If you’ve ever read my post about 15 Free Things to Do with Kids at the Mall of America, you might remember a little section where I mentioned an old favorite from the mall’s early days — a quirky, unforgettable store called BareBones.
When the Mall of America first opened in 1992, BareBones stood out among the shiny new retail spaces. It wasn’t your typical mall shop. With its oddities, skeleton displays, and science-inspired curiosities, it was part museum, part store, and completely unique. For a lot of us who grew up visiting the mall in those years, it left a lasting impression.
Recently, I had the chance to share some of those memories for an online article on RacketMN.com all about BareBones and its place in MOA history. The writer Stacy Brooks did an amazing job capturing the spirit of the store — and the nostalgia that some of us still feel for it today.
🦴 You can read the full article here.
It’s been wonderful seeing others remember the store so vividly — the eerie but fascinating window displays, the friendly staff who knew everything about anatomy, and the sense that you were stepping into something just a little mysterious and magical.
If you were there in those early Mall of America years, I’d love to hear your memories of BareBones too! Drop a comment or message — I’m curious how many of us still think about that strange little corner of mall history.
Curious about my list of free things to do at the mall? Read it here:
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