with the opportunities that await in this bustling city; here’s where you need to go for some of the best malls in Minneapolis:

The country’s first ‘real mall’, an enclosed shopping space that housed some recognized brands, still stands today at the Southdale Center in Edina. This mall is where J.Crew first opened in the Twin Cities area, and you’ll find a large food court, a Brookstone store, and an oversized Macy’s. Complimentary wheelchairs are available, and you can stop at the courtyard for shopping tips and concierge services. Southdale is busiest during weekdays in the mid-afternoon; this is primetime for stay-at-home moms and full-time housewives, so avoid the daily congregation and plan to shop earlier in the day. You’ll find it at 6901 France Avenue S; call (952) 925-7885 for more information.

‘Mallrats’ was filmed at Eden Prairie Shopping Center, a popular mall for the locals and definitely one to visit with its indoor skyway leading straight to Target! The mall features a large food court with some elegant restaurants if you’re in the mood for a real treat. The megaplex movie theater is worth a trip in itself, with eighteen screens and plenty of leg room to make your afternoon escape from reality worthwhile. You’ll find this one at 8251 Flying Cloud Drive, Suite 128 in Eden Prairie; call (952) 941-7650 for more information.

When you need a quiet and relaxing stroll, head to Rosedale Center in Roseville. This is an upscale spot with plenty to see and do. Mall events include fashion shows and store-sponsored discount days. The mall is home to stores including Pac Sun, Coach, Banana Republic, Macy’s, Herbergers, Ann Taylor, Apple, Borders, and Godiva Chocolatier. The Plaza also features a large movie theater. You’ll find it at 10 Rosedale Shopping Center Drive in Rosedale; call (651) 633-0872 for more information.

Ridgedale Center is a great place to head out for an early-morning shopping blitz. This is a bright, dual-level mall that features about 140 stores that include two Macy’s department stores and a large Sears. You’ll find the standard lineup of department stores and namebrands here, as well as an attractive food court. The mall is home to live performances and music throughout the seasons too; call (952) 541-4864 for more information. You’ll find it at 12401 Wayzata Boulevard in Minnetonka.

Minneapolis is one of the Midwest’s top places for shopping, and the added bonus of shopping in this state is that there’s no sales tax on retail. You can enjoy the discount by doing exactly what you love-shopping some more! Enjoy the best of Minneapolis shopping at these top malls in the area.