Nickelodeon Universe at the Mall of America

More than a place for locals to shop, the oversized, frenetic Mall of America is a tourist destination in its own right. It makes perfect sense therefore (sort of) that plopped into its cavernous middle is a theme park. We're not talking about a couple of kiddie rides and a cotton candy machine. This is a full-fledged amusement park with three coasters, a giant Ferris wheel, and a slew of other thrill and kiddie rides.

Granted, the coasters don't come close to breaking any records, and the rides are mostly off-the-shelf models (although there is a nifty log flume ride and a fun shoot-em-up dark ride). But the rides offer plenty of fun. And I don't know about you, but I'll take a spin on a Ferris wheel over a spree in Macy's any day. Speaking of Macy's, while hanging around the entrance to the department store, it's pretty weird to hear riders screaming and feel the floor rumbling from the coaster from the nearby park.

The Knott's folks used to operate the park (it was originally known as Knott's Camp Snoopy), but it now sports a Nickelodeon theme and features characters such as Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob SquarePants.

(952) 883-8600
Inside the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota (near Minneapolis).

Special Note

The park used to be known as Knott's Camp Snoopy

Admission to the park is free. Rides and attractions require varying numbers of points. Points are available for purchase individually or in multi-point packages. Pay-one-price unlimited ride wristbands are also available.

Because it's indoors, the park is open year-round whenever the mall is open, which is pretty much all the time.

The Mall of America is located at the intersection of I-494 and Highway 77. It is about 15 minutes from both downtown Minneapolis and downtown St. Paul. It is a few minutes from Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport.

The park features three coasters and an assortment of Nickelodeon-themed rides and attractions including:

• Fairly Odd Coaster spinning coaster
• SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge coaster
• Orange Streak coaster
• El Circulo del Cielo Ferris Wheel

Nickelodeon Universe Photo Gallery

Water Park of America
Although it's not directly affiliated with the Mall of America, the huge Water Park of America is around the corner.

Compare rates for Mall of America-area hotels at About.com's booking partner, Kayak.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Shell Shock
A pendulum ride that will swing passengers in an arc that will reach 72 feet above the ground. Riders will be able to control their vehicles and turn them upside down.