All open air museums to visit in Minnesota

Experience history come to life at open-air museums in Minnesota. These museums feature historical buildings, reenactments, and interactive exhibits in an outdoor setting.

Are you interested in experiencing history firsthand? These are the best open air museums in Minnesota:

  1. Charles A. Lindbergh State Park1

    Charles A. Lindbergh State Park

     Little Falls, MN
    Charles A. Lindbergh State Park, located on the outskirts of Little Falls, Minnesota, spans 569 acres. The park was once the farm of Congressman Charles August Lindbergh and his son, the famous aviator Charles Lindbergh. This historical connection adds a unique layer of interest to the park's natural beauty.
  2. National Eagle Center2

    National Eagle Center

     Wabasha, MN
    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.
  3. Forestville Mystery Cave State Park3

    Forestville Mystery Cave State Park

     Preston, MB
    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.
  4. Holz Farm Park4

    Holz Farm Park

     Eagan, MB
    The Holz Family Farmstead, located in Eagan, Minnesota, is a significant part of the city's history. Established in the 1870s, the farmstead was a thriving 80-acre family farm that produced livestock, crops, fruits, and vegetables. It provides a glimpse into the agricultural past of the region.
  5. Forest History Center5

    Forest History Center

     Grand Rapids, MN
    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.
  6. Gibbs Museum of Pioneer and Dakotah Life6

    Gibbs Museum of Pioneer and Dakotah Life

     Falcon Heights, MN
    The Gibbs Farm, located in Falcon Heights, Minnesota, is a museum that was originally the farmstead of Heman Gibbs and Jane DeBow. The farm was first established in 1854 and has since been transformed into a museum that provides a glimpse into the lives of the pioneers who lived there.
  7. Kandiyohi County Historical Society7

    Kandiyohi County Historical Society

     Willmar, MN
    The Kandiyohi County Historical Society (KCHS) is a local history museum located in Willmar, Minnesota. Established in 1897, the museum's mission is to discover, preserve, and share the story of Kandiyohi County and its people.
  8. Grand Portage National Monument Heritage Cente8

    Grand Portage National Monument Heritage Cente

     Grand Portage, MN
    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.
  9. Finn Creek Open Air Museum9

    Finn Creek Open Air Museum

     Deer Creek, MN
    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.
  10. 10

    Oliver Kelley Farm - Minnesota Historical Society

     Elk River, MN
    Operated by the Minnesota Historical Society, the Oliver Kelley Farm is recognized as a historic site of national significance. In 1964, it was declared a National Historic Landmark and is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The farm is recognized for its importance in the themes of agriculture and social history, making it a valuable destination for those interested in these aspects of American history.