A practical day trip: Mall of America (how to plan)
From Hewing Hotel, plan a Mall of America day trip by taking the METRO Blue Line from nearby Target Field Station (connects downtown to MOA) or a 15–20 minute drive; the light-rail is usually the fastest public-transit option. Allow 4–8 hours at the Mall depending on whether you want rides, the aquarium, or extended shopping, and use Hewing Hotel’s 24-hour front desk or BookResorts agents to arrange taxis or check light-rail schedules.
In this guide
Getting to Mall of America from Hewing Hotel
Hewing Hotel sits in Minneapolis’ North Loop near Target Field Station, which connects to the METRO Blue Line. The Blue Line runs directly to Mall of America in Bloomington, making transit straightforward without needing a car.
If you prefer driving or a taxi, the Mall is commonly a 15–20 minute drive from downtown Minneapolis, depending on traffic. Hewing Hotel’s front desk and BookResorts agents can help with taxi or ride-hail arrangements.
- Light rail: Walk to Target Field Station (short walk from the hotel) and take the Blue Line to Mall of America — typical ride time from downtown ranges roughly 20–40 minutes depending on origin and waits.
- Driving/taxi: About 15–20 minutes by car under normal traffic.
- Costs: Blue Line fares are modest and time-limited; check regional transit for current fare details before you go.
| Option | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Blue Line light rail | About 20–40 minutes |
| Drive / taxi / rideshare | About 15–20 minutes |
How long to spend at Mall of America
Decide whether you’re going for shopping, an attraction (Nickelodeon Universe rides, Sea Life aquarium), or both — that choice drives how long you should plan. A quick visit can be 3–4 hours; a full day with rides, dining and browsing can be 6–8 hours.
Factor in travel time each way from Hewing Hotel plus any wait times for rides or transit. If you’re returning to the hotel for dinner at Tullibee or The Rooftop, leave time for transit and possible evening ridership or traffic.
- Quick shopping stop: 2–3 hours
- Attractions + some shopping: 4–6 hours
- Full-day with multiple attractions and meals: 6–8+ hours
| Trip type | Recommended time |
|---|---|
| Browse stores only | 2–4 hours |
| One attraction (e.g., aquarium) | 3–5 hours |
| Rides + dining + shops | 5–8 hours |
Transit details and timing tips
Target Field Station is a downtown transit hub where the Blue Line departs; check the current Blue Line schedule the day you travel since ride times vary by day and hour. Allow an extra 10–20 minutes for walking from Hewing Hotel to the station and for ticket purchase or tapping on.
If you travel by car or rideshare, allow additional buffer at peak travel times. The Blue Line provides a reliable option that avoids parking logistics at the Mall.
- Walk from Hewing Hotel to Target Field Station — the hotel is within easy walking distance of downtown transit links.
- Blue Line fares are time-limited; verify current fare rules at Metro Transit before you leave.
- If you need assistance or want a taxi called, use Hewing Hotel’s 24-hour front desk or BookResorts agents (phone +1 (888) 605-1350).
| When to leave Hewing Hotel | Why |
|---|---|
| Morning (before 10 AM) | Lighter foot traffic, easier rides at attractions |
| Midday (11 AM–2 PM) | Busier restaurants and shops |
| Evening (after 6 PM) | Rides/attractions may have shorter lines; watch transit/traffic |
What to do at Mall of America (quick picks)
Mall of America combines large-scale shopping with family attractions. Choose priorities: shops, Nickelodeon Universe amusement park, Sea Life aquarium, or dining.
If you have limited time, pick one paid attraction and combine it with a meal and a quick loop through key store corridors.
- Shopping: over 500 stores — pick a few must-visit retailers ahead of time.
- Attractions: Nickelodeon Universe (rides), Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium, mini-golf, and rotating seasonal events.
- Dining: dozens of restaurants and food-court options across cuisines.
| Interest | Recommended activity |
|---|---|
| Kids / families | Nickelodeon Universe + aquarium |
| Shoppers | Set a store list and allow time to browse anchor corridors |
| Food-focused | Plan a sit-down restaurant or food-court circuit |
Returning to Hewing Hotel and evening plans
Head back to Hewing Hotel with time to freshen up before dinner; Tullibee serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, and The Rooftop offers cocktails and small plates when open. Reservations are accepted for Tullibee and recommended for busy evenings.
If you want a rooftop evening, remember the Rooftop (spa pool, sauna, and bar/lounge) is reserved for registered guests 21 and older; the Rooftop doesn’t take reservations, so arriving earlier helps secure seating.
- Tullibee hours: breakfast 7:00–11:00 AM; lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 AM–2:00 PM; dinner 5:00–10:00 PM; brunch Sat–Sun 8:00 AM–2:00 PM.
- The Rooftop bar hours vary by day; check current hours before you go — it does not take reservations.
- If you plan to use the Rooftop spa pool or sauna, you must be a registered guest 21+ (the hotel also offers limited day passes Thurs–Sun 11 AM–5 PM).
| On return | Options at Hewing Hotel |
|---|---|
| Casual late meal | The Bar & Lounge beside the lobby |
| Sit-down dinner | Tullibee (reserve ahead) |
| Rooftop drinks | The Rooftop (21+; no reservations) |
Pack and planning checklist (from your room)
Before you leave your Hewing Hotel room, check these practical items so your Mall of America day goes smoothly. Consider what you’ll carry and whether you need to leave purchases with the hotel or bring a daypack.
If you’re staying in a specific room type at Hewing Hotel, note that rooms and suites differ by layout; popular options include Room, Loft, Room, City View (Hewing), Junior Suite (Atrium), Suite (Hennepin), and Suite (George Henry).
- Bring transit fare or a transit card for the Blue Line; check schedules.
- Carry a phone charger and power bank for navigation and photos.
- If visiting attractions, bring ID or printed tickets if required.
- If you plan to use Hewing’s Rooftop after returning, pack appropriate attire and note the 21+ requirement for access.
| Item | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Transit fare / card | Needed for Blue Line travel |
| Comfortable shoes | Mall is large — you’ll walk a lot |
| Reusable bag or pouch | Keeps purchases and essentials organized |
