Mall of America Celebrates 33 Years as North America’s Largest Mall

The Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, celebrated its 33rd anniversary, marking over three decades as a major retail and tourist destination. Opening on August 11, 1992, on the former site of Metropolitan Stadium, the mall originally featured 330 stores and employed more than 10,000 workers, making it the largest shopping mall in the U.S. at the time. Over the years, the mall has evolved from its 1990s dark, brass-and-carpet aesthetic to a vibrant entertainment hub hosting over 300 events annually, attracting approximately 32 million visitors each year and generating nearly $2 billion for the state economy. Looking ahead, plans are underway to expand with a large enclosed water park, a third hotel, and additional parking, with the city of Bloomington currently reviewing the $375 million development proposal. The water park is expected to include amenities such as a wave pool, lazy river, numerous slides, and spas, further enhancing the mall's appeal as a multi-faceted entertainment complex. Despite some criticisms in recent years, the Mall of America remains an iconic landmark and a cornerstone of Minnesota's tourism and retail sectors.