Best Shopping Malls, Outlet and Places in Woodbury Area

"You have to pay for the rides at the Mall of America, but window shopping is free. Credit: Jamie Bartosch/ Suburban TravelingMom. Mall of America is the largest fully enclosed retail and entertainment complex in the United States."

"10 a.m.: Go to Midtown Global Market for lunch. Housed in an old Sears building, this massive public market features a cultural array of food, crafts, and arts from more than 40 area businesses. From handmade Hmong clothing to Cambodian-Thai fusion food to African drum lessons, the market showcases the rich diversity of the Minneapolis area. Live music and other performances happen most weekends, as well as some times throughout the week."

"Enjoy a multi-course, multi-ethnic meal among more than a dozen eateries, stopping for tacos at Taco Cat, samosas at Hot Indian and bubble tea at Sabbai Cuisine. Bonus: Family-friendly events and performances take place here throughout the year. Use the ramp at 10th Avenue and Lake Street, the metered lot on Elliot Avenue or street parking."

"Hopefully you’ve put some shopping money aside for your Minneapolis trip, because Midtown Global Market is awaiting your patronage. This is a food lover’s paradise and the second-biggest building in the state, after the Mall of America. Midtown Global Market has so many options, our only regret is that you won’t be able to try them all."

"Stretched out between the Mill City Museum on one side and the Guthrie Theater on the other, the riverside Mill City Farmers’ Market has become the go-to, Saturday-morning celebration of Minnesota’s agricultural bounty (open early May-late October). Wander the stalls and peruse the fresh produce, jams, cheeses, shrub syrups, jewelry, woven rugs, and other artisanal products."

"This Minnesota farmers market laid its roots in 1876 with a mission to connect farmers and gardeners to the area communities. Today, the Minneapolis Farmers Market continues with a similar philosophy, aiming to build a sense of community over a shared love of food and goods. With over 200 growers on the weekend, it is the largest farmer and producer managed market in Minnesota producing one of the greatest selections of fresh produce, plants and locally made products."

"The member-based nonprofit Central Minnesota Vegetable Growers Association allows local members to distribute their fruit, vegetables and farmstead products at this market, daily."

"On the northeastern shores of the massive Lake Harriet sits Lyndale Park, one of the best parks in Minneapolis in one of the most upscale neighborhoods. Spread across 61 acres, Lyndale Park has four different gardens, each with its own vibe: the Peace Garden, the Rose Garden, the Perennial Garden, and the Perennial Trial Garden. Lyndale also has the Thomas Sadler Roberts Bird Sanctuary."

"The Lyndale Park Rose Garden is the second largest rose garden in the entire United States of America. It features 100 species of plants that provide the perfect picturesque backdrop."

"Pedro Park is a beautiful park to stroll around and visit at the corner of the streets 10th St. E and Robert St. N. It is also located in a lively and developing section of Saint Paul’s downtown. Formerly the park is the site of Pedro Luggage Center, and the influential Pedro family gave the land to the City of Saint Paul. Pedro Park is a 45-acre site that became the home to a variety of lovely flower meadows."

"They have 16 flavors on rotation at any given time, and while they definitely offer the classics, our favorites are the ones that push the boundaries a little. Try sweet basil vanilla, Mango Pineapple Ginger, rhubarb, and the “Good Girl” which is made with lavender, almond milk and burnt honey. Bonus: many of their flavors are dairy-free and vegan!"

"3146 Hennepin Ave South, MinneapolisThe scoop: With 16-18 rotating and creative flavors, you don’t know what you’ll find including concoctions like Purple Reign, Good Girl, and Charlotte’s Web. Find LaLa at Farmers Markets around the metro, too."

"A beautiful little shop in Uptown, La La serves both kid-approved cones and more sophisticated flavors adults adore, like the olive oil and balsamic vinegar Olivia Balsamico. There is also a wide selection of house-made sodas."

"Culver’s® is a family-favorite restaurant known for cooked-to-order ButterBurgers, handcrafted Fresh Frozen Custard and Wisconsin Cheese Curds. Welcome to delicious®."

"Perhaps the best way to get lost in nature while still in the city is at Dodge Nature Center. Founded in 1967, this gem has preserved 110 acres of green space right here in West St. Paul. It’s an incredible attraction and we’re lucky to have it."

"Locals stroll in this spot that spreads next to the Guthrie Theater. The mound and spiral walkway at the center were inspired by ancient Native American mounds found throughout Minnesota."

"This park belongs to the most Instagrammable places in Minneapolis. You find here a lot of trees, grass, and other elements from nature. View this post on Instagram"