Minnesota History Center

Minnesota History Center

The Minnesota History Center is one of Minnesota's best museums that is often overshadowed by the Walker Arts Center and Science Museum of Minnesota.  Located on the edge of downtown St. Paul, the Minnesota History Center offers exhibits on a wide range of local and national historical events.  Sometimes referred to as the Minnesota History Museum, the History Center is my favorite Minnesota museum because exhibits are always informative, interactive, and relevant to today's society.  Beyond their permanent exhibits on Minnesota, the Minnesota History Center attracts some of the best rotating exhibits about topics ranging from Ben Franklin and George Washington to the Beatles and chocolate.     

What to Expect

The Minnesota History Center is located on the edge of downtown St. Paul, a few blocks from the Xcel Energy Center.  Metered parking and a $5 parking lot are available on site.  If you plan on staying less than two hours, the parking meters are a better value.  There is also a great cafe in the museum, as well as storage lockers, if you plan a more extensive visit.  The museum costs $10 for adults, but is free on Tuesday evenings.

Mural at the Minnesota History Center

There are several excellent ongoing exhibits at the Minnesota History Center.  Two of the best exhibits are "Minnesota's Greatest Generation" and "MN 150."  Minnesota's Greatest Generation let's you see and experience the trials and triumphs of Minnesota's that grew up during the Great Depression and fought in WWII.  For me the highlight of the exhibit was a multimedia program about D-Day that takes place in a C-47 plane.  MN 150 explores the people, places, and events that have shaped Minnesota.  As part of the display, you can listen to the wide range of influential Minnesota musicians including Bob Dylan and Prince!   

There are always special exhibits and programs at the Minnesota History Center.  On my last visit, "Discover the Real George Washington: New Views from Mount Vernon" was on display.  The exhibit featured 3D models of Washington, artifacts from his life (including Washington's false teeth), and a model of Mount Vernon.  It was comprehensive enough that I, a high school American History teacher, was able to walk away with a great deal of knowledge.  The exhibit was also able to capture the interest of my wife, who has little interest or background in colonial America. 

The Minnesota History Center is also home to a library, 314-seat 3M Auditorium, and classrooms.  The Minnesota History Center is available to rent for meetings, weddings, and other special events.  More information regarding facility rental at the Minnesota History Center is available at http://www.minnesotahistorycenter.org/facility-rental. 

Just the Basics:

• Cost:
• $10 Adults
• $8 Seniors/College Students
• $6 Children age 6-17



Exhibit Minnesota History Center

• Free for teachers and children 5 and under
• Location: 345 W. Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul, Minnesota
• Parking: $5, Meter parking is also available which is a better option if staying for less than two hours.
• Hours:
• Monday: Closed
• Tuesdays: 10am-8pm
• Wednesday-Saturday: 10am-5pm
• Sunday: noon-5pm
• Website: http://www.minnesotahistorycenter.org/
• Advice:  The Minnesota History Center free to everyone Tuesdays from 5-8pm!