4.5Mill City Museum(1.561 reviews) - Unique museum in Mpls Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
Built into the ruins of what was once the world's largest flour mill, Mill City Museum is located on the historic Mississippi Riverfront. Here, visitors of all ages learn about the intertwined histories of the flour industry, the river, and the city of Minneapolis.See more..
4.5Glensheen - The Historic Congdon Estate(1.281 reviews) - Interesting family history Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Historic Sites • History Museums
Finished in 1908, this Lake Superior 39-room mansion enjoys a rare, intact collection of original furnishings and art. Because of that, it closely resembles the days when the Congdon family first occupied it. Truly, it is Duluth's answer to Downton Abbey. Situated on a wooded lot, the home boasts spectacular views of Lake Superior as well as multiple gardens including formal, flower, and vegetable. Guests are also encouraged to explore the carriage house, boat house, stone bridge, and pier. Children enjoy the pebbled beach for hours of rock skipping while parents take a sit in one of Adirondack chairs. Be sure to check out Glensheen as part of your must-do Duluth bucket list.See more..
4.5Science Museum of Minnesota(1.126 reviews) - Engaging activities for all ages Monday: Speciality Museums • Natural History Museums • Science Museums
The Science Museum of Minnesota is one of the state’s most popular museums, with a reach that extends well beyond its riverfront location in downtown Saint Paul. In addition to its beloved visitor place, which serves hundreds of thousands of people each year with its engaging exhibits, breathtaking giant screen movies, and engaging special events, Science Museum education programs touch students in all of Minnesota’s 87 counties each year, and its research programs span the globe. Discovery awaits at the Science Museum of Minnesota! You’ll find something fascinating around every corner. We love to see the fun that our visitors have! Tag us in your photos @sciencemuseummn, or use #ShareYourDiscovery!See more..
4.5Split Rock Lighthouse(1.094 reviews) - Access lighthouse tower with original Fresnel lens driven by the original working mechanism Monday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lighthouses • History Museums
Shipwrecks from a mighty 1905 November gale prompted this rugged landmark's construction. Completed by the U.S. Lighthouse Service in 1910, Split Rock Light Station soon became one of Minnesota's best known landmarks. Restored to its 1920s appearance, the light station offers a glimpse of lighthouse life in this remote and spectacular setting. Split Rock Lighthouse is a National Historic Landmark.See more..
4.5Minnesota History Center(609 reviews) - A Must See for Minnesota Residents and Out of State Visitors Monday: History Museums
An interactive museum with both permanent and changing exhibits, the Minnesota History Center hosts concerts, lectures, family days and other special events throughout the year. The building is also home to the Minnesota Historical Society library and archives, a research destination for schoolchildren, family historians and academics.See more..
4.0Great Lakes Aquarium(609 reviews) - Certainly worthwhile if you are in Duluth Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Speciality Museums • Natural History Museums • Aquariums
The only aquarium in the U.S. that focuses on freshwater exhibits, this three-story waterfront structure is ready for public viewing after a year and a half and almost $34 million. Plenty of interactive exhibits and re-created habitats are fun and educational for children.See more..
4.5James J. Hill House(510 reviews) - Historical Gem of the Midwest! Monday: Historic Sites • History Museums
Rugged stone, massive scale, fine detail and ingenious mechanical systems recall the powerful presence of James J. Hill, builder of the Great Northern Railway. Guides lead tours that help you imagine family and servant life in the Gilded Age mansion, the setting of the public and private lives of the Hill family. The James J. Hill House is a National Historic Landmark. The home also includes an art gallery, which features work from the Minnesota Historical Society's collections.See more..
4.5American Swedish Institute(508 reviews) - American Swedish Institute Amazing Visit Monday: Speciality Museums • History Museums
Founded in 1929 by Swan J. Turnblad, this castle serves as a combination historic house/museum that features exhibits and programs of the Swedish culture.See more..
4.5Historic Fort Snelling(230 reviews) - Educational surprise Monday: Historic Sites • History Museums
With a human history more than 10,000 years in the making, the area today known as Fort Snelling means different things to different people. Explore the past through tours, demonstrations, and conversations that expand the diverse stories of the women, men, and children who crossed paths here—from the Dakota, who call the land Bdote, to other Native American groups who lived and worked here, to enslaved people, immigrants, fur traders, and soldiers.See more..
The Hjemkomst Center museum offers a snapshot of local history and culture in the Upper Midwest, featuring the Hjemkomst Viking Ship, Moorhead's Hopperstad Stave Church, and a rotation of art and history exhibitions. The Hjemkomst Center is directed by the Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the preservation of the history of Clay County and presenting its rich heritage with exhibitions, events, and programming. The museum's flagship exhibition is the Hjemkomst Center Ship Gallery, where photographs, recordings, and an award-winning documentary chronicle the construction of the 76-foot, hand-built Viking ship and its incredible 6,000-mile voyage across the Atlantic in 1982.See more..
4.5Runestone Museum(194 reviews) - Worth the cost Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Natural History Museums • History Museums
Rated a Gem “must-see” point of interest by AAA. This kid-friendly museum has a Scavenger Hunt for the young and young at heart! Our most famous artifact is the Kensington Runestone and its mysterious runic message. Was it carved in 1362? Recent laboratory and linguistic analysis of the stone suggests yes! But even as more supporting evidence of its authenticity is revealed, controversy continues to swirl around this internationally renowned artifact. Visit the museum, see the Runestone and learn its story…then decide for yourself. The Runestone Museum also features pioneer displays, a wildlife exhibit, a World War II living room with 1940’s music playing, a children’s discovery area and special limited time exhibits. The museum’s Native American exhibit garnered national attention when our rare 1920s Ojibwe jingle dress appeared in the American Indian Art magazine. There is now a decorated full sized Tipi in the Native American camp diorama. Fort Alexandria is a delightful collection of restored buildings from 1868 to 1910 that includes a furnished township school, pioneer church, log home, and stage stop. The large Annex has many displays, including a 40 foot replica Viking ship and a huge 1906 steam tractor. The third annual History Live! in Fort Alexandria will be Fri. and Sat. June 23 - 24, 2017. Enjoy live historic reenactments from the Fur Trade, Pioneer, and Civil War eras, kid’s activities and family fun. Check the museum website for dates and admission prices. The museum is open year round.See more..
4.5Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum(180 reviews) - Any Laura Ingalls fan must STOP here. Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
Gift Store Open, Museum buildings closed until April 1. Walnut Grove Minnesota is the childhood home of author Laura Ingalls Wilder who penned the “Little House” series of books. The Museum consists of 9 structures telling the stories of the Ingalls' family and other early pioneers to Walnut Grove; several of which are mentioned in Laura's book "On the Banks of Plum Creek". A great family friendly environment with several hands on locations throughout the complex of buildings. Visit in July on one of 3 weekends for our Wilder Pageant and Family Festival.See more..
4.5Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center(138 reviews) - Hidden Gem of the Gunflint Trail Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours History Museums
Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center presents the cultural and natural history of the Gunflint Trail. Chik-Wauk Museum has interpretive and interactive displays that present the area’s cultural history from its prehistoric beginnings to the development of today’s unique, rural community. Outside, a network of nature trails crisscrosses Chik-Wauk’s 50-acre grounds. Plan to immerse yourself in the Gunflint Trail forest with Chik-Wauk's family-focused, self-guided naturalist program, which includes activity packs for use on the Chik-Wauk grounds. There are two new exhibit buildings that include a Watercraft Exhibit Building and an Interpretive Cabin. Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center is a partnership of the Gunflint Trail Historical Society and Superior National Forest, Gunflint Ranger District. Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center is open from Memorial Weekend until the third weekend in October. Admission rates: Adult - $5.50 Child 5 - 18 $2.50 Under 5 - Free Senior/Military DiscountSee more..
4.5Pottery Museum of Red Wing(136 reviews) - Very interesting and historical. Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums • History Museums
I knew nothing about pottery before I visited so it was a learning experience. It was very interesting to see the change in pottery and function over the years. It started as functional large jugs and crocks and ended up over time with beautiful, hand painted dinnerware. They are supported from donations and their giftshop. The guides are excellent.See more..
5.0Forest History Center(124 reviews) - A must if you're in the area. Historic Sites • History Museums
CLOSED for the season til June 2020. Discover the past, present and future of Minnesota's forests through guided tours of a 1900s era logging camp and hands-on environmental learning programs. Board the moored river "wanigan," a floating cook shack, take a seat on the porch of a 1930s Minnesota Forest Service patrolman's cabin, climb a 100-foot fire tower and explore the site's self-guided trails.See more..
4.0Judy Garland Museum(99 reviews) - Great Place To Visit. Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • History Museums
This modest house in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, was home to Judy Garland for her first four years. The 1920's home has been restored to look and feel as it did when the Gumm Family lived there many years ago. Come see where "Baby Gumm" got her start. We also have a Children's museum with many hands on activities for kids that will get their imaginations going.If you are a teacher, visit our website today to plan a field trip!See more..
CLOSED for the season through May 2020. Charles Lindbergh's 1927 flight from New York to Paris launched an aviation revolution. Tour his boyhood home, explore the visitor center exhibits, including a "Spirit of St. Louis" flight simulator, and walk an interpretive trail along the river. Additional trails are located in the adjacent Charles A. Lindbergh State Park. The site is a National Historic Landmark.See more..
Finally made a stop here the other day after driving by more than a few times. We are very glad we did. Our two boys thought it was a great adventure and for the price, is one of the most reasonably activities you can do on the North Shore. The staff were very friendly and while the whole experience does not take a long time, it is definitely worth the trip in there. Will come back. See more..
The Northfield Historical Society cares for the historic First National Bank building that the James-Younger Gang attempted to rob on September 7, 1876. The main exhibit recounts the story of the brave citizens who fought Jesse James and the other robbers leading to the end of the James-Younger Gang. Additional gallery space in the museum explores a variety of local history topics. Exhibits are self-guided year round.See more..
4.5International Owl Center(70 reviews) - Give a Hoot Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Natural History Museums
You'll find up to five live owls, children's owl art from around the world, an owl-themed gift shop, and enjoy a program by one of our educators. https://www.internationalowlcenter.org/visit.htmlSee more..
4.5Jeffers Petroglyphs(67 reviews) - A must experience Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • History Museums
CLOSED for the season through May 2020. Amid the prairie grasses are islands of uncovered rock, where American Indian ancestors left carvings — petroglyphs — humans, deer, elk, buffalo, turtles, thunderbirds, atlatls, and arrows. They tell a story that spans more than 7,000 years.See more..
4.5Winona County Historical Society(59 reviews) - Great Exhibits on the History of WInona Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM History Museums
Museum featuring a timeline of Winona County, from 500 years ago until the present.See more..
4.0Harkin Store(57 reviews) - Wonderful stop! Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • History Museums
CLOSED for the season til May 2020. Savor the smells and sights of an 1870s general store as you sample the wares or try a game of checkers. When the railroad bypassed the small town of West Newton, the Harkin Store was forced to close with much of the unsold inventory still on the shelves, where it remains today.See more..
Museum CLOSED for the season except for special events. Trading Post open year-round. The Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post includes a museum dedicated to telling the story of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe and an adjacent restored 1930s trading post where visitors can find American Indian gifts from Mille Lacs artisans.See more..
Built in 1871 The Hormel Historic Home strives to preserve the Home and History of the George A. and Lillian Hormel Family. Today, it serves as a house museum and Peace Garden along with a 220 seat Carriage Hall Event Center. Our house museum is open to the public Tuesday-Friday 10am-4:00pm. Adults are $5 per person and children are free. We feature a kid-friendly tour and scavenger hunt.See more..
Visit The Landing - Minnesota River Heritage Park to discover how 19th-century Minnesotans established their lives on the frontier, farmstead and in villages. Historical buildings are laid out as a timeline from the pre-territorial era through the late 1800s. On weekdays, the historic buildings are not open to visitors, but the grounds are open for hiking and self-guided walks. To tour the inside of the buildings and interact with costumed characters, please visit on open weekends or register for a program.See more..
4.5Polish Museum(41 reviews) - Excellent tour guide Monday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
The mission of the Polish Cultural Institute and Museum is to collect, preserve, exhibit, interpret and disseminate the heritage of the Kashubian Polish Culture. It resides in a three-story building built in 1890 by the Laird-Norton Lumber Company. It also maintains Winona’s Kashubian Polish traditions through events and other initiatives.See more..
5.0Legacy of the Lakes Museum(36 reviews) - A definite must-see Temporarily closed - Closed until May 19, 2023 Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
The museum is now closed for the season. We will reopen on May 19, 2023. The BoatHouse is available to rent year round. The Legacy of The Lakes Museum and Gardens celebrates the shared memories and experience of Minnesota lake life and preserves that legacy for future generations. Discover classic boats, grand hotel and resort history, fishing memorabilia and much more. The Legacy Gardens, on the Museum's campus, showcases beautiful landscaping, water features, walking paths, gazebos, and quiet alcoves. Select Friday nights in the summer offer live music performed in the gardens. See website for more details.See more..
4.5Historic Forestville(35 reviews) - A beautiful hike and exploration of MN history Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • History Museums
CLOSED for the season til May 2020. Tour a late-1800s store, farm, and homestead with original artifacts as you explore questions about the choices and changes that faced inhabitants of this area—from ancient peoples to today's residents. Round out the visit with a game of croquet or horseshoes on the lawn.See more..
Museum dedicated to telling the stories of the Minnesota people.See more..
5.0Wings of the North Air Museum(34 reviews) - Amazing Time Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Spent 1-2 hours Military Museums • Speciality Museums • History Museums
The museum features five beautifully restored World War II aircraft including an AT-6D Texan, a P-51D Mustang, and a Boeing N2S-1 Stearman that was flown by future President George HW Bush during his training as a Navy pilot, and a TBM Avenger. Other displays include aircraft engines, an ejection seat, a WWII Jeep built by Ford, and aviation art. Tours for groups of 8 or more by appointment and the museum is available for small group meetings and parties. Call for rates. We are often open on holidays. Call or check our Facebook page.See more..
4.5Stearns History Museum(34 reviews) - history alive Monday: Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
Stearns History Museum connects people through the power of history and culture. Located in Heritage Park just off Highway 15 in St. Cloud, Stearns History Museum offers family friendly exhibits and programs. Enjoy the Museum and then spend time at the Skatepark or hiking the nature trails. Bring a picnic and spend the day!See more..
My wife and I stopped here on the way through town and were surprised by the Train Depot. A great way to see some old Locomotives and associated support equipment. It was very nice and unexpected to see this great equipment. We also stopped to see the Edna G Tugboat , the Lighthouse and took the path around the area to the overlook to Lake Superior. Very Nice.See more..
5.0Snake River Fur Post(32 reviews) - Awesome time! Near a nice small town! Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • History Museums
Learn about the fur trade and visit the Ojibwe encampment. Step into a reconstructed fur post from the winter of 1804. The Visitor Center houses an expansive exhibit gallery featuring a 24-foot birch canoe, a 30-foot tall stone fireplace, and a gift shop. The site is open Fridays & Saturdays from June through September from 10:00 to 5:00.See more..
4.5Wayzata Depot(31 reviews) - Don't Miss This Place! Historic Sites • History Museums
Trains go by the Depot and the Depot is located right next to Lake Minnetonka, a large beautiful lake. Located next to a boat dock with many expensive boats to view. Beautiful flower gardens and historical depot to explore.See more..
4.5Fort Ridgely(30 reviews) - Friends Presidents’ Day weekend trip Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • History Museums
CLOSED for the season til Memorial Day weekend 2020. Built in 1853 as a police station to keep peace as settlers poured into the former Dakota lands, it withstood several attacks in the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862 and became a training ground for Civil War recruits. The site is located within Fort Ridgely State Park.See more..
This was one of the most unexpected gems of the trip. They have precisely captured their small towns history. From Mr. Johnson's hair clippers from the first Barber shop in town to wedding dresses from 1800's marriages. If you like museums - go to this. So cute!See more..
4.0History Center of Olmsted County(25 reviews) - An important preservation of local history Monday: Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
The History Center of Olmsted County is your place to experience, explore, and examine Olmsted County's history. The History Center is located on 54 acres in southwest Rochester and includes two historic farmsteads, historic buildings, and the History Center museum. The museum houses a gallery of changing exhibits, a gift shop, the Willson Library, and the Wicklund Archives. There's plenty of free parking! Cost for adults is $9 and children $5 and cost includes all exhibits and grounds.See more..
4.5Minnesota Fishing Museum(24 reviews) - Looking for Mississippi headwaters Monday: Speciality Museums • History Museums
In 1998 the city of Little Falls gave it's approval and support for the Minnesota Fishing Museum. The current collection of over 10,000 artifacts is beautifully displayed and lovingly maintained. A "log cabin" set recreates an old time fish camp at the lake. A large diorama depicts a typical spearing dark house on a frozen lake, complete with a Northern Pike moving in to be taken. Numerous displays showcase the artifacts found in many anglers' tackle boxes through the years. Motors dating back to 1902 are displayed throughout. The aquarium with live native fish is the focal point for learning and just plain relaxing. The Minnesota State record fish display inspires anglers to catch "the big one."See more..
This was so much more than I was expecting. EVERYTHING has provenience. I love Civil War history so the many artifacts were amazing. The guided tour was about 1 1/2 hours and was led by a gracious and very knowledgeable guide. We understand that some tours are also lead by the owner of the museum exhibits. Well worth the trip! Note, there are stairs.See more..
4.5Linden Hill(18 reviews) - Great tour! Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • History Museums
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Linden Hill consists of two mansions, situated on nine acres, overlooking the Mississippi River. The mansions, fully furnished with original artifacts, were built in 1898. One mansion houses the Linden Hill Museum, the other can be rented for special events. There is a walking tour on the grounds that is open year round and free to the public!See more..
As a fan of the Betsy-Tacy books, I was excited to visit the houses where the author and her best friend grew up. They have been beautifully and lovingly restored to show life in the early 1900s. The guided tour was only $5, and the gift shop had an excellent selection! I will visit again!See more..
The Blue Earth County History Center includes a Gift Shop, Marian Anderson Art Gallery, Research Center and Museum. The Museum features hands-on history fun in the Discovery Lab, diorama of 1880s Mankato, treasures from local author Maud Hart Lovelace and interactive Pioneer Cabin and Barn. Admission charged. The History Center is open year-round; closed major holidays. Visit our website for more details.See more..
The Universal Laboratories building is on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as the home of the Dassel Area Historical Society. From 1937 to the mid 1970s, Universal Laboratories provided raw ergot from the grain fields of the western US and Canada to pharmaceutical companies. Critical drugs were produced from the ergot, saving countless military and civilian lives. Exhibits present the story of ergot and the local area.See more..
4.5Nobles County Pioneer Village(13 reviews) - Hopefully we didn’t spoil the fun! Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
Step back in time and into Minnesota's largest historic village. On your self-guided tour of our 30 buildings, you will experience the trials and tribulations of America's westward expansion into the prairie. From our historic farm site to our extraordinary rail depot, our exhibits represent the industries that built America. Along the way, you will find unique collections and artifacts, including our celebrated iron long, blacksmith shop, and saloon. Come experience Pioneer Village!See more..
The hostess obviously loves this house and its history. Very interesting tour with beautiful furnishings and architecture.See more..
4.5Rock County Historical Society(12 reviews) - Take the time to visit Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
The History Center collects, archives and display the stories of the people, places and things of Rock County, Minnesota. The History Center houses exhibits on the Luverne Automobile Company and the Luverne Fire Apparatus company, depictions of life in the county for early settlers and pioneers, a doll collection, and a permanent exhibit of over 4000 nutcrackers. The Research Area contains books, maps, photographs, obituaries, and articles about all aspects of life in Rock County, including history about each of the 10 communities. The History Center also contains a gift shop, The Christmas Haus.See more..
5.0Historic Chippewa City(11 reviews) - A must experience Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
OK maybe I am a little bias as I found a book on my great great grandparents in their library. I have been to museums around the world and this might be up there as one of my very favorites. $5 admission and hours of history. My congrads to the local people that have put this museum together - a step back in time.See more..
