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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Minneapolis' best

Cool museums

Wandering through quiet, climate-controlled halls offers a needed escape from the noise outside.

Based on 493 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Mill City Museum image 1
Mill City Museum image 2
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History museum

Ruins of an old flour mill create a historic atmosphere with breathtaking views of the river, city, and Stone Arch Bridge from the rooftop deck. Interactive exhibits, including an elevator ride and water features, engage families and visitors. The space feels small and cozy, offering a relaxed experience without crowds.

Towering remains of the Washburn โ€œAโ€ Mill greet visitors, setting a historic tone. Exhibits cover milling production history and the city's past, supported by engaging presentations and helpful staff.

Integration of the old building into a new exhibit creates a cool interactive experience. The unique elevator ride and test kitchen add to the overall cool vibe.

People are saying

"The interactive exhibits at the museums were really interesting."

"I learned so much about the history of flour milling here."

"The elevator tour to the flour tower was really cool."

Good to know

1

Adult tickets cost $15 and children's tickets cost $8.

2

The museum offers a Flour Tower elevator show every 30 minutes.

3

Parking is available nearby, but it can fill up quickly during events.

02
Weisman Art Museum image 1

Building showcases stunning contemporary architecture with a quirky facade that draws attention. Interior offers a quiet, peaceful atmosphere with thoughtfully curated art in a spacious, relaxed setting. Visitors enjoy free admission and a great city view from the balcony.

Free admission allows easy access to contemporary art exhibits that change frequently. The museum features thought-provoking curation and a unique architectural design that enhances the experience.

The building stands out with its really cool architecture. Inside, the art and apartment exhibit catch attention, and the gift shop adds a very cool touch.

People are saying

"I loved that the galleries here are always free to visit."

"I loved that the museum was free to visit."

"I thought the art inside was pretty darn cool."

Good to know

1

The Weisman Art Museum is free to enter.

2

Parking is available by reservation only near the museum.

3

Several rooms at the museum may be closed during your visit.

03
MN Firefighters Museum image 1

Museum offers hands-on fire truck exhibits with climbable engines and interactive firefighter gear for kids. Atmosphere is kid-friendly and engaging, blending historical firefighting artifacts with playful experiences. Space includes a large party room suitable for group events.

Hands-on exhibits with mini firefighter outfits and real fire engines make it very kid-friendly. The museum features about eight meticulously restored fire engines and a detailed exhibit on the 35W bridge collapse.

Exhibits about the bridge collapse response stand out. The museum features cool apparatus and offers engaging learning moments for kids.

People are saying

"It's so kid friendly with all the firefighter gear and trucks to climb on."

"You can climb in and drive an old firetruck; it's so much fun."

"This children's museum has interactive firefighter gear and real fire trucks kids can climb on."

Good to know

1

The museum is only open one weekend day every two weeks.

2

The fee is $250 for the first 35 attendees, plus $5 for each additional person.

3

The museum has many interactive experiences, like going down a pole and cranking a pump.

04
American Swedish Institute image 1

Mansion combines historic architecture with contemporary art for a seamless visual experience. Atmosphere feels friendly and spacious, with holiday decor enhancing the setting. Unique features include an authentic Swedish cafe and an amazing kids' play area.

The museum features a well curated mansion as its main attraction, beautifully maintained and engaging. Exhibits bring history to life with detailed displays and tours, all accessible within an hour or less.

The mansion features tile stoves that stand out as especially cool. The space feels airy and fancy, making it a good spot to spend a few hours exploring.

People are saying

"This museum's ornate architecture and woodwork are stunning."

"The historical sites here are beautiful and well-maintained."

"The mansion's tile stoves were especially cool to see."

Good to know

1

Admission to the American Swedish Institute is free on Thursdays from 3-8 pm.

2

Tickets for events at the American Swedish Institute can sell out quickly.

3

Kids under 6 can enter for free at the American Swedish Institute.

05
Foshay Museum and Observation Deck image 1

Observation deck offers spectacular city views with stationary binocular stations on each corner for extended sightlines. The space features an Art Deco ambiance that evokes a sense of stepping back to the 1920s. A small museum shares the building's history, complementing the visual experience above the city.

Art deco design shapes the museum's exhibits, which tell the story of a historic landmark and its family. The observation deck offers a 360ยฐ view that complements the educational history presented below.

The observation deck offers a 360-degree view of the city that feels both cool and a bit thrilling. The museum showcases art deco style and scandal stories, while a bar on the 27th floor adds to the unique vibe.

People are saying

"The view from the observation deck is amazing."

"The views from the observation deck were amazing."

"The observation deck offers cool 360-degree views of the city."

Good to know

1

The Foshay Museum participates in Doors Open Minneapolis every year.

2

Expect over 30-minute wait times during the Doors Open event.

3

Entry to the observation deck costs $10 for non-hotel guests.

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