SEA LIFE at Mall of America is an aquarium on the east side of Level One, in Bloomington, a suburb south of Minneapolis. It holds more than 4,500 animals in 1.3 million gallons of water. The main draw is a 300-foot tunnel where sharks and rays swim overhead and on all sides. Other exhibits include a rainforest walk, cylinder tanks, a jellyfish cove and a 16-foot sawfish. Staff explain the animals and where they come from. Allow about an hour and go at your own pace.
What you see
The route runs in a set order through many tanks and a few land-dwelling animals. It opens with the rainforest walk and cylinder tanks, then leads down to the large main aquariums.
The tunnel is the centre of the visit. It runs beneath the water, so sharks, rays and other sea life pass above and around you. Pop-up sections put visitors or children inside an aquarium, and the jellyfish cove is part of the route.
A 16-foot sawfish is among the larger animals on display.
How a visit works
The visit is self-paced. Most visitors take about an hour, though the tunnel can slow the route at busy times.
Restrooms sit at the start and end of the route. There is one place to sit, in the middle, and no seating elsewhere. Some passages are narrow.
Your ticket lets you return later the same day. This helps if you want to catch the shark feeding without planning your whole visit around it.
Tickets and discounts
Tickets can be bought online and scanned at the entrance by QR code.
Admission coupons appear in the Mall of America coupon book, which is sold at the mall's information desk. Some visitors have bought tickets through Groupon, which was slightly cheaper than buying at the aquarium, so compare prices before you buy.
Behind-the-scenes tours cost extra. The standard route already covers the main tanks, so decide whether the add-on is worth it.
Access and facilities
The entrance, restrooms, seating and parking lot are wheelchair accessible. Assisted listening devices and an assistive hearing loop are available.
The aquarium has a gift shop, a cafe and a touch tank. Parking includes free and paid lots and garages nearby in the mall.
FAQ
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Advance purchase is recommended. Digital tickets with a QR code can be used to enter.
How long does a visit take?
Most visits take about an hour. The route is self-paced, and the tunnel can slow it down at busy times.
Is SEA LIFE wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The entrance, restrooms, seating and parking lot are wheelchair accessible, and assisted listening devices are available.
Can I leave and come back the same day?
Yes, your ticket lets you return later the same day.
