Nature & natural history museums in Minnesota

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 National Eagle Center, situated on the banks of the Mississippi River in Wabasha, Minnesota, is a nonprofit educational center. Its primary focus is on providing education about eagles and the Upper Mississippi River watershed. This location offers a unique opportunity to learn about these majestic birds and their natural habitat.

Forestville Mystery Cave State Park is a unique destination in Minnesota. It is home to the restored 19th-century village of Forestville and the state's longest cave, Mystery Cave. The Minnesota Historical Society operates the village as a historic site, providing visitors with a glimpse into the past. The Mystery Cave, open to the public, offers an exciting underground adventure.

The International Wolf Center (IWC) is a research and educational organization located near Ely, Minnesota, United States. The center's mission is to advance the survival of wolf populations by educating about wolves, their relationship to wildlands, and the human role in their future. This is achieved through a variety of exhibits and programs.

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 Henderson Community Building, also known as the Old Sibley County Courthouse, is a historic government building located in Henderson, Minnesota. This building holds significant historical value and is a notable landmark in the area.

The Great Lakes Aquarium, which opened its doors in 2000, is situated on the Duluth waterfront. This location not only provides a scenic backdrop for the aquarium but also allows visitors to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding area. The aquarium is easily accessible and offers a unique experience for all ages.

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 Lake Superior Zoo, which was formerly known as the Duluth Zoo, is located in Duluth, Minnesota. It is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), a prestigious organization that ensures high standards of animal care and conservation. This accreditation is a testament to the zoo's commitment to providing a quality experience for its visitors while also contributing to the conservation of wildlife.

Sea Life at Mall of America, previously known as Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium, is a public aquarium situated in the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, United States. This aquarium is home to a wide variety of aquatic creatures and offers an immersive experience for visitors of all ages.

The Minnesota Zoo, previously known as the Minnesota Zoological Gardens, is a zoological park located in Apple Valley, Minnesota. It was inaugurated in the year 1978 and has since been a popular destination for animal lovers and tourists alike. The zoo offers a unique opportunity to observe a wide variety of species in a setting that closely mimics their natural habitats.

The Forest History Center offers a variety of learning experiences about forests, the logging industry, and forest conservation. These experiences include exhibits and films, demonstrations, a living history lumber camp, an original 1934 fire tower, and nature trails. These diverse offerings allow visitors to engage with the history and conservation of forests in multiple ways.

The Jeffers Petroglyphs site, located in southwestern Minnesota, is a significant historical site featuring pre-contact Native American petroglyphs. These petroglyphs are pecked into the rock of the Red Rock Ridge, a Sioux quartzite outcrop that extends for 23 miles. The site is surrounded by virgin prairie and is a testament to the rich cultural history of the region.

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 Northland Arboretum, located in Brainerd, Minnesota, is a vast 583-acre non-profit arboretum and nature reserve. This expansive green space offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore and appreciate the diverse flora and fauna of the region.