Free museums in Minnesota

The Minnesota State Capitol, located in Saint Paul, serves as the seat of the House of Representatives and the Senate of Minnesota. This significant building is not only a hub of political activity but also a symbol of the state's history and governance. Visitors can explore the grand architecture and gain insights into the workings of the state's legislative bodies.

The Minneapolis Institute of Art, established in 1883, is a significant art museum in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. It is one of the largest museums in the country, boasting a collection of over 100,000 objects that cover a historical period of 5,000 years. This vast collection offers visitors a chance to explore art from different eras and cultures, making it a fascinating destination for art enthusiasts.

In 1993, the Weisman Art Museum moved to its current location, a building designed by the renowned Canadian-born American architect Frank Gehry. The museum was renamed in honor of the art collector and philanthropist Frederick R. Weisman, marking a new chapter in its history.

The Como Park Zoo and Marjorie McNeely Conservatory are situated in the heart of Como Park, at 1225 Estabrook Drive, Saint Paul, Minnesota. This location is easily accessible and offers a variety of attractions for visitors of all ages. The park, zoo, and conservatory are owned by the City of Saint Paul and are a division of Saint Paul Parks and Recreation.

The St. Louis County Depot, also known as The Depot, is a historic railroad station located in Duluth, Minnesota. It was constructed in 1892 and at its peak, it served seven different railroads. This makes it a significant part of the region's transportation history.

The Gideon H. Pond House, located in Bloomington, Minnesota, is a historic site that forms part of the Pond-Dakota Mission Park. This park also encompasses the Oak Grove Mission site, which was active from 1843 to 1852, a cemetery, and the remnants of the Pond family farm and orchards. This site offers a glimpse into the history of the area and the lives of the Pond family.

The Landmark Center in St. Paul, which was completed in 1902, has a rich history as it originally served as the United States Post Office, Courthouse, and Custom House for the state of Minnesota. This gives visitors a unique insight into the building's past and its importance in the state's history.

The E. St. Julien Cox House, located in St. Peter, Minnesota, is a unique example of Carpenter Gothic-style architecture. This style is characterized by its ornate wooden elements that mimic the intricate designs typically found in stone Gothic architecture. The house stands as a testament to the architectural tastes of the late 19th century.

The Minnesota Museum of American Art, also known as "The M", is situated in the Historic Pioneer Endicott building in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The museum is home to over 5,000 artworks that span from the 19th century to the present day. These pieces showcase the unique voice of American artists throughout the years.

The Arboretum at Gustavus Adolphus College, colloquially known as The Arb, is a significant botanical attraction located on the campus of Gustavus Adolphus College in Saint Peter, Minnesota, United States. It offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore a variety of botanical gardens and a vast 125-acre arboretum, which was established in 1973.

The Kashubian Cultural Institute & Polish Museum, located in Winona, Minnesota, is a cultural and historical museum. It was established in 1979 with the aim of preserving the Polish and Kashubian heritage of the region. The museum is a testament to the rich cultural history of the area and offers a unique insight into the lives and traditions of the Polish and Kashubian communities.

The Charles H. Burwell House, located in Minnetonka, Minnesota, is a historic house museum that was constructed in 1883. This house offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the architectural style and history of the late 19th century.

The Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center, located in Duluth, Minnesota, is a museum operated by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. This museum offers a unique insight into the maritime history of the region, with exhibits demonstrating the history and operations of upper Great Lakes commercial shipping.

Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo are situated in Olmsted County, Minnesota, United States. They are located north of the city of Byron and approximately 4.5 miles west of Rochester. This location makes the park and zoo easily accessible for visitors from both cities and those traveling from further afield.

The Rourke Art Museum, located in Moorhead, Minnesota, was established in 1965 by James T. O’Rourke. It was initially created as a museum for fine arts, showcasing a variety of artistic works from different periods and styles. The museum's establishment is a testament to O'Rourke's dedication to the arts and his desire to share this passion with the public.

The Minnesota State Public School for Dependent and Neglected Children, located in Owatonna, Minnesota, served as a residential and educational facility for wards of the state from 1886 to 1945. The school was established by the Minnesota legislature in 1885 to provide safe transitional housing for orphaned, abandoned, and abused children. Over its 60-year operation, the school was home to a total of 10,635 children.

The Spam Museum, located in Austin, Minnesota, is a unique institution dedicated to the history and impact of Spam, a brand of canned precooked meat products. The museum is admission-free, making it an accessible destination for all visitors. It provides an in-depth look into the Hormel Foods Corporation, the creators of Spam, and the product's place in world culture.

Cahill School, a one-room schoolhouse, is currently situated in Tupa Park, near Minnesota State Highway 100 and Eden Avenue in Edina, Minnesota, United States. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique glimpse into the educational history of the region.

Pipestone National Monument is situated in the southwestern region of Minnesota. It is conveniently accessible via several highways, including U.S. Route 75, Minnesota State Highway 23, and Minnesota State Highway 30. This makes it an easy destination to reach for those traveling by road.

The Crosby station, now known as the Soo Line Depot Museum, is a historic former train station located in Crosby, Minnesota. Established in 1910, the station has a rich history that reflects the growth and development of the region. Today, it serves as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the past.

The Cross River Heritage Center, located in Schroeder, Minnesota, is a museum that is managed by the Schroeder Area Historical Society. The center is dedicated to collecting and interpreting the history of the local area and the greater North Shore of Lake Superior. It provides a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about the region's rich history and cultural heritage.

The Cokato Museum & Gust Akerlund Studio is a local history museum located in Cokato, Minnesota. The museum's focus is on the history of the city of Cokato and the surrounding townships of southwest Wright County. This provides visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the region's past.

The Grand Portage National Monument is a significant historical site located in a boreal forest on the north shore of Lake Superior in northeastern Minnesota. The monument was established with the aim of preserving a vital center of the fur trade, which played a crucial role in the region's history. Additionally, the monument also serves as a testament to the rich heritage of the local Ojibwe culture, offering visitors a glimpse into the past.

The Firemen's Hall, located at 206 W. Mill St. in Cannon Falls, Minnesota, is a historic building that was constructed in 1888. It has been recognized for its historical significance and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. This building is a testament to the town's history and resilience, having been built after two devastating fires in the town's business district.

The Finn Creek Open Air Museum is a Finnish-American open-air museum situated about six miles southeast of New York Mills, Minnesota. This museum is a testament to the early Finnish immigrants' lifestyles and experiences in the New York Mills area, providing a unique insight into their history and culture.

The Folsom House, located at 272 West Government Street in Taylors Falls, Minnesota, is a historic house museum. This location offers visitors a chance to step back in time and experience a piece of Minnesota's rich history.

The Goldstein Museum of Design, also known as GMD, is located on the St. Paul campus of the University of Minnesota. It is an integral part of the university's College of Design. Founded in 1976, it is the only museum in the Upper Midwest that specializes in designed objects.

The Minnesota Transportation Museum (MTM) is a unique institution located in Saint Paul, Minnesota. It operates several heritage transportation sites across Minnesota and even one in Wisconsin. The museum is dedicated to preserving the history of local transportation, including railroads, buses, and streetcars. It's a great place for tourists interested in transportation history to explore.

Discover history firsthand at the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museums, founded by David and Marsha Karpeles. Our museums across the United States preserve and showcase a diverse range of original manuscripts and historical documents, from handwritten letters and historical treaties to scientific pap