Planning something a little different during your visit to Minneapolis? The Mall of America Escape Room might just be the activity that adds a dash of excitement to your day. We’ve looked into the details, reviews, and what you can really expect, so you can decide if it’s a good fit for your trip.
What stands out about this escape room experience? First, the variety of immersive themes—from escaping prison to searching for hidden gold—keeps the game fresh and engaging. Second, the dedicated guides are highlighted as personable and helpful, making the experience smoother and more enjoyable.
However, one thing to consider is the price point—some guests found it a bit pricey for just an hour of activity, especially if you’re on a budget. Still, for those who love puzzles and team challenges, it’s a solid, fun activity. This experience works well for groups of friends, families with older kids, or anyone looking to add some problem-solving fun into their day at the mall.
If you like the idea of testing your wits in a lively, themed setting, and want an activity that offers a good mix of challenge and entertainment, this escape room would suit you. Now, let’s break down what makes it a noteworthy choice and why it might just be worth your while.
Key Points
- Variety of Themes: Seven different rooms, each with a unique story and puzzles.
- Guided Experience: Friendly, helpful guides enhance the fun and ease of play.
- Time-Limited Challenge: One hour to complete your mission, adding a real sense of urgency.
- Group Size: Up to 8 participants, making it suitable for small groups or families.
- Price Point: $47 per person — good for a fun outing, but some may find it on the higher side.
- Age Suitability: Recommended for ages 13 and up but accessible to younger players with some content considerations.
What the Escape Room Is All About
Located conveniently on the third level of the Mall of America, the Escape Game Minneapolis offers a variety of seven themed rooms. Each of these rooms invites your team to work together, piece together clues, and solve puzzles in an attempt to “escape” or complete your mission within 60 minutes. The experience is designed to be both challenging and fun, regardless of whether you’re a seasoned puzzle solver or just looking for a casual, interactive activity.
Planning more time in Minneapolis? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
The Themes & What Makes Them Special
- The Depths: Uncover the secrets lurking in a mysterious lab—think secret experiments or hidden dangers.
- Cosmic Crisis: Save the universe by destroying a black hole—high-stakes space adventure.
- Gold Rush: Search for hidden gold in the California hills—perfect for treasure hunters.
- Prison Break: Escape from an evil warden’s clutches—an intense, adrenaline-pumping scenario.
- Special Ops: Mysterious Market: Play as a secret agent uncovering a plot—great for fans of espionage stories.
- The Heist: Recover a stolen masterpiece from a clever art thief—ideal for art lovers and puzzle enthusiasts.
- Mission: Mars: Launch and pilot your spaceship—an engaging space exploration challenge.
The Experience, Step-by-Step
When you arrive, a dedicated game guide will welcome your group and explain the rules. These guides are noted as personable and knowledgeable, which makes a big difference in setting the tone and ensuring everyone understands the game. Each room is equipped with a locked door, but don’t worry—every door has an exit button if you need a quick escape.
You’ll have exactly 60 minutes to work through clues, puzzles, and challenges to complete your mission. The game is designed to be immersive and exciting, with detailed scenery that many reviews mentioned as surprisingly engaging. One reviewer shared that “the scenery was well worth every penny,” emphasizing the visual effort put into making the experience feel real.
Group Dynamics & Sharing the Challenge
The rooms are limited to 8 participants, making it a good size for small groups, families, or friends. Given the shared nature of puzzles, you’ll want to work together and communicate clearly. Guests have highlighted that everyone usually has something to do, which keeps the pace lively.
- Hints are unlimited, so if you get stuck, just ask your guide—some reviews appreciated this flexibility.
- You might be paired with other guests if your group is smaller or if the game is at capacity.
Pricing & Value
At $47 per person, the activity isn’t the cheapest fun you can find, but many guests felt it was worth the price considering the level of immersion and the lively atmosphere. Some reviews mentioned it was a bit spendy for an hour, but they also noted the entertaining complexity of puzzles and the friendly guidance as adding value.
Accessibility & Practicalities
- Location: Easy to reach inside Mall of America, with parking recommended in the East Ramp.
- Time of Day: Available in morning, afternoon, evening, and night, allowing flexibility.
- Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, making it less risky if your plans change.
- Age restrictions: Recommended for ages 13 and up, but younger kids are allowed with adult supervision. Children under 14 need an adult to sign waivers.
- No food or drinks allowed inside the rooms, so plan accordingly.
What Do Guests Say?
Feedback from guests paints a generally positive picture. Many reviewers praise the friendly guides who make the game more enjoyable. One guest shared, “Our guide was very personable, informative, and made it fun for everyone.”
The puzzles are challenging but doable, and some guests mentioned winning their rooms with just minutes to spare, which adds to the thrill. Others noted that the scenery and setup exceeded expectations, especially at this price point.
That said, a few found it a little pricey for an hour of activity, especially if they’re on a tight budget. Still, the consensus is that the experience delivers good entertainment and a memorable challenge.
The Experience in Detail
The 60-minute format means you need to be quick on your feet, but don’t worry—your guide is there to help if you get stuck. The rooms are designed to be immersive, with detailed props and storytelling that draw you in. Whether you’re trying to crack a code, find hidden compartments, or solve riddles, each challenge is crafted to be interesting and engaging.
For example, in the Prison Break, you might find yourself searching for clues hidden in the cell, decoding messages, or working together to unlock the door—an experience that tests both your problem-solving skills and your ability to work as a team. Similarly, the Mission: Mars game might involve navigating space equipment or solving mechanical puzzles to launch your spaceship successfully.
The Value of the Guides
Guests consistently mention how helpful and personable the guides are, which makes a difference in keeping the game flowing smoothly. The guides’ presence ensures that even if you’re struggling, you won’t be left frustrated—they can provide hints as needed and keep the mood light.
The Environment & Setup
The scenery and setup are surprisingly well done, especially for a venue located inside a mall. Many reviews highlighted the quality of the scenery and the attention to detail—elements that make the game feel like part of a real adventure. This adds to the value, making the hour feel like a mini adventure rather than just a puzzle challenge.
Who Is This Experience Best Suited For?
This escape room is ideal for groups of friends, couples, or families with teens who enjoy mental challenges and storytelling. If you’re into puzzles, teamwork, or themed adventures, you’ll find plenty to love here. It’s especially great if you’re looking for a short activity that packs a punch in terms of entertainment.
While children under 13 can participate, younger kids might find some puzzles too difficult, so it’s best suited for adventurous teens and adults. The small group size ensures an intimate experience, and the unlimited hints keep frustration to a minimum.
Final Thoughts
The Mall of America Escape Room offers a lively, interactive activity that’s perfect for travelers wanting a break from shopping or sightseeing. The variety of themes means there’s likely something that appeals to your interests, whether you’re into space, treasure hunts, or daring escapes. While the price might seem high for just an hour, many guests find the quality of puzzles, scenery, and guidance justifies the cost.
It’s a fun, challenging experience that encourages teamwork and sharp thinking, making it a memorable part of any Minneapolis visit. If you’re after a lively, engaging activity that feels a little like stepping into a movie or game, this could be the highlight of your trip.
Minneapolis: Mall of America 1-Hour Escape Room Adventure
FAQs
Is this escape room suitable for children?
Yes, children over 13 are recommended, but younger kids can participate with adult supervision. Children under 14 need an adult to sign waivers.
Can I cancel my booking?
Absolutely. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing some peace of mind if your plans shift.
How long does the activity last?
The game lasts exactly 60 minutes, giving you a quick but intense challenge.
Where is the escape room located?
It’s on the third level of Mall of America, with parking best in the East Ramp.
What themes are available?
There are seven themes, including space adventures, treasure hunts, prison escapes, and secret agent missions.
Are hints available if I get stuck?
Yes, hints are unlimited—just ask your guide, who will help you get unstuck without spoiling the fun.
What is the group size?
Up to 8 participants, which makes it manageable for small groups and keeps the experience intimate.
Is the scenery realistic?
Guests frequently mention the scenery as surprisingly detailed and worth the price, helping to elevate the experience.
What should I bring?
No food or drinks are allowed inside, and it’s best to wear comfortable clothing suitable for active puzzles.
How accessible is the experience?
You might want to contact the provider directly for specifics about wheelchair accessibility.
Overall, if you’re craving a fun, teamwork-focused activity during your Minnesota trip and aren’t on a strict budget, the Mall of America Escape Room offers a well-rated, engaging challenge that’s worth considering. It’s a lively addition to any day of shopping or sightseeing, guaranteed to make your visit a little more memorable.
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