Mall of America050

If you haven't been - okay, even if you have - the prospect of visiting the Mall of America might seem somewhat daunting. But the 4,000,000-plus square feet of this four-level consumer paradise are laid out well, making navigation a dream.

MOA is shaped like a square, with one of four major department stores - Bloomingdale's, Macy's, Nordstrom, or Sears - anchoring each corner, and a themed boulevard running from one to the next. More than 500 stores are here, offering, well, just about everything under the sun, in addition to dozens of dining options, and several noteworthy special attractions.

A cart marketplace, showcasing nearly 50 specialty kiosks, is located in the West Market, which has a European feel and runs between Nordstrom and Macy's. East Broadway, a gleaming path of chrome between Bloomingdale's and Sears, is the site of the 5,000-sq.-ft. Rotunda, where major performances and special events are held.

The North Garden, with landscaping elements and natural light, houses a large food court, while elegant South Avenue spotlights some of the finer specialty shops, with the LEGO Imagination Center and its more than 30 full-size LEGO models and a large play area in the middle.

Beneath the glass-roofed center atrium is an American Girl Place store, and farther in, Nickelodeon Universe, formerly known as Camp Snoopy and The Park at MOA. The large indoor amusement park - Nick's first such venture - features more than seven acres of themed kiddie and thrill rides, a ropes course, a food court with international and healthy options, arcades, live entertainment, and shops brimming with Nick-themed merchandise and other goodies. Guests pay per ride or for an unlimited ride wristband, but there's no charge to stroll through the park or watch much of the live entertainment.

Large discount stores like Marshall's and Petters are here, and there's even a university, wedding chapel, and church. The high-tech Theatres at MOA cinema is on the fourth level. The lower level is occupied by Sea Life Aquarium, the world's largest underground aquarium.

Rent single and double strollers for $6 or $8 a day, with a credit card and photo ID, from any Guest Services desk. They're located at each of the main entrances on Level One, and also dispense maps and some tourist information; family restrooms are nearby each. Rental lockers - for day-use only - are located on each floor.

The mall is an endpoint on the Hiawatha Light Rail Line, which connects to the airport and downtown Minneapolis.

While the mall is doing well overall - in fact, a planned expansion will more than double its size - keep in mind that businesses do come and go. The directory lists current tenants.