Museums & Historical Sites
Minneapolis and Saint Paul are full of history! From the American Swedish Institute celebrating the Swedish culture to Historic Fort Snelling showcasing life of a soldier in the Civil War to the Science Museum of Minnesota bringing visitors back millions of years to when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. Prepare to learn some seriously cool stuff at the numerous historical sites and museums throughout the Twin Cities!
Alexander Ramsey House is a historic Victorian-era home in Saint Paul, built by Minnesota’s first territorial governor, Alexander Ramsey. The home is filled with thousands of original family items and furnishings.
American Swedish Institute is a vibrant museum, cultural center and historic Turnblad mansion that links Minnesota history with the best of contemporary Swedish and Nordic culture.
Bell Museum is Minnesota’s state natural history museum which inspires those curious about life through hands-on experiences with University of Minnesota research and discovery in the arts and sciences.
The Cathedral of Saint Paul is a historical landmark and the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. It is one of the most prominent buildings in Saint Paul and is a center of spiritual worship. Guided tours are offered at the Cathedral Tuesday through Friday, except on holy days and civil holidays.
Gibbs Farm is a historic museum interpreting pioneer and Dakota life in the mid 1800s. Site contains Dakota-style tipi, a bark lodge, a wild rice camp, and the Gibbs family’s historic farmhouse, barns and a replica of their first sod house. The farm also offers special summer events/festivals and is open Saturdays and Sundays from Memorial Day through the end of October.
Goldstein Museum of Design, part of the University of Minnesota’s College of Design, advances the understanding and appreciation of design through exhibitions, research, preservation, and education. The museum presents exhibitions in two locations: the McNeal gallery, open to visitors six days a week, and the Rapson Hall galleries, open seven days a week.
Historic Fort Snelling is recognized as a national historic landmark dating back to the 1820s. It is a great place to learn about military history from before the Civil War through World War II, fur trade history, slavery in Minnesota, the US-Dakota War of 1862, and much more.
James J. Hill House is recognized as a national historic landmark. Guided tours of the James J. Hill House are offered Wednesday – Sunday. The tour brings visitors through four floors of the house and includes a 10-minute video on James J. Hill. Throughout the year enjoy signature events such as concerts, theatrical events and theme tours.
Landmark Center is a historic landmark and serves as a cultural center for music, dance, theater, exhibitions, public forums, and hosts countless special events. Landmark Center offers public and private tours that range from a broad presentation of the building’s history to tours tailored to the specific needs of groups.
Mill City Museum was built into the ruins of what was once the world’s largest flour mill. Located on the historic Mississippi Riverfront, Mill City Museum teaches visitors of all ages about the intertwined histories of the flour industry, the Mississippi River and the city of Minneapolis. From exhibits and programs to dining and shopping, there’s so much to do at the museum.
