The 10 Best Specialty Museums in Minnesota, United States

Experience what life was like at this state-run school for orphaned or neglected children. The Minnesota State Public School for Dependent and Neglected Children was built in 1886 and closed in 1945. The museum uses exhibits of artifacts, as well as video and audio stations to tell the story of the more than 10,000 children who came through the school.

On a hot sultry day in mid-July 1802, partners of the most successful fur trade company in North America, the North West Company, met in their majestic Great Hall at Grand Portage and voted to move their summer headquarters from the protected shores of Lake Superior’s Grand Portage Bay 50 miles north to the mouth of the Kaministquia River. Almost from the time the vigorous Anglo-Scot Nor’Westers had organized at Grand Portage in the mid 1780’s an emerging United States wanted them out. The July vote would mean that 18 buildings constructed from native squared spruce, pine and birch and over 2,000 cedar pickets surrounding them would be torn down, transported north in company schooners and used in constructing the new Fort William far from U.S. soil. As early as 2,000 years ago, Indian Nations probably used Kitchi Onigaming “the Great Carrying Place” to travel from summer homes on Lake Superior to winter hunting grounds in the interior of Minnesota and Ontario. In 1729 Cree guide Auchagah drew a map for some of the first French fur traders showing them how to reach the "western sea" of Lake Winnipeg. Other Europeans would follow, in time, Grand Portage became the gateway into rich northern fur bearing country connecting remote interior outposts to lucrative international markets. Reopened in 1951 as Grand Portage National Historic Site, designated a National Monument in 1958, its nearly 710 acres lying entirely within the boundaries of Grand Portage Ojibwe Indian Reservation, the reconstructed depot celebrates fur trade and Ojibwe lifeways. Today as yesterday, the people, the cultures and the land have much to share.

Collector cars, gas pumps, memorabilia and grounds.

The museum features five beautifully restored World War II aircraft including an AT-6D Texan, a P-51D Mustang, and a Boeing N2S-1 Stearman that was flown by future President George HW Bush during his training as a Navy pilot, and a TBM Avenger. Other displays include aircraft engines, an ejection seat, a WWII Jeep built by Ford, and aviation art. Tours for groups of 8 or more by appointment and the museum is available for small group meetings and parties. Call for rates. We are often open on holidays. Call or check our Facebook page.

Radio broadcasting is the focus of this museum, which is filled with old equipment and memorabilia.

Starting Monday, May 10, the International Wolf Center is open seven days a week. Because of the pandemic, we have two separate time blocks to ensure there's enough room for everyone. We are open from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. for the first group of people and then from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. for the second. Advance tickets are required for entry. To get an advance ticket, visit our website and look for the Book Now button on the lower right-hand side of the page. Masks are required. The International Wolf Center, located in Ely, Minnesota, gives visitors a chance to learn about wolves and see them in a beautiful northwoods habitat. The main attraction are five live wolves who make up our ambassador pack.

Museum dedicated to informing visitors about the fatal fire and tornado that claimed the lives of more than 400 people in Hinckley, Minn.

This 14,000 square foot museum features 9 SPAMtastic galleries with interactive games and photo opportunities. Admission is free to all visitors.