Is the Mall of America worth visiting?

Is it worth a go? Sure! The MOA is certainly an experience unto itself, though I really prefer to shop small businesses as much as possible. If you do end up going, head to Masu Sushi & Robata for a bite. It's locally owned and does really good ramen and robata in addition to sushi. 

It is if you like to shop. My girlfriend loved it but we spent hours there, it's huge! Yes it's pretty touristy and can get crowded but there really are endless options. I think since you're going to be there, it's one of those "must see" things to do. 

There are tons of stores and interesting places, I recommend checking it out. Some of my favorite stores are Icing by Claire's, Wet Sealand the 3 level Forever 21.

"is it actually worth it, or is it touristy?" Yes and yes.

If you like shopping (and hey, don't we all?) it IS a unique experience and worth checking out.  Is it touristy? Well, yes that too. 

Some of the things to do, like SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium and the Zipline that run across the Nickelodeon Universe are cool largely because of the unique setting.  You'll find a lot of cool, unusually specialized stores.  So yes, it's worth checking out.

But assuming you're not going to be in the middle of winter (Avoid!), be sure and check out Lake Calhoun, one of the many beautiful lakes within the city limits (most lakes within city limits of any major city in the country!) and take a walk around or rent a bicycle from one of the Nice Ride stations, and enjoy a beautiful view of the downtown.  Then take in the view while munching on fish tacos at Tin Fish on the NE corner of the lake.

Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Sculpture Garden are nice to check out. 

I dragged it out of my wife that she experiences an actual rush when she lays down the plastic. If this is what drives your affinity for shopping, you should probably make the trip. You will be blinded by the retail light. Four levels of opportunities to get that buzz. And you can treat the kids to Nick Park while you play.

i think it's one of those "check the box" places. Neat to see, but the stores are not unique. and it's overwhelmingly large. I'd visit once, but not plan more than a couple of hours there...

Hello, 

If you have children the Mall of America is ok. If you like shopping, then you can find everything you need there. depending on what you enjoy, I love walking around the uptown area, great trendy shops and restaurants. Nicollet Mall & 9th St S area downtown Minneapolis has shopping, restaurants etc. 

If the weather is nice I would suggest these two areas. The Uptown area has a chain of lakes to walk around. It is one of my favorite areas of the cities.

It can be crowded, however some people like that energy. 

Shopping - the Mall of America has it all

so no favorites - bargains can be found at the Nordstrom Rack Mall of America, no over the top wow of eateries but plenty to try. Never too crowded because of the huge size - lines mostly for rides 

Absolutely!  Just the sheer size of it is something to behold.  If you look at their directory, there's 32 stores that have a name that starts with A!  It's so big, the Nickelodeon Universe fits in the center...with a roller coaster, log chute ride, ferris wheel, miniature golf, etc.  So you can consider the Mall of America the "grand canyon" of malls.  I've also been to the West Edmonton Mall which is technically larger but it was built in phases so it's not so "wide-open".

There's a total of 520 stores and 50 restaurants, so give yourself some time to explore. 

I've been there many times when it's "busy" but it never seems too crowded because it's so big.  

Yes and no. It's got the same stores as other malls (and more). It has more diverse and unique stores. If you don't have extra time, skip it; otherwise get the exercise and go thru most of the lower 3 levels & check it out.

I loved the Mall of America! Yes it's huge but I think I bought more things here than I did my entire life. There's a lot more department stores, you won't really find any unique stores here but there's a lot of cute stores :) My aunt lives in Minneapolis and whenever we visit we HAVE to come here. I love it. Be warned, it is super touristy but like Gina said, its a really fun place to people watch. 

It honestly depends on what you like. It's HUGE, I personally find it overwhelming but if you love shopping, it's great to spend a lot of money :) There's endless options and it's great people watching. Not to mention there are a ton of restaurant options there too. I suggest that if this is the only time you'll be in Minneapolis, why not, it's an experience and you could find some great things :)

Yes

Of course

There are almost no stores there that you haven't seen in other malls. At the same time, all the stores you've ever seen in a mall are there. And there's something for everyone - high-end, bargain, specialized. Rides for the youngsters, night clubs and fine dining for adults. Weekends are busy, so try to go during a weekday.

Personally do not think it is worth it since the stores I'm not any different from others. However if you are with family they have a amusement park made of Legos that may be worthwhile