Mall of America (Minneapolis, Bloomington, Prior Lake: 2009, hotels, home)

[VegasGrace]

In this hard economic time our family decided to skip Christmas gifts (did service gifts) save our 2009 birthday party money and go on a trip for Easter.

Mall of America is the winner.

Anyone have any tips/ local wisdom, etc on this? We are driving as we want to be able to buy stuff while there (can't take it on the airlines any more).

Places to stay that have shuttles, tips on food, entertainment and the Military discount?

Thanks!

[Minnehahapolitan]

Its always a little more fun with history and tidbits, so I'll start there. This was built on the site of the Met Stadium, the Twins' first home after they left Washington. The home run seat is on the wall in Camp Snoopy (it doesn't matter to us that it was altered to fit Nick., it will always be Camp Snoopy). The building does not have a heating system. There is no tax on clothing in Minnesota.
There are hotels all along the Bloomington Strip (I-494), some are awkwardly within walking distance. If you have a car, it is easier. The light rail line will take you there directly from the airport.
My words of advice, take it in pieces. Go to the mall, but then see the city for a little while. After that, give it another shot at the mall.

[golfgal]

My suggestions would be either the Lodge or Country Inn and Suites. The Lodge has a nice indoor waterpark, the Country Inn and Suites is across the street from the mall and you can just walk over there when ever you want. Who is all going, adults, kids?

[VegasGrace]

Me and my 14 year old daughter. And my other two daughters -18/17 yr olds if they can get leave from the military.

Thanks for the tip - not to try to take on the mall all at once. Didn't even think of that.

[greyduk]

You said you're driving, so you wouldn't have to use the lightrail. If you're going to follow the mixing it up advice though, I would suggest the lightrail anyway. When you start getting tired of walking around the mall for the day, hop on the lightrail and go all the way downtown. You won't have to pay for parking, or fight downtown traffic where you're out of your element. Minneapolis is pretty far behind other cities when it comes to non-bus public transit, but the lightrail is a great start on catching up. It's clean and pretty efficient.

Oh, it's also important to note that the mall doesn't have a heating system because it doesn't need one. Body heat and all the lights is what keeps it comfortable. Don't get scared away from going!

Hope your trip is as awesome as they always are for me

[golfgal]

I never knew the mall didn't have a heating system, it is always so dang warm in there either way!

[fromupthere]

I was there once during the winter months a little before the mall opened. It was cold then but after a bit it did warm up. Not enough people in there that early in the morning. : )

[Globe199]

Originally Posted by greyduk

Oh, it's also important to note that the mall doesn't have a heating system because it doesn't need one. Body heat and all the lights is what keeps it comfortable.

Not to mention the giant greenhouse in the middle of the mall

[Binky .357]

I try to stay at Hampton Inns at every possible opportunity. Clean, comfortable rooms, courteous staff, a continental breakfast that cannot be beat, and reasonable prices.

There are a few in the area.

Down the road in Eden Prarie you'll find Lion's Tap; pretty decent burgers.

The "premier" casino in the area is Mystic Lake Casino in Prior Lake, if gambling is your thing...

[Haver]

Easter is April 12th this year, which is historically just on the cusp between questionable weather (cool, wet, maybe even light snow showers) and really great weather - May is our best month. If you can hold off a couple weeks you'll be able to schedule outdoor activities as well such as the rose garden or an outdoor concert.