Industrial & heritage museums in Minnesota

The Lake Superior Railroad Museum (LSRM) is a railway museum situated in Duluth, Minnesota. It was inaugurated in 1973 and has since grown to become one of the largest railway museums in the country. The museum is housed in the historic Duluth Union Depot and features a vast collection of Minnesota's railway vehicles, along with interactive exhibits about the region's history.

In 1878, the mill complex was destroyed by an explosion that killed 18 people. Despite this tragic event, the mill was later rebuilt and continued to operate until 1965. Today, the Mill City Museum stands as a testament to the resilience and industrial spirit of the city.

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 Minnesota Streetcar Museum (MSM) is a unique transport museum that operates two heritage streetcar lines. These lines are located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the western suburb of Excelsior. Visitors to the museum can experience a ride on these historic streetcars, providing a glimpse into the past of Minnesota's transportation history.

Hill-Annex Mine State Park is a significant location in Minnesota, United States. The park is dedicated to interpreting the open-pit mining heritage of the Mesabi Range. It provides a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about the history and impact of mining in the region.

Pickwick Mill, located in the unincorporated community of Pickwick, Minnesota, near the city of Winona, is a historic gristmill. Constructed in the mid-1850s, it now operates as a milling museum, offering a glimpse into the past. The mill's history and its transformation into a museum make it a significant point of interest for visitors.

The Minnesota Discovery Center is a comprehensive facility that showcases the history and future of northeastern Minnesota. It includes a museum, an entertainment venue, a research center and library, and a park. These diverse offerings provide a wide range of experiences for visitors, from exploring historical exhibits to enjoying outdoor activities in the park.

Edna G is a historic steam tugboat that once sailed the Great Lakes and is now preserved as a museum ship in Two Harbors. Visitors can explore this unique piece of maritime history and learn about its significant role in the region's iron ore and taconite transportation.

The Minnesota Transportation Museum (MTM) is a significant institution located in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The museum is dedicated to the preservation of local transportation history, with a particular focus on railroads, buses, and streetcars. This commitment to historical preservation provides visitors with a unique opportunity to explore and understand the evolution of transportation in the region.

The August Schell Brewing Company, located in New Ulm, Minnesota, is a historic brewery founded in 1860 by German immigrants August Schell and Jacob Bernhardt. This establishment has a rich history that dates back to the mid-19th century, making it the second oldest family-run brewery in the United States.

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 John Dwan Office Building, situated at 201 Waterfront Drive in Two Harbors, Minnesota, serves as a historical landmark and is currently a museum dedicated to 3M. This building holds significant historical value as it was the location where the incorporation papers for the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, now known as 3M, were drawn up in 1902.

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 Pavek Museum, located in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, is home to one of the world's most significant collections of vintage radio and television equipment. This collection provides a unique insight into the history and evolution of broadcasting technology, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in the history of communication.

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.