14 Must-Visit Museums in Minnesota That Are Hidden Gems

Lakes, snow and a vibrant city life are what Minnesota is known for, but it also has an eclectic collection of museums that range from art to local history and natural wonders. Minnesota’s lesser known museums are for those willing to stray from the usual attractions. Each of these hidden gems has a story and visitors are invited to explore quirky local collections, or to dig deep into the state’s rich culture and history.

These museums tell Minnesota’s past and present in ways you wouldn’t expect on a tourist route, from small town treasures to innovative exhibits. If you’re one of those with a curious spirit who loves to explore where history, art and the unusual meet, don’t miss out on these must-visit museums.

Minnesota Marine Art Museum

The Minnesota Marine Art Museum is on the banks of the Mississippi River in Winona. This museum houses a many breathtaking water themed art with work by world famous artists like Van Gogh, Monet and O’Keeffe. It also presents beautiful landscapes and seascapes from the thrill and beauty of water and is a hidden treasure of art and nature lovers.

SPAM Museum

In Austin, Minnesota, the SPAM Museum celebrates the cultural phenomenon of SPAM with exhibits that tell of its impact around the world. This quirky museum has interactive displays and you can learn about all the different flavors and even taste SPAM.

Runestone Museum

Alexandria’s Runestone Museum showcases Minnesota’s Scandinavian heritage and local lore, with a centerpiece that’s both mysterious and controversial; the Kensington Runestone. This ancient stone was discovered in 1898, and what some believe to be Viking inscriptions has set historians debating for nearly a century. The museum also contains articles reflecting Minnesota’s frontier days, so visitors also get a taste of the state’s diverse history alongside Viking history.

The Bakken Museum

The Bakken Museum in Minneapolis is home to electricity and medical innovation. The museum is named after Earl Bakken, co-founder of Medtronic and inventor of the pacemaker, and features science and art in one, with hands on exhibits. The Tudor style mansion and gardens are a lovely place to learn about how electricity is used in medicine. For science buffs, curious minds and anyone with an interest in petroleum geophysics, the Bakken offers all the enlightening intrigue.

Rochester Minnesota Children’s Museum

Families will love this interactive museum in Rochester. It features hands-on exhibits that help kids get STEM, arts and cultural learning by playing and learning. The mini town, sensory friendly space and rooftop garden are highlights. It’s a great option for families who want an educational, but fun experience.

Mill City Museum

The Mill City Museum is housed in the ruins of what once was the world’s largest flour mill, located along the Mississippi River in Minneapolis. The hands on exhibits show how the industry shaped the city, and this museum takes you into the history of Minneapolis as the flour milling capital of the world.

Forest History Center

The Forest History Center in Grand Rapids gives visitors a taste of Minnesota’s logging era. The center is a recreated 1900s logging camp with period actors and loggers’ demonstrations on how they worked and lived. It’s a fun experience and helps to shed light on the region’s rich timber heritage. The center also provides logging history tours along the Mississippi River for a bit of adventure.

Northwest Company Fur Post

Life during the fur trade era in Minnesota, when the state was a key location in the North American fur industry, is recreated at the Northwest Company Fur Post in Pine City. There reconstructed post is open to the public; visitors can tour the post, learn about the daily lives of fur traders and find out about how European settlers interacted with the indigenous Native American communities. The interactive “Voyageur for a Day” program allows kids and grownups alike to step into the shoes of a fur trader.

Charles A. Lindbergh House and Museum

The childhood home of famous aviator Charles Lindbergh is in Little Falls. Lindbergh’s early years, his landmark transatlantic flight, and his sustained contributions to aviation are on view. Walking trails along the Mississippi River add an extra layer of charm to this piece of Minnesota history. For aviation enthusiasts and for history buffs, it’s a peaceful and insightful spot.

Minnesota State Public School Orphanage Museum

Minnesota State Public School Orphanage Museum, located in Owatonna, tells the story of the thousands of children who lived in the Minnesota State Public School for Dependent and Neglected Children between 1886 and 1945. The grounds are open to visitors who can tour the grounds, explore the “Cottage 11” exhibit and learn about the lives of these children.

Greyhound Bus Museum

Greyhound was born in Hibbing, Minnesota, and a visit to the Greyhound Bus Museum allows you to browse a great collection of historic buses and memorabilia. Vintage buses, a look at the company’s history and even a chance to sit in the driver’s seat of a classic Greyhound are all available to visitors.

Glensheen Mansion

Opulent interiors and even more fascinating backstory make this historic mansion on the shores of Lake Superior in Duluth a local landmark. The 39 room mansion built in 1908 for the wealthy Congdon family is filled with original furnishings and feels like a step back in time. Stories of the Congdons’ lives and the mansion’s more mysterious history are revealed on guided tours, which include an unsolved 1977 murder that gives every visit an air of intrigue.

Rourke Art Museum

The Rourke Art Museum in Moorhead is a tribute to regional and international art in a charmingly intimate setting. The museum is housed in a historic post office and exhibits contemporary and modern art, often with a local artist slant. The rotating exhibits include paintings, sculptures and more, and art lovers will enjoy them. It’s a testament to the rich art culture that’s still thriving in northern Minnesota.

International Wolf Center

If you’re a fan of wildlife, the International Wolf Center in Ely is a rare chance to learn about wolves and their ecosystems. The pack of wolves is housed in the center and educates visitors on wolf behavior, conservation efforts and why wolves play an important role in nature. It’s a unique, educational experience that is interactive; with observation areas and interactive exhibits this place captivates visitors of all ages.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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