3 hour layover in Minneapolis, what to do?
 

Even if we just go somewhere and eat dinner I would like to see something besides the airport... is there time? How long is the train ride from airport to mall of america? Or could someone recommend a place to eat near the airport?
THANKS

Can't imagine 3 hours is enough to leave any airport - given that you would have to turn up again almost before you left to get checked in and through security.

It actually won't be 3 hours, the 3 hours actually means wheels down, not when you get off the plane and if you are at all late which during the summer is likely and THEN you have to come back through security which takes time depending on time of day and other outgoing flights.

Bring a good book or find a spot in the airport for a quick meal.

The Mpls. Airport is a wonderful airport and there are a number of restaurants in the airport (also shops) and I am sure you can keep busy right there.

I agree with Cali - the MSP airport is one of the nicest and cleanest airports I've been in, and it has plenty of dining (not just fast food) and shopping options to choose from: http://www.shopsatmsp.com/

The airport's too far from Mpls and St Paul to leave and come back in three hours, but it's definitely one of the better places to have a layover!

MSP has some of the best restaurants and shops you'll find anywhere. You can easily kill 3 hours or more. Have dinner and a drink at Ike's.

I second the fact that MSP is one of the better airports to be if you have to spend time in an airport--maybe they are used to weather delays and realize that people might have to spend sometime there. Anyway, we usually grab a bite at the Northern Lights Grill on the way out of MSP back to SF--they have a good chicken and wild rice soup (MN specialty) that goes well with a pot roast sandwich!!!

I agree with everyone else, stay at the airport. The light rail trip between the airport and MOA is about 10 minutes, but by the time you walk from your gate to the transit station, catch the train and get to MOA, you're talking 30 minutes easily. Do that twice and you've blown over an hour of your time just getting back and forth, and it's not worth it IMO.

You'll find good restaurants and shopping inside the airport, just stay put and relax there.