We got a family membership as a gift last year (2024) and both of our kids love coming here…read more There are a variety of interactive activities for kids (and adults) of all ages. Our boys' favorite activity is the one you get to race against professional athletes, T-Rex or TC Bear! It's great that the Omnitheater shows are included in our membership.

We have a family membership to this museum and it was the best decision we made! We've been coming…read morehere with our kids and grandkids and it has paid for itself. There are five floors to explore and has a variety of exhibits and fun hands-on activities. Our grandkids just love it here! They also have a coffee shop with different pastries and a nice food spot for lunch. We really enjoy it here and I highly recommend this spot!!

Came to the German American Institute tofay for the Christmas in Germany event. The mansion is…read morelovely! And they some pretty decorations up for the holiday. The event itself was just okay. The focus was more on the vendors than the mansion and holiday spirit. I'd like to come back another to see what else the Institute has to offer.

Deutsche Tage (German Days) this weekend! Free music and fun! Learn to polka! Have a Paulander…read moreBier from Germany! Lots of vendors & foods available! Wunderbar!

We attended Circus Juventas' Blizzard show this week. I wasn't sure what to expect having only seen…read moreone Cirque du Soleil show. What I didn't expect this to be was a show put on by kids! WOW! Blizzard was a culmination of several Christmas stories using the setting of Santa's Workshop. Christmas play meets Cirque du Soleil. These kids are no joke! The acting, strength, and fearlessness of these kids is amazing! If you weren't sure it's worth going don't, go! Bring your family and support these talented kids. Looking forward to seeing more of these shows in the future.

Over the past 8 years, the summer performance of Circus Juventas has become part of our annual…read moretradition. It's amazing that kids are the performers - given the incredible feats of strength, discipline and flexibility. Tickets in advance are recommended. Over the 8 years, they've increased from $20 to $40. Tickets can be purchased online about a month in advance of the show. The big top is an amazing venue. Parking is a bit tricky so plan in advance. Extra bathrooms and porta potties are brought in for the events. Concessions and programs are available. The seats are bench with a cushioned pad. After a bit they are tough for the full performance. With intermission, it's a good three hour performance. We've always been blown away! Highly recommend and will continue to return.

I have been to the history center multiple times in my life, starting with the classic minnesotan…read morefield trip in grade school. I have been back a few times for a few of their special exhibits. We went when the peanuts exhibit was here, I went with the Junior League of Minneapolis when there was a womens exhibit and we just went to see the Julia Child exhibit that ends at the end of May. Every Thursday evening admission is free which is absolute treat (Parking too!). We found ourselves here for the final game of round 1 for the Wild (GO WILD) and discovered they were allowing parking for the game and there was a line to get in (I think they charged $20). I called as there was a line to see if they had different parking for museum guests, which they did reserve several for museum guests, so we got to park for free which was amazing. The History Center does a really great job of mixing the educational and interactive aspects. On the day we attended we discovered they also had a music series going on (starting at 6:30) so we were able to sit and hear some beautiful music as well which was a added bonus and something we didn't know they did. There are exhibits that are totally kid friendly which is great as it caters to such a wide variety of people.

Revised Version Bon…read moreAppétit. This exhibit at the Minnesota History Center tells the story of Julia Child's life, from college to the Office of Strategic Services (the precursor to the Central Intelligence Agency) to becoming one of television's first celebrity chefs. Julia's life story is one of adaptation and surprise. She grew up wealthy, went to Smith College, and joined the Office of Strategic Services because she was too tall for the Women's Army Corps (WAC). She was promoted from typist to the Secret Intelligence division. It was in this role that she met her husband, Paul Child, who also worked for the OSS. She later worked in several restaurants, developed recipes, and wrote best-selling cookbooks. Eventually, she became the host of the television show The French Chef, which debuted in 1962. She appeared on television until near the end of her life in 2004. The exhibit at the Minnesota History Center does an excellent job of presenting her entire life story, mostly through photographs and descriptions. It includes many of her cooking implements, handwritten notes, letters, and recipes. There are also several video displays showing episodes of The French Chef. However, I think the highlight of the exhibit is the giant (and I mean GIANT) cookbook display that scrolls through pages of the book. Another highlight is a replica of the kitchen studio she used on her TV show, which was designed by her husband, Paul. When we visited, there were many school groups. However, I don't feel this exhibit is really designed for kids, since most of them would have no idea who Julia Child was--even as a TV chef--since she died more than 20 years ago. I also don't think the exhibit is interactive enough to hold the attention of anyone in high school or younger. That's not really a criticism--just an observation. If I were a parent or school volunteer, I would probably steer kids toward some of the other exhibits in the History Center. One amusing moment came from a kid standing in the kitchen display and yelling, "I'm Gordon Ramsay!" I suspect Julia would have been disappointed in how some cooking shows have evolved since her time--but I have to admit, it was pretty funny.

Beautiful historical building with grey photo opportunities and a few small but exquisite museums…read moreinside! I walked into this center while attending a conference in the Saint Paul hotel across the street. I was so pleasantly surprised by how beautiful the inside is, how nice the two museums (a musical instrument museum, with amazingly beautiful old pianos, and a woodwork museum with a great collection of carved wood items) are, and how friendly and helpful the staff/volunteers were inside the center. And all of that is free to the visitors! What a wonderful opportunity to see the region's history and culture , and meet some friendly locals! I can't recommend this place enough!

Gorgeous historical building with a variety of exhibits and restored courtrooms. The woodwork…read morethroughout the building was all hand-carved, as was the stonework. A wonderful space in which to wander!

If you need a good Christmas Spirit jolt, this is a good one for you…read more There's always lots of cool things to see at Norway House, but this time of the year they go out of their way to bring out the best. See all the entries to their annual gingerbread house contest (open to the public!) and take part in a very important seasonal fund raiser and membership drive for this non-profit. Historical yet whimsical, come see what all the fuss is about in this beautiful place in uptown Minneapolis!

Was here for a meeting, and wow, what an incredible space. Staff were friendly and welcoming, the…read moregift shop is fun, and there was so much happening, the space really felt alive. I did not eat at the nice little eatery there, but would like to go back to try it!

Such a cool and fun place for kids! Lots to see and do. Great variety and hands on activities…read more Would love to see more options in the cafe area. We went on a really busy day and they had a popcorn machine but no popcorn. Large spaces...multi level. Parking spaces are so tiny, but at least there are several levels in the ramp.

Our family has had an annual pass for several years and both of our boys love coming here…read more Their favorites are the big slides and laser game. They also enjoy the variety of rooms/areas and rotating exhibits that the Minnesota Children's Museum has. Great place for kids of many ages!

It's sad to hear that the Saint Paul location on Dayton avenue is closed down I went there…read moreapproximately 33 years ago I know that's quite a long time but they were so incredibly helpful and compassionate during a very troublesome and stressful time in my life I was having severe mental health issues and since my boyfriend's parents lived directly across the street I went there in midst of a psychotic crisis they treated me with complete respect and were not condescending at all they were so empathetic and one of the staff members even took the time to drive me the hospital to be checked in for a psych eval they went above and beyond even though they're now at a different location I hope that they are still doing incredible work.

This is a SAFE PLACE. One can feel it in the air when you enter…read more My child, who prefers they/them as pronouns, is currently seeing staff re. gender . They have been seen AND HEARD by caring, knowledgeable, professional people who are taking the time to educate and help them deal with extremely personal sexualty issues. I do not know all the technical terms but I CAN tell you that after a 17 year battle with many other less sensitive healthcare professionals my child is now becoming happier, more confident, and a mentally healthier individual. My child's patner is also seen here because she has an extreme reaction to needles. Family Tree is the only resource (after 7 other facilities) to supply the accommodation necessary for her anxiety control so a blood draw could be accomplished. The clinic has gone beyond any normal standard of care. Lastly, when visiting, I appreciate the calm attitudes, the unique waiting room, and the educational materials available. It is a SAFE PLACE for all.