The Escape Game: Epic 60-Minute Adventures at the Mall of America

If you’re looking for a fun way to challenge your brain and bond with friends or family, The Escape Game in Mall of America is worth considering. This experience offers a series of immersive escape room-style adventures right in the heart of Minneapolis, combining engaging puzzles with friendly guidance. We’ve gone through the details, and here’s what makes it stand out—and what to keep in mind.

Two things we really like about this experience are the variety of themed missions to suit different interests and the dedicated, helpful guides who keep the game flowing smoothly. The fact that it’s conveniently located inside a major shopping destination also adds to its appeal. A possible drawback could be the group size limit of eight, which is great for intimacy but might not suit larger parties.

This adventure is best suited for groups of friends, families, or colleagues looking for a quick, interactive challenge. It’s an hour and 15 minutes overall, so it fits well into a day of sightseeing or shopping. If you enjoy puzzles, teamwork, and a sense of adventure, this could be a memorable highlight of your Minneapolis trip.

Key Points

• Location: Inside Mall of America, easy for visitors already in the area
• Duration: About 1 hour 15 minutes, including briefing and debriefing
• Price: Around $47 per person, offering a solid value for a unique experience
• Number of Games: Seven options, from Gold Rush to Mars, for varied interests
• Group Size: Max of 8 people, ideal for intimate team play
• Family Friendly: Recommended for ages 13 and up, though younger kids can join with adult supervision

What Is the Experience Like?

The Escape Game offers a hands-on, puzzle-solving adventure that gets everyone working together. As you arrive at the location—at 300 E Broadway in Bloomington—you’re greeted by a friendly, knowledgeable guide who will brief your team on the rules and your chosen mission. Once you step into your themed room, the clock starts ticking, and the real fun begins.

You’ll have exactly 60 minutes to complete your chosen challenge, which might involve finding hidden gold in California hills, escaping from a prison, or recovering a stolen masterpiece. The game is designed to be challenging but exciting, with puzzles that test both your wits and your communication skills. And don’t worry—every door in the room features an exit button—you can leave at any point if you feel overwhelmed, which adds an extra layer of safety and comfort.

According to reviews, the guides are often praised for their helpfulness and friendliness, which makes the experience more enjoyable. “The staff was extremely helpful and friendly,” shared Kelly_H, highlighting how important good customer service is when trying something new and potentially frustrating.

The Themed Adventures: What’s on Offer?

There are seven unique scenarios to pick from, each offering a different flavor of challenge:

• Gold Rush: Search for hidden gold in California’s hills. Perfect if you like treasure hunts or Western themes.
• Prison Break: A high-stakes attempt to escape from a villainous warden’s clutches. Ideal for fans of thrillers or action.
• Special Ops: Mysterious Market: As a secret agent, uncover the truth in a mysterious marketplace. For those who enjoy espionage stories.
• The Heist: Recover a stolen masterpiece from an art thief. Creative minds will appreciate piecing together clues to restore the art.
• Mission: Mars: Launch your spaceship from the Red Planet. Great for space buffs or sci-fi lovers.
• Cosmic Crisis: Save the universe from a black hole. Suitable for sci-fi fans or anyone who loves a good cosmic challenge.
• The Depths: Uncover lab secrets and solve scientific puzzles. A bit more mysterious and experimental.

Choosing your adventure depends on what kind of story or challenge sounds most appealing—each one is designed to be fully immersive and engaging.

The Value for Your Money

At $47.04 per person, this experience offers a fairly reasonable price considering the interactive nature and the guided support. Compared to traditional escape rooms, these are designed to be more elaborate and story-driven, which enhances the value. The inclusion of a dedicated game guide ensures you’re not left to figure things out alone, which can often be the most frustrating part of escape rooms.

The experience as a whole, including briefing, gameplay, debriefing, and photo opportunities, takes about 75 minutes—making it a compact yet satisfying activity. Since it’s booked on average 13 days in advance, it’s best to plan ahead, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Group Dynamics and Tips

Most of the positive reviews mention how helpful and friendly the staff are, which is key when navigating puzzles or if your team gets stuck. Kelly_H’s comment about the staff being “extremely helpful and friendly” echoes what many others say. This support helps keep the mood light and prevents frustration from taking over.

The group size limit of 8 is perfect for smaller teams, ensuring everyone gets involved without feeling lost. If you’re planning a larger group, you might want to split into multiple teams or check if you can book all spots to keep your experience exclusive.

A note for families or younger players: The recommended age is 13 and up. Younger participants can join, but some puzzles might be too complex, and an adult must participate alongside children under 14. It’s also worth noting that you’ll be in a room with a locked door, but it’s completely safe—an exit button is accessible at all times.

Accessibility and Logistics

Getting to The Escape Game is straightforward. It’s near public transportation, and the location inside Mall of America means you can easily combine it with shopping or other attractions. The activity starts at the designated meeting point and ends back there, so no need for transportation arrangements afterward.

Since the experience doesn’t include hotel pickup or drop-off, plan your arrival accordingly. The session includes about 15 minutes before to prepare and 15 minutes after for debriefing and photos, giving you time to relax and discuss your performance with your team.

Authentic Feedback from Participants

Many guests have shared positive experiences. RebeccaL_N said, “Challenging AND fun! I LOVED every moment—even though we both failed to ‘escape’”—highlighting that even the unsuccessful teams found it worthwhile. Plus, the fact that Viator provided a refund during a personal emergency shows the flexibility and customer-first approach of the company.

Alba_T specifically mentioned how excellent the staff was and praised Molly, describing her as “heaven sent,” which underscores how much good customer service enhances the overall experience.

The Sum Up

If you’re after a unique, interactive activity in Minneapolis that combines problem-solving, teamwork, and storytelling, The Escape Game at Mall of America hits the mark. It’s well-suited for small groups who want to challenge themselves without the pressure of overly dark or scary environments. The variety of themes means there’s likely something that will appeal to most interests, whether you love treasure hunts, space adventures, or secret missions.

While the price might seem a bit high compared to traditional escape rooms, the added storytelling, professional guides, and immersive setups make this a worthwhile investment in fun. Plus, it’s easy to fit into a busy day of sightseeing or shopping, and the friendly staff helps ensure everyone gets a good experience.

This is a playful, well-organized activity that delivers a good dose of adventure and brain-teasing fun. It’s especially good for those who enjoy puzzles and working as a team—and it’s a great way to make memories that don’t involve screens or typical tourist attractions.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for children?
It’s recommended for ages 13 and up, but children 14 and under can participate if accompanied by an adult. Younger kids are allowed to join, but some puzzles may be too difficult for them.

Can I leave the room if I feel uncomfortable?
Yes. Every door in the game room has an exit button, so you can leave at any time if needed, ensuring you’re always in control of your comfort.

How long does the entire experience take?
Including briefing and debriefing, plan for about 1 hour 15 minutes. The actual game lasts 60 minutes.

What’s included in the ticket price?
Your admission grants access to one themed adventure, guided by a professional game guide.

Are the games shared with other groups?
Unless you book all available spots, your game might be shared with other participants who join your team, making it a bit of a communal experience.

Is this activity accessible via public transportation?
Yes, the location is near public transit routes, making it easy to reach without a car.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

If the idea of cracking puzzles and working as a team in a lively setting sounds appealing, The Escape Game at Mall of America offers a fun, safe, and engaging way to spice up your trip. Just remember to book ahead and come ready for some brain-teasing fun.

Hope this helps you decide whether this adventure is the right fit for your Minneapolis visit!