A Midwest Shopping Destination: Take a Weekend to Shop Minnesota

Minnesota has been a Midwest shopping destination since 1956 when Southdale Center opened as the first fully enclosed shopping mall in the U.S. Shopping interest only increased with the opening of Mall of America, the most famous mall in the world. Today, from area shopping districts to local shops along small-town main streets, Minnesota has a unique shopping experience to explore in every region. And you can also save when you shop with no state sales tax on clothes and shoes. With so many places to go, here is a guide for a shopping weekend getaway in the Twin Cities and its surrounding areas.

Photo by Explore Minnesota

Mall of America

Mall of America is the country’s largest shopping and entertainment complex with more than 520 stores to explore. Located in Bloomington, a 20-minute drive from the Twin Cities, there is lots to see, discover, and do at the mall. Weekend visitors can enjoy all the shopping that their hearts desire, but they won’t want to miss out on some stores that are unique to the mall. Alpaca Connection, Love From Minnesota, and Vikings Locker Room are a few Minnesotan favorites. The Mall of America also has a big draw with their Nickelodeon Universe indoor amusement park, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2023, Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium, movie theaters, and a range of restaurants.

Photo by Martin Dm

Edina

Edina, Minnesota is another great place to add to your itinerary for a Minnesota shopping getaway weekend. This upscale Twin Cities suburb offers a diverse collection of shopping including the Southdale Center, Galleria, and the 50th & France shopping district. With a mix of larger name brand stores, locally owned businesses and smaller brands, there is much for shoppers to explore. Southdale Center has a unique history, over 120 stores, and some great dining and food options, such as Cheesecake Factory, P.F. Chang’s, and Smashburger. If you’re in search of something more exclusive, Galleria provides distinct, upscale fashion in a variety of local boutiques and uncommon retail shops. And visitors won’t want to miss 50th and France, a beautiful outdoor shopping area with specialty shops and dining, including one of Billy Reid’s only Midwest locations.

Photo by Good Life Studio

Rosedale Shopping Center

Rosedale Shopping Center is located in Roseville, conveniently between St. Paul and Minneapolis. With more than 160 specialty shops, six full-service restaurants, and AMC Theatres, there is plenty to keep you busy. Welcoming more than 14 million visitors annually, Rosedale is a top rated shopping destination and a place for one-of-a-kind experiences like art hunts, drag shows, wrestling, charitable events, and more. The popular SeaQuest is always a fun entertainment option, and Potluck, one of several Twin Cities food halls, serves up tasty cuisine by top local chefs.

Photo by Ricardo Imagen

Minneapolis Area

If you’re more of a city dwelling shopper, the Twin Cities also offer plenty of shopping experiences in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Minneapolis is a great place to start with the Uptown area featuring a range of big stores, boutiques, and bars. Midtown Global Market on Lake Street is one option for local retail therapy with over 50 vendors including specialty produce and grocery items, and locally made jewelry and crafts. On the other hand, if you’re in search of a hip and modern shopping experience, North Loop features stores like Destination North Loop, Requisite, Statement Boutique, Pacifier for kids, and Lululemon. If visitors aren’t all shopped out by this point, St. Louis Park is close by and is home to one-of-a-kind boutiques, outdoor shopping malls & outlet stores.

Photo by 89 Stocker

St. Paul Area

Grand Avenue is a great place for visitors to explore with a mile of on-trend shops mixed in with family-owned businesses that have been a staple in the community for decades. Explore some of the culture of St. Paul and stop by the Hmongtown Marketplace to take in Southeast Asian culture at over 125 stores and 11 restaurants. When you’ve worked up an appetite shopping, a great food destination is Keg & Case, a classic food hall dining experience featuring diverse chef driven restaurants, a taproom, coffee, pizza, organic ice cream, and a variety of cheeses, pastries, juices, meats, honey, and spices. For those who want to explore further, White Bear is a small scenic community along the shore of White Bear Lake just 20 minutes out of the city with more shopping, entertainment, and dining including breweries, a bustling main street, and golf courses.

Photo by Getty Images

Other “Can’t Miss” Nearby Shopping Districts

For even more shopping experiences, visitors can explore the region further if they’re willing to drive a little. The Twin Cities Premium Outlets center is a hub for outlet stores including Polo Ralph Lauren, Vera Bradley Outlet, Nike Factory Store, Under Armour Outlet and more brands that are tough to find elsewhere in the region. The Premium Outlets are also near Viking Lakes in Eagan, which offers a uniquely Minnesotan experience. Excelsior and Stillwater are also other can’t miss shopping destinations that offer small town charm and excellent locally owned and operated shops and stores.