I live near the Mall of America, how could I not take up LEGO collecting?!?

[Doofy McGee]

I have a very long story as to how I got (back) into LEGO collecting a few months ago, but it is not all that interesting, so I will tell the short version. It pretty much was the result of a trip to the LEGO store at the Mall of America when I took my kids to the park there, and we went in search of LEGO Indiana Jones figures. To my dismay, the sets were long since discontinued, so I had to resort to the secondary market. Needless to say, I was blown away by how the prices and values of LEGOs skyrocket in such a short time. I was also very excited to see all the cool themes that were available, so I instantly picked up where I left off 20 years ago and bought some sets to build. I am also the entrepreneurial sort, so naturally I picked up a few to sit on to appreciate. Fast forward a few months... I have built over a dozen sets, sold over 100 mini figs on eBay, and dropped about $2500 in sets to collect in hopes they appreciate. I am having a blast! I am thankful that my love affair with LEGO was rekindled by a chance encounter while on a trip to MOA! Glad to be back! Aaron Hugo, Minnesota

[Ed Mack]

Welcome to the site. You are not alone. By the way, you have one kick @$$ LEGO store in the Mall of America.

[Huskers1236]

I was on my way back to Nebraska this last weekend and had a 3 hour layover in Minneapolis, I would be lying if I said it didn't cross my mind to make a super fast trip to the mall to hit up the store. I have nothing to compare it to, but that is one cool store.

[Doofy McGee]

I have never been to any other LEGO store before, so I have no comparison either. Is the MOA store better than most others? It is the MOA after all, so I supposed it is done on a more grand scale than other places. The giant LEGO statues sure are cool though!

[stephen_rockefeller]

Arock, Just curious if you have any Star Wars sets?

[Doofy McGee]

The only Star Wars sets I currently own are the Desert Skiff and Jabba's Palace. I am one of those collectors who typically tries to get everything that's in a theme, I like to complete everything. Star Wars presents a problem for me on this front. Lol. I do like a lot of the sets though. It would be a dream come true to be able to build a Death Star and Super Star Destroyer!

[stephen_rockefeller]

Hey have you seen the Architecture series? That might be something to look into since you are a self proclaimed ''completeist''. There are not alot of set in the series and the general consensus is that they will do well investment wise

[Jeff Mack]

Here are some pics of when I went to Mall of America last year. What an amazing place. There was a great shop in there with Flight Simulators. I had fun in there for a while :)

[Doofy McGee]

Jeff, It is indeed a fun place. I took a lot of the same pictures when I was there just last month. :)

[Doofy McGee]

I am intrigued by the Architecture series, but I am ultimately a little disinterested because of the small size of these sets. They are cool, but I always find myself wishing they were bigger and had more detail.

[Sue866]

Sad to say I'm in the Twin Cities, have been to the MOA many times, love Legos, but never went to the Lego store! I know I'm missing out but, meh, someday.

[Veegs]

Sue, you can't join a LEGO investment website and not go to your local LEGO store! No 'meh', I recommend heading there ASAP :)

[Black_towr]

I'm moving to Minnesota at the end of the month. Looking forward to going to the MOA.

[Doofy McGee]

Where are you moving to in MN?

[Black_towr]

Hoping for somewhere within 30 minutes of minneapolis.

[Darth Lego]

The Lego store at the MOA is awesome. I live just outside the Twin Cities in the south metro.