We were there just this weekend. It's Mall of America in Bloomington, MN, which is a suburb of Minneapolis proper. It's handy to the airport which is just across I-494 from the mall. It was the largest mall in the world when built, perhaps 10 years or so ago. The Main floor contains
The Park at MOA which is a large amusement park with numerous full sized rides as well as smaller ones for younger children. One story down is a large and well stocked Aquarium. But, since you are a serious shopper, the mall has over 400 stores as well as numerous restaurants...(highly recommend Tucci Fenucchi). Some very unique, one of a kind stores, such as PB&J Cafe, which sells nothing but peanut butter and jelly and accompaniments for peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. The "anchor" stores are Nordstrom's and other high end fronts. It's good for at least 4 to 5 days, in my opinion.
If you do come and stay near the mall (there are many first rate and reasonable hotels nearby) be sure to find directions to France Street, about 1 mile west on the Interstate, then 1 mile north to the Original Pancake House... I know, I know, but it's really unbelievable. Opens at 7:00AM and closes at 2:00PM serves only breakfast. The
49'er pancakes are so thin you can read a newspaper through them, but made of sourdough. Everything is served on old fashioned Blue Willow China. If it happens to be in the fall or winter, the fireplace is going... At any rate, welcome to the U.S. (Here's the web site:
http://www.mallofamerica.com/ )