The Mall of America is one of the biggest travel destinations in the Midwest.
Naturally, many visitors look for a place to stay nearby—and most start with hotels.
But what if you want something better?
More space. More comfort. More flexibility.
Here’s how to stay near the Mall of America without booking a hotel.
🚫 First, Know This About Bloomington
The Mall of America is located in Bloomington, MN.
And Bloomington does not allow short-term rentals under 30 days.
That means:
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No Airbnb options nearby inside the city
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Limited alternatives unless you look outside the area
🧭 The Smart Strategy: Stay Nearby
Instead of staying in Bloomington, experienced travelers book in nearby cities just minutes away.
This gives you:
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Access to the Mall of America
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Better accommodations
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A more comfortable stay
🏡 Best Places to Stay Near Mall of America
Shakopee (Best for Groups)
About 15–20 minutes away, Shakopee offers larger homes and easy access to major highways.
Perfect for:
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Families
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Group trips
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Event travel
Richfield (Closest Option)
Located directly next to Bloomington, Richfield is the closest place to find legal short-term rentals.
Perfect for:
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Quick access
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Short stays
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Business trips
Prior Lake (Best for a Relaxing Stay)
A little further out, but worth it for the atmosphere.
Perfect for:
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Scenic stays
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Weekend getaways
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Small groups
🛏️ Why Home Rentals Beat Hotels
Hotels near the Mall of America can feel crowded and limited—especially for groups.
With a home rental, you get:
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Space to spread out
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Room for everyone
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A place to relax between activities
Instead of multiple hotel rooms, everything is under one roof.
🚐 Make Your Trip Easy
One of the best ways to upgrade your trip is by planning transportation ahead of time.
Instead of:
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Coordinating multiple cars
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Paying for multiple rides
You can:
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Travel together
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Simplify logistics
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Focus on enjoying your trip
This is especially helpful for:
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Large groups
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Events
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Airport travel
🎯 Pro Tip: Think “Near,” Not “In”
When searching for places to stay, don’t limit yourself to “Bloomington.”
Instead, search for:
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“Near Mall of America”
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“Close to MSP Airport”
You’ll unlock far better options.
✅ Final Thoughts
You don’t have to stay in a hotel to be near the Mall of America.
In fact, some of the best stays are just outside Bloomington—offering more space, more comfort, and a better overall experience.
