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.
Plenty of hands-on activities keep kids engaged. Exhibits balance adult and kid-oriented content well.
Towering remains of the Washburn “A” Mill greet visitors, setting a historic tone. Exhibits cover milling production history and the city's past, supported by engaging presentations and helpful staff.
"The interactive exhibits at the museums were really interesting."
"I learned so much about the history of flour milling here."
"It's really kid friendly with so many fun interactive exhibits."
Good to know
Adult tickets cost $15 and children's tickets cost $8.
The museum offers a Flour Tower elevator show every 30 minutes.
Parking is available nearby, but it can fill up quickly during events.
Model railroad exhibits fill a large, well-maintained space with detailed layouts and local neighborhood references. The atmosphere is family-friendly, with play areas and activities that engage both children and adults. Easy parking and proximity to public transit make it accessible, while limited public hours keep visits special.
Thomas the Train tables offer a fun play area for little kids. Exhibits and lookouts engage children and adults alike, making it a kid-friendly spot where children under 3 enter free.
A model railroad museum offers a quaint and fun experience for all ages. Youth programs encourage engagement, making it a great spot for families and locals to visit often.
Good to know
The admission fee is $10 for adults and $25 for families.
Children under 3 are free.
Parking is easy and accessible.
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.
A huge play area in the basement keeps kids busy for over an hour with crafts and activities. Kids under 6 enter for free, and there are lots of great events for kids and adults.
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.
Good to know
Admission to the American Swedish Institute is free on Thursdays from 3-8 pm.
Tickets for events at the American Swedish Institute can sell out quickly.
Kids under 6 can enter for free at the American Swedish Institute.
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.
Kids can climb on an old firetruck and play with mini firefighter outfits. The museum features a fire pole and interactive fire engines that children aged 2-8 enjoy exploring.
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.
Good to know
The museum is only open one weekend day every two weeks.
The fee is $250 for the first 35 attendees, plus $5 for each additional person.
The museum has many interactive experiences, like going down a pole and cranking a pump.
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.
Kids under 12 enter for free, making it easy to bring children along. Adult tickets cost around $15 to $18, and the space could be more child-friendly.
Art deco design shapes the museum's exhibits, which tell the story of a historic landmark and its family. The observation deck offers a 360° view that complements the educational history presented below.
Good to know
The Foshay Museum participates in Doors Open Minneapolis every year.
Expect over 30-minute wait times during the Doors Open event.
Entry to the observation deck costs $10 for non-hotel guests.