Cheap & Fun Family Attractions in Minnesota

• What is the American Swedish Institute?
  • The American Swedish Institute in bustling Minneapolis, Minnesota is a vibrant cultural and arts organization that engages the local community and connects globally.
• What buildings are part of the American Swedish Institute?
  • Its grounds include the Nelson Cultural Center and the historic Turnblad Mansion.
• How does the American Swedish Institute serve the community?
  • The institute uses its resources to serve as an integral partner and valuable asset to the community by offering city tours, special events, and family activities related to Nordic heritage and contemporary culture.
• What are some must-visit attractions at the American Swedish Institute?
  • Visitors can explore the city’s only castle—the 1908 Turnblad Mansion—and enjoy special exhibits.
• Does the American Swedish Institute have dining options?
  • Yes, FIKA, a nationally acclaimed café, is located in the cultural center.
• What is the address and contact information for the American Swedish Institute?
  • 2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407, Phone: 612-871-4907

• What is the Bakken Museum?
  • The Bakken Museum strives to inspire passion for innovation among the public through exploration into the potential of the humanities, technology, and science to create a better world.
• What makes the Bakken Museum unique?
  • This museum is the only Smithsonian-Affiliate in the state of Minnesota and is home to a collection of artifacts and books renowned worldwide.
• What exhibits and features does the Bakken Museum offer?
  • The museum features the Florence Bakken Medicinal Garden and several galleries that focus on science, biotechnology, plant medicine, and invention.
• What hands-on experiences can visitors enjoy at the Bakken Museum?
  • Families can experience the shock of a century-old electricity machine, explore an immersive object theater, and test static electricity experiments inspired by Ben Franklin.
• What is the address and contact information for the Bakken Museum?
  • 3537 Zenith Ave. South, Minneapolis, MN 55416, Phone: 612-926-3878

• What is the Bell Museum of Natural History?
  • The Bell Museum of Natural History is the official natural history museum of the state of Minnesota, located on the University of Minnesota campus in Saint Paul.
• What topics are explored in the Bell Museum?
  • The museum explores the Earth’s diversity of life and the origins of the universe through its engaging galleries.
• What exhibits can visitors experience?
  • Visitors can explore world-famous wildlife dioramas, a solar station, geology gardens, and an observation deck.
• What hands-on experiences are available at the Bell Museum?
  • The Touch and See Lab allows visitors to engage their senses with animals, plants, and 10,000-year-old fossils.
• What unique attractions does the museum offer?
  • The Whitney and Elizabeth MacMillan Planetarium takes guests on a journey into the cosmos, while the Solutions Studio provides opportunities for creativity.
• What is the address and contact information for the Bell Museum?
  • 2088 Larpenteur Ave W, St Paul, MN 55113, Phone: 612-626-9660

• What is the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory?
  • The Como Park Zoo and Conservatory consists of around twenty-five animal habitats, including both outdoor and indoor exhibits.
• What animals can visitors see at Como Park Zoo?
  • Home to a wide array of animal species, visitors can see monkeys, orangutans, gorillas, lions, giraffes, tigers, polar bears, several aquatic animals, and many others.
• When was Como Park Zoo established?
  • Established back in 1897, the Como Park Zoo first began with just three deer.
• What is the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory?
  • Parents and kids can also visit the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, which features both changing seasonal and permanent tropical flowers and plants.
• What other attractions does Como Park Zoo and Conservatory offer?
  • Other attractions include the Cafesjians Carousel, open from April to October, and the Como Town, a family amusement park with concessions and kiddy rides.
• What is the address and contact information for Como Park Zoo and Conservatory?
  • 1225 Estabrook Dr, St. Paul, MN 55103, Phone: 651-487-8200

Attractions for Couples

• What is the End O Line Railroad Park and Museum?
  • The End O Line Railroad Park and Museum offers a unique experience in Currie, Minnesota for both young and old alike.
• What is the highlight of the museum?
  • The highlight of this museum is its beautiful HO railroad display.
• What other exhibits can visitors explore?
  • There are several other interesting things to see, such as the general store and a one-room unique schoolhouse.
• What special experiences does the museum offer?
  • Visitors can even take a ride on a turntable that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
• What other historic train-related attractions are at the museum?
  • The museum also includes Fairmont Motorcars, an 1875 Baldwin Steve Locomotive, an authentically restored depot, and a 1942 Grand Trunk Western Caboose.
• What is the address and contact information for the End O Line Railroad Park and Museum?
  • 440 Mill St N, Currie, MN 56123, Phone: 507-763-3708

• What is the Great Lakes Aquarium?
  • The Great Lakes Aquarium features stunning waterfront views, knowledgeable and friendly staff, hands-on exhibits, and an array of live animal habitats and displays.
• How can visitors enhance their experience at the aquarium?
  • Families can make the most of their trip by planning their visit around one of the interpretive programs or animal feedings.
• What exhibits and displays are available?
  • There are two levels of interactive exhibits and animal displays, as well as stunning overlooks providing views of the nearby Duluth-Superior waterfront.
• What themes does the aquarium explore?
  • Freshwater and saltwater themes bring the fascinating world of water to visitors, encouraging them to relax, explore, play, and even reach and touch some of the animals.
• What is the address and contact information for the Great Lakes Aquarium?
  • 353 Harbor Dr, Duluth, MN 55802, Phone: 218-740-3474

• What is the Headwaters Science Center?
  • The Headwaters Science Center in Bemidji, Minnesota contains an exhibit floor encompassing approximately 7,500 square feet and features more than seventy interactive and hands-on exhibits.
• What types of exhibits does the Headwaters Science Center offer?
  • Exhibits include a pitching cage, tractors, hot air balloons, and live animals, along with weekly activities.
• Does the center have a gift shop?
  • Yes, there is a unique nature and science-oriented gift shop.
• Why is the Headwaters Science Center great for families?
  • Most of the exhibits allow for active participation, making it a great place for families with kids.
• What are the operating hours of the Headwaters Science Center?
  • The center is typically open Monday to Saturday from 9:30am until 5:00pm and on Sundays from 1:00pm until 5:00pm.
• What is the address and contact information for the Headwaters Science Center?
  • 413 Beltrami Ave NW, Bemidji, MN 56601, Phone: 218-444-4472

• What is the US Hockey Hall of Fame?
  • The US Hockey Hall of Fame in Eveleth, Minnesota, is a must-visit destination for any hockey fan, both kids and adults alike.
• How far is the US Hockey Hall of Fame from Minneapolis?
  • The museum is located approximately three hours from the hustle and bustle of Minneapolis.
• What makes the US Hockey Hall of Fame unique?
  • Situated in the middle of the Iron Range, this unique museum is known as the “National Shrine of American Hockey.”
• What special exhibits can visitors explore?
  • The Tribute to Herb Brooks exhibit offers guests a look at a collection never before seen by the public.
• What other attractions are there in Eveleth?
  • Visitors can take a photo in the downtown area with the famous “Big Stick” or stop at The Eveleth Hippodrome, the oldest indoor arena in Minnesota.
• What is the address and contact information for the US Hockey Hall of Fame?
  • 801 Hat Trick Ave, Eveleth, MN 55734, Phone: 218-744-5167

Unique Attractions

• What is the International Wolf Center?
  • The International Wolf Center, located in Ely, Minnesota, contains expansive observation windows that provide an amazing view of the center’s resident ambassador wolves.
• What can visitors see at the International Wolf Center?
  • Visitors can watch as the wolves interact with each within their 1.25-acre natural enclosure and the den site.
• What is the Little Wolf den exhibit?
  • Kids can crawl into the International Wolf Center’s Little Wolf den, an exhibit designed specifically for children between the ages of three and nine.
• What experience does the Little Wolf exhibit provide?
  • This exhibit takes kids on a journey through a wolf pup’s first year, led by the spunky Little Wolf.
• What are the hours for the International Wolf Center?
  • Hours for the International Wolf Center change throughout the year and are displayed on the website.
• What is the address and contact information for the International Wolf Center?
  • 1396 Highway 169, Ely, MN 55731, Phone: 218-365-4695

• What is the Lake Superior Railroad Museum?
  • The Lake Superior Railroad Museum is home to a rather impressive historic railroad equipment collection for visitors to explore, equipment that helped build the state of Minnesota and the rest of the country.
• Where is the Lake Superior Railroad Museum located?
  • Situated in downtown Duluth, the museum dedicated to railroad history is located within the platforms of the original 1892 Historic Union Depot.
• What exhibits and features does the museum offer?
  • The Lake Superior Railroad Museum features rolling stock meticulously restored locomotives, interesting exhibits, and fun events that bring the railroad to life.
• What is the mission of the Lake Superior Railroad Museum?
  • The museum's goal is preserving, presenting, and interpreting the history of the railroad, particularly with how it’s related to the area.
• What is the address and contact information for the Lake Superior Railroad Museum?
  • 506 W. Michigan St, Duluth, MN 55805, Phone: 218-727-8025