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Historic Walking Tours

Lace up your walking shoes to experience engaging storytelling and captivating sights on a historic walking tour in Minneapolis or St. Paul.

Join us

Historic Adventures

Visit any or all of MNHS’s 26 historic sites and museums and see our state, or your hometown, in a whole new light. Amazing adventures await!

Mill City Museum

The Art of Disability Justice Now

View a disability community-centered exhibition that is curated, organized, and supported by artists, activists, and community organizers to serve as a snapshot of what disability justice is now in the Twin Cities.

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MNHS 175 History Hunt

Journey through Minnesota’s history and win great prizes in the scavenger hunt 175 years in the making.

Welcome to the Minnesota Historical Society

History shapes, inspires, and informs the present. We strive to bring forward, share, and preserve the diverse histories that make up Minnesota’s complex past. Experience Minnesota history through our network of historic sites, museums, and exhibitions, our extensive collections and research, and our thought-provoking educational programming. Join us! Cultivate your curiosity and experience powerful engagements with history today.
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    Get out and explore MNHS historic sites and museums around Minnesota.
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    Fife players in historic costume.
    View all MNHS programs and events.
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    Leather drawstring bag decorated with floral beadwork.
    Search a wealth of records and images from MNHS collections.
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    Delve into essential research tools, materials, and services.
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    Three teenagers sit at a table looking at papers and writing notes.
    Learn about field trips, the Northern Lights textbook, primary sources, and more.
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    MNHS preserves and protects the objects, documents, and places that make Minnesota home.
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    Following my spirit home book.
    MNHS Press is a leading publisher of books on the history and culture of Minnesota and the Upper Midwest.
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    Hotdish hot pads.
    Shop for books and gifts relating to the fascinating people, long history, and unique culture of Minnesota.

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Collections, stories, and more

Collections online

Search for photographs, three-dimensional and archaeological objects, artwork, oral histories, moving images, maps, and more.

Research your family history

Use our online resources and the Gale Family Library to research your past and understand the life we share today. Search our extensive database of birth and death certificates and the State Archives. 

MNopedia

Flooding in Carver County, 1965

In April 1965, the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers crested at record levels, flooding cities and towns across the Upper Midwest. The disaster was especially evident in Chaska and Carver, where the Minnesota River reached its highest-recorded local level on April 12.

MNHS Press

Record executive, producer, band manager, club DJ, booking advisor, record store manager—few people had as deep an impact on the Twin Cities alternative and indie rock scene as Peter Jesperson.

State Emblems Redesign Commission

Learn about the recently-adopted designs for a new state flag and state seal, which will go into effect on May 11, 2024. As outlined in state legislation, the Minnesota Historical Society provided administrative support to the State Emblems Redesign Commission.

Upcoming

MNHS Events

Ramsey After Dark

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Alexander Ramsey House

Explore the hidden secrets of Victorian society in this evening tour. Topics change monthly. Tours last 75 minutes and are…

Keeper's View Event

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Split Rock Lighthouse

Celebrate Split Rock Lighthouse’s 114th birthday.

Keepers Tour

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Split Rock Lighthouse

Experience Split Rock Lighthouse like the keepers and their families did.

Great Northern Forest History Tour

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Forest History Center

Take a 90-minute, horse-drawn trolley tour narrated by interpreters.

Historic Gems of Downtown St. Paul Walking Tour

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Tour departs from Rice Park - 109 4th St W, St. Paul, MN 55102 (meet by the fountain)

Discover the hidden histories of St. Paul’s downtown core. See the city’s shifting architectural styles, from neoclassical and…

Mississippi River Kayak Adventure: Single Kayak

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Forest History Center

Take a guided kayak tour of the Mississippi River.

Mississippi River Kayak Adventure: Tandem Kayak

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Forest History Center

Take a guided kayak tour of the Mississippi River.

Be a Naturalist Day

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Forest History Center

Come and take part in a variety of nature related activities.

The Aviator's Amphibians

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Charles Lindbergh House and Museum

Come learn about the cute and slimy neighbors of the museum.

26 locations
Unlimited history

MNHS historic sites and museums offer unique insights into Minnesota’s past and present.

Come explore the lives of lumberjacks, learn how Indigenous knowledge has shaped our history, step into the world of famous Minnesotans, or take in spectacular views!


Become a member

MNHS membership is the best way to create your very own historic adventure. Members get the best deal in history with free general admission and discounts on events, purchases, and more at our historic sites and museums for a full year.