Mind Tricks and Photo Flicks

A Dual Adventure Takes Us to Minnesota and Iowa

by Barry Zelickson

This month the Fun Across America team reviews their visits to The Museum of Illusions at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minn., and Selfie WRLD in West Des Moines, Iowa. Sit back and enjoy as I fill you in on these very fun interactive experiences.

Museum of Illusions – Mall of America, Bloomington, MN

The Museum of Illusion boasts a wide array of approximataely 50 exhibits, catering to various interests and age groups. From classic optical illusions to more modern and interactive displays, each will challenge your perception and make you question what you see.

Our Fun Across America host, Nate, met up with Brandon Ferguson, the museum’s general manager, to discuss what makes this destination so cool. According to Brandon, they have “full exhibits, exhibit installations and gallery art pieces that all bring their own unique illusion.” He described his attraction as a “combination of education and entertainment. It’s all very fun and highly interactive…” and he couldn’t be more spot-on!

We really enjoyed the museum’s interactivity – a stand-out feature you’ll notice right away. Many exhibits are designed to be touched, played with and experienced firsthand. This level of engagement makes the museum particularly appealing to families with children, as well as adults who enjoy a more hands-on learning approach. The exhibits’ interactive nature helps reinforce the educational content, making the science behind the illusions more memorable.

Each exhibit is accompanied by detailed explanations that delve into the scientific principles behind the illusions. These explanations are written in a way that is accessible to both younger visitors and adults, ensuring that everyone can gain a deeper understanding of the visual tricks on display. I also like that the museum occasionally hosts workshops and events that further explore the topics of perception and illusion, providing even more educational value.

Some of my favorites include:

Ames Room: A classic exhibit that demonstrates how perspective can trick the eye, making one person appear much larger or smaller than they actually are.

Infinity Room: A mesmerizing space that uses mirrors to create the illusion of endlessness, providing a surreal experience.

Holograms and 3D Illusions: These showcase the fascinating world of holography and three-dimensional imagery, offering a hands-on learning opportunity about how these illusions are created.

The museum’s overall ambiance is welcoming and modern. The layout is intuitive, with clear signage and well-organized exhibits that guide you through the various sections without you feeling overwhelmed. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to explain exhibits in more detail or answer any questions you might have. The museum also provides ample opportunities for fun photo ops, making it a popular spot for social media enthusiasts.

The museum has many locations around the globe, each with its own personality. In Minnesota, you’ll notice the purple color throughout, a shout-out to a certain celebrity and a local sports team. (Yes, I’m referring to Prince and the Minnesota Vikings, of course.)

The Museum of Illusions offers a unique and captivating experience that is sure to delight visitors of all ages. Whether you’re a curious child, a science enthusiast or just looking for a fun and different way to spend an afternoon, the Museum of Illusion has something to offer. Its engaging exhibits, educational content, and friendly atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the fascinating world of optical illusions.

It was fun to watch Nate and Arlo interact with the exhibits and see the illusions firsthand. See for yourself in our Fun Across America YouTube video.

Selfie WRLD – West Des Moines, IA

Nate and I arrived at Selfie WRLD and were greeted by co-owner Joleen Roskamp, who filled us in on the location’s backstory, gave us a ring light (if you know, you know) and set us on our way to explore the over 30 vignettes that they have to offer.

Selfie WRLD came about during Covid when Joleen’s niece, who is a professional photographer, was looking for something to do since her regular business was shut down. Using her creative background and focusing on the growing excitement for content and selfies, she developed the concept by building a variety of 8’ x 8’ themed booths so individuals and groups could take as many selfies as they like. The result was Selfie WRLD, which was an instant hit and even led to franchising the concept. Now, there are several additional locations.

The location offers a vibrant and engaging environment for selfie enthusiasts, social media influencers and anyone looking to have some fun with creative photography. Its unique experience, filled with a variety of professionally themed backdrops and interactive sets, were designed to capture the perfect shot.

During our visit, Nate recreated Miley Cyrus’ Wrecking Ball music video scene, got locked in fashion jail, had a meal in a ’50s diner, sat back and ate popcorn in a movie theater and more. In addition to several permanent scenes, Joleen said they change others every two to three months and add seasonal backdrops for holidays like Halloween and Christmas.

Each set at Selfie WRLD is designed to be highly interactive, encouraging visitors to touch, pose and engage with the props. This hands-on approach makes the experience more immersive and enjoyable. The plethora of props and accessories lets you personalize your photos and get creative with your poses.

The overall ambiance of Selfie WRLD is lively and energetic with upbeat music playing in the background and bright, cheerful lighting throughout. The staff is friendly and approachable, offering tips on how to get the best shots and help with lighting adjustments if needed. The well-organized layout makes it easy to move from one set to another without feeling crowded or rushed.

Selfie WRLD is a fantastic destination for anyone looking to capture creative and fun photos. Whether you’re an avid social media user, a family looking for a unique activity or friends wanting to have a good time, the location offers an engaging and delightful experience. Its diverse themes, interactive sets and friendly staff make it a must-visit for photography enthusiasts and anyone seeking a playful and visually stunning environment.

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That’s it for this month, as Nate would say, See you at the next one. Be sure to check out our website at funacrossamerica.com.

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Barry Zelickson, is the co-creator of Fun Across America, a YouTube channel travelogue show. Zelickson has worked in the entertainment field for almost 30 years and has been awarded several IAAPA Brass Ring awards including one of the association’s highest honors, Family Entertainment Center of the World. His other projects include commercials, infomercials, feature films, documentaries, live events and entertainment centers.

 

Nate Reinhart, host and co-creator of Fun Across America, is a content creator for NalterDeeds and NalterCards on YouTube and content consultant for creators and businesses alike. After a shoutout from MrBeast, Nate has accumulated over 250,000 subscribers on his YouTube channels.