Including everything from world-class art collections to interactive science labs and cultural centers, the Minneapolis Northwest area has museum experiences as diverse as the region itself. Quiet afternoons wandering through galleries are just as accessible as exciting hands-on learning with the whole family. These museums are our favorite places to get a dose of inspiration, make a thrilling discovery, and connect more deeply with the creative and cultural heart of the Twin Cities.

Explore Science, Nature & History at These Hubs of Innovation

For curious minds of all ages, the science museums near Minneapolis Northwest deliver engaging exhibits and big “aha!” moments.

The Bell Museum of Natural History in St. Paul brings together natural history and astronomy under one roof. Its Touch & See Lab lets kids and adults get up close with specimens like fossils, animal skeletons, and even meteorites, while the planetarium’s changing shows make space exploration feel up close and immersive. The museum’s “Minnesota Journeys” exhibit showcases the state’s biodiversity, with everything from glacial landscapes to starry skies.

A lifelike wooly mammoth on display at the Bell Museum at the University of Minnesota

Downtown, the Science Museum of Minnesota takes discovery to new heights with towering dinosaur skeletons, an authentic Mississippi River towboat, and a rotating lineup of STEM-focused presentations. Don’t miss the Omnitheater, which features floor-to-ceiling nature documentaries and immersive educational films you can’t experience anywhere else in the region.

A panoramic scene of a natural park plays on the screen of the Science Museum of Minnesota

On the west side of Bde Maka Ska Lake, The Bakken Museum is a whirlwind of science, history, and wellness. The “Spark Exhibit” delves into the science of electricity and magnetism, while the museum’s medicinal garden and Frankenstein installation provide a creative perspective on science in everyday life.

A young boy's hair stands from static electricity as he touches a round globe at The Bakken Museum

Must-Visit Art Museums in the Twin Cities

The Twin Cities’ art scene is nationally recognized, and many of the area’s best-known museums have free admission and welcoming spaces for both seasoned art lovers and casual visitors.

The Minneapolis Institute of Art is home to more than 100,000 works spanning 5,000 years, including standout pieces from ancient China, contemporary American artists, and the frequently updated collections in the Target Galleries. Admission is always free, and the museum regularly hosts family days and special community events.

A sculpture of a man pointing stands in the middle of a gallery hall at the Minneapolis Institute of Art

Just a few miles away, the Walker Art Center focuses on modern and contemporary art, with recent exhibitions that have explored photography, sculpture, and experimental media. Right next door, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, home of the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry, is free to explore and open year-round, making it one of the most photographed spots in the city.

An all-gray sculpture depicting a wrecked car at the Walker Art Center

Tucked slightly off the beaten path, you’ll find the Weisman Art Museum, which was designed by architect Frank Gehry. Its eclectic collection is housed in a striking silver structure on the University of Minnesota campus.

Light reflects of the metal exterior of the Weisman Art Museum

Finally, the Minnesota Museum of American Art in St. Paul also presents contemporary work with a strong focus on community and accessibility, including regular no-cost public programs and rotating displays by local artists.

Various people stand in a large gallery space accented by stone arches at the Minnesota Museum of American Art

Step Into the Past at These History Museums

If you want to learn about the stories that have shaped Minnesota, the region’s history museums offer a delightful mix of traditional showcases and immersive experiences that bring the past to life.

The Minnesota History Center in St. Paul is a local favorite due to its permanent and seasonal presentations, which highlight everything from Indigenous history to local sports legends. Dynamic elements, such as re-created tornadoes and 1960s homes, make this museum an excellent choice for families. Be sure to check their calendar for cost-free admission days and community events.

The grounds of the Minnesota History Center with the stone-hued building in the background

Closer to Minneapolis Northwest, the Hennepin History Museum offers a hyper-local lens on life in the Twin Cities. Tucked in a historic mansion near the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the museum focuses on everyday stories — from streetcar routes to immigrant communities — and frequently rotates its small but compelling exhibitions. Admission is affordable, and the space often hosts complimentary talks and neighborhood events.

A collection of clothes and outfits on display at the Hennepin History Museum

Museums That Spark Wonder for the Whole Family

When it comes to kid-approved fun, these museums make education playful in ways that keep young minds engaged and coming back for more.

The Minnesota Children’s Museum, located in downtown St. Paul, is designed entirely with kids in mind. Multi-story climbing structures, an imagination-fueled pretend town, and STEM-inspired displays make this museum a can’t-miss destination for families. Check their schedule for open-access first Sundays and seasonal discounts.

Children play in a tub of bubbles at the Minnesota Children's Museum

In Bloomington, The Works Museum encourages hands-on engineering exploration. Exhibits are designed to let kids tinker, build, test, and play, making this a great rainy-day option for curious creators. It’s especially popular with elementary-aged kids and their caregivers.

A man and young girl build with toy molecules at the The Works Museum

Although it offers plenty for adults, the Mill City Museum is also a hidden gem for families. Built into the ruins of what was once the world’s largest flour mill, the museum tells the story of Minneapolis’s industrial roots through multimedia programs and immersive activities. The “Flour Tower” elevator show is a one-of-a-kind experience that’s equal parts educational and fun.

Old-fashioned gears and axels on display above a room of children at the Mill City Museum

Unique Outdoor & Cultural Museums Worth the Trip

A few museums near Minneapolis Northwest defy easy categorization, and that’s precisely what makes them worth exploring.

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is where art, science, and nature collide across more than 1,200 acres of curated gardens, walking trails, and seasonal installations. Admission is waived on the third Monday of each month from November through March, provided you visit in the spring or summer and plan to spend time in the sculpture garden and interactive nature play areas.

Red and pink flowers line a walkway at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

At the American Swedish Institute, you can learn about the region’s Nordic heritage inside the historic Turnblad Mansion. Rotating demonstrations often connect contemporary art with cultural history, and seasonal events, such as holiday markets or Midsommar celebrations, make this museum an especially festive destination.

A large mansion-like room with wooden staircase, balcony and fireplace at the American Swedish Institute

Museums near Minneapolis Northwest invite discovery, creativity, and connection across generations, cultures, and interests. Bold contemporary art, kid-powered innovation, and layers of local history all have a place here. With many offering free admission days, seasonal events, and nearby dining options, it’s easy to build a day around your visit. Start planning your cultural itinerary and see where we love to learn here in Minneapolis Northwest.