Visit Minnesota’s beautifully restored 1905 capitol and learn about government process while taking in its incredible architecture, art, and history. Legislators are notified for reserved student groups.
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Field Trips
Thank you for your interest. In response to ongoing concerns over health and safety practices, MNHS museums and historic sites will not host any field trips during the 2020-2021 school year.
Look for scholarships to re-open in the fall of 2021 for the 2021-2022 school year.
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Field trip options
General Capitol Tour
Explore the capitol’s history, art, and architecture. Students visit the chambers where government decisions are made. Weather permitting, visit the quadriga (golden horses) on the roof of the capitol. Reservations are required for groups of 15 or more, and must be made two weeks in advance.
Grades: K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Homeschool
Cost: Free
Details: 45 minutes
I Spy!
Pre-schoolers learn about Minnesota’s state symbols on a seek–and–find tour of the State Capitol building. Tuesdays, June–Dec.
Grades: Pre–K
Cost: Free
Details: 40 minutes
Rally Round the Flag Civil War Tour
What was it like to be a Minnesota Civil War soldier? Why is the capitol a time capsule of Civil War history? Students explore these questions and participate in activities focused on Civil War artifacts and artwork in the building.
Grades: 4, 5, 6
Cost: $8 per person
Details: 90 minutes
Taking Issue, Making a Stand
Students tour the capitol to find out how and where citizens get involved in government, then conduct their own legislative hearing to debate a real issue.
Grades: 7, 8
Cost: $8 per person
Details: 2 hours
Voice of the People
High school students see legislators in action. After a guided government-focused tour, students observe an actual legislative hearing. Offered during legislative sessions only.
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Cost: $8 per person
Details: 3 hours
Art Treasures in the Capitol
Students search for art in the capitol using a self-guided tour booklet, becoming junior art historians.
Grades: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Cost: $2 per booklet
Details: 45 minutes
Book a field trip
Field trip request form
1-888-387-5008
fieldtrips@mnhs.org
Address
75 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive
St. Paul, Minnesota 55155
Cost
For paid programming, $8 per student, $80 minimum group fee