Hit the Road for America’s History
Choose from 10 history-packed itineraries connecting historically significant stops across the state. Travel by car, bike, transit, or from home with a virtual option.
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America’s history lives here
Bring our nation’s story to life through engaging tours, compelling exhibits, and family-friendly activities at historic sites and museums across the state.
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Spotlight on Minnesota's Constitutions
Why does Minnesota have two nearly identical original constitution documents? Discover why in Spotlight on Minnesota’s Constitutions.
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Minnesota Unraveled
Journey into our state’s past with the podcast from the Minnesota Historical Society.
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History Forum 250: Revisiting the Revolution
Mark the nation’s 250th anniversary with a series featuring leading historians and acclaimed authors who reveal new insights into the American Revolution and its lasting global legacy.
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The Stories We Keep: 25 Objects from MNHS
This exhibit features 25 objects from MNHS collections—a rich trove built on the generosity and foresight of thousands of people who have entrusted us with their belongings and their stories.
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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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Collections, stories, and more
MNHS Press
Perpich
Benjamin M. Schierer with Lori Sturdevant. Foreword by Governor Mark Dayton.
The story of Minnesota’s longest-serving—and perhaps most colorful—governor and his role in propelling the state to the global stage, woven together from interviews with many of the era’s most influential civic leaders.
Buy the book
Our Home, Limited Edition Product Series
MNHS is featuring Prairie Island and former artist-in-residence Cole Redhorse Taylor for this limited edition product series of clothing, mugs, bags, and stickers featuring traditional Dakota designs.
Shop now
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360 Virtual Tours
Experience all of our historic sites through immersive virtual tours.
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Collections online
Search for photographs, three-dimensional and archaeological objects, artwork, oral histories, moving images, maps, and more.
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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.
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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.
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MNHS Events
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Keepers Tour
Conquering the Cliff Tours
Nooks & Crannies Tour
Summit Avenue Walking Tours
Horse-Drawn Forest History Tour
Horse-Drawn Trail Ride
Photography & Art at the Rock: Lisa Webskowski
Fourth of July at Sibley
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Sunrise Tour: 1,000 Years Ago Today in Minnesota
Old Fashioned Fourth of July
Independence Day at Historic Fort Snelling
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Kids Craft Saturdays
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Animal Tracks of the Prairie
Going Out, Coming In Walking Tour
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.
Join today