Southdale Center Mall050

This is where it all began, folks. The first enclosed, climate-controlled shopping center in the world, built by the Dayton family in 1956 in Edina, an affluent first-ring suburb of Minneapolis.

The mall is anchored by Macy's (formerly Dayton's/Marshall Field's), JC Penney, and Marshall's, and all the familiar faces have a presence - Abercrombie Kids, Gymboree, The Children's Place, Gap, and more. There are changing tables in all the men's and women's restrooms, and a family restroom is located in the entertainment "district" of the mall. Strollers can be rented from SmartCart machines near main entrances.

For fast food there's Ben & Jerry's, Auntie Anne's Pretzels, and a small food court. Restaurants include the Cheesecake Factory, Ruby Tuesday's, Maggiano's, and more.

The mall also boasts a 16-screen AMC movieplex.

Kids can trick-or-treat at stores on Halloween, Santa comes each Christmas season, and the mall hosts other events and performances during the year.

From the "betcha didn't know" file: Back when it first opened, the mall offered helicopter service to the airport, or to downtown Minneapolis or St. Paul.