Village Square Mall Celebrates 50th Anniversary

The 43,000-square-foot mini-mall in Duluth's Miller Trunk area opened in 1976.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 6:31am

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The Village Square Mall, a one-story mini-mall housing 18 small shops, was constructed 50 years ago in 1976 in Duluth, Minnesota's Miller Trunk area. The mall was built around a large rock outcropping adjacent to the Bridgeman store that was under construction at the time.

Why it matters

The development of the Village Square Mall was part of the growth and evolution of the Miller Trunk area of Duluth in the 1970s, as the city sought to expand its commercial and retail offerings. The mall's longevity over the past 50 years is noteworthy, as many small shopping centers have struggled to survive in the face of competition from larger malls and the rise of e-commerce.

The details

The 43,000-square-foot Village Square Mall was originally envisioned as a "mini-mall" that would house 18 small shops. It was built around a large rock outcropping adjacent to the Bridgeman store that was also under construction at the time. The mall was completed by late spring or early summer of 1976.

  • The Village Square Mall was constructed in 1976.
  • The mall was completed by late spring or early summer of 1976.

The players

Village Square Mall

A one-story mini-mall in Duluth, Minnesota's Miller Trunk area that opened in 1976 and housed 18 small shops.

Bridgeman

A store that was under construction adjacent to the Village Square Mall site in 1976.

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The takeaway

The development and longevity of the Village Square Mall over the past 50 years reflects the growth and evolution of Duluth's commercial landscape in the latter half of the 20th century, as the city sought to expand its retail offerings and accommodate changing consumer preferences.