minnesota history center

EPISCOPAL

Outstanding, History of Minnesota.One has to Experience on their own.everyone has a different point of view.

Pip18Wisconsin

George Morrison exhibit was on, the usual museum was interesting, cafe served good food and the research library is a great asset.

stacyh744

We were told they opened at 9:30am, we arrived though they didn't open any exhibits until 10am. The exhibits were nice but really geared toward younger people. There were some nice things to look at but mostly this is something the kids may be interested in going to for a couple hours, I wouldn't tour this as an adult looking for true history of the city. This to me was like a mini children museum specifically for history and some science.

altoalto

The History Center has something for everyone. It easily keeps kids entertained with interactive exhibits, such as a very fun tornado exhibit, but also has enough to keep adults engaged. It's a fun place to spend half a day and also has a good restaurant. In the summer, the museum presents free outdoor concerts and dancing on Tuesday nights. It sits high on a hill and offers beautiful views of Saint Paul.

marymarie14

Free on Tuesdays after 5 PM. Small admission during other times. Great displays. Well documented history. Good layout with lots of room to handle large numbers

olsonj669

The Minnesota History Center is a amazing place. Start with the building. It is incredibly beautiful with gorgeous window views of the St. Paul Cathedral and Minnesota State Capital. Stop and have lunch on the first floor. The center sports a varied and delicious menu. On up to the displays. The building houses several permanent displays that are fascinating studies of Minnesota and US history. Also, the center features special displays such as one on The Prohibition which are filled with fascinating items and details. School aged children will especially benefit from the displays, but no one is to old to really learn about the history of our fine state and this country.

rachelc916

There are quite a few interactive exhibits and things to do for children. Also a great place for events, such as Retrorama!

ConnieS3

Anyone interested in genealogy research needs to explore the libraries here. You can find birth, death records, pertinent information of Minnesota history, military records. Courteous staff to help you with your research. Good food in the cafeteria on the main floor,

Vieux_Voyageur

Minnesota has a rich history. So much of it has been saved by these good folks. Lots of great interactive displays, a friendly knowledgeable staff. There is much to see and do, they also change exhibits so you can go more than once a year. It is well worth the cost of admission. They have discounts for Military and Seniors, and if I remember correctly Tuesday evenings are free. Little ones get in for free as well. Oh, and the restaurant by the main entrance is very good and reasonably priced. They have a vast collection of old photographs and artifacts on Minnesota, and these items are easily accessed if you wish to look through them helpful staff will assist. Also, if you have items from you grandparents, great grandparents, or even parents that go back to earlier decades I would strongly recommend that you donate them.

mikanni

While a Minnesota History Museum may sound dull, it has been a great destination for my kids throughout the years. The building itself is beautiful and has great views of St Paul. There are often quite a few interactive exhibits - trying to pull a plow through the dirt with an ox, climbing through the play grain tower structure, sitting in the tornado shelter, trying on winter boots, etc. They tend to have a nice mix of activities for little kids and learning for adults. Also - the restaurant by the entrance is quite good! Finally they have a great free summer concert series.

KentBert

We visited the History Center specifically to see the toys of the 50's, 60's and 70's exhibit. While we enjoyed looking through the old toys, but when we realized we had seen it all, we were both surprised there wasn't more. Fortunately, our ticket provided admission to the rest of the museum which was very well done with many interactive displays and activities for adults and children. I recommend going and taking your children.

JMR54669

We went to the MHC to see the Toys from the 50s, 60s, and 70s exhibit over the holidays and were blown away by how amazing this history museum is. I cannot think of another museum that does such an excellent job conveying information in such a fun and accessible way. My four kids, ages 4-8, loved it too. So many hands-on activities that actually teach! I don't think kids under 4 would get much out of the experience, but, hey---they're free to get in. The cafe had excellent food and a VERY reasonable price. All staff/volunteers were courteous and helpful. Including a break for lunch, we spent 5 hours here. What a gem!

FlowerLover117

Great exhibits, great food and a gift shop that will blow your mind. If you are a history buff, this is a must see. There is an admission charge and parking fee, but it's reasonable and you might find you'll spend the entire day there. Lots to see.

gypsymamma

My husband, myself, and our two children visited the Minnesota History Center for the first time this week. It was a total of $34 for all of us, plus an additional $3.50 for two hours parking. I really appreciated not having to pay extra to see the traveling exhibits like you have to do at the MN Science Museum.The facilities are beautiful. The first floor has two gift shops and a very nice looking restaurant. The second floor has a huge research library. The exhibits are located only on the third floor, which was surprising. All in all we enjoyed our visit, but it was mostly standing and reading. I would have appreciated a more hands-on approach to history. The one area that really nailed this approach was the exhibit about coal mining. Our entire family got involved and learned a great deal.Not sure that we would visit again unless they have a special exhibit we're really interested in, but I would definitely recommend it as an enjoyable couple of hours in St. Paul.

pennyt451

Wonderful museum--lots of fun for school agers and adults. Several outstanding permanent exhibits. Don't miss the tornado simulation in the weather area (you hunker down in a "basement" and hear it descend upon you). The Greatest Generation exhibit lets you experience getting shot down in a bomber--very powerful and scary (not too scary for my fourth grader). Too bad Toys! Ends soon, as it terrific.