With the health and safety of visitors and staff at the forefront of planning, MNHS is pleased to announce the opening of the Minnesota History Center and the trading post (retail store) at the Mille Lacs Indian Museum, beginning Oct. 1, 2020.

Visitors to the History Center can take in special exhibits including First Avenue: Stories of Minnesota’s Mainroom and Prince: Before the Rain, which have been extended to Jan. 3, 2021; enjoy grab and go items from Market House by D’Amico cafe; and shop for unique artisan-crafted jewelry, clothing, books, toys and more from the History Center store. Entry will be limited and advanced tickets are recommended. 

The Gale Family Library at the Minnesota History Center is being reconfigured to accommodate in-person researchers and will open later this year. Look for more information, including the opening date, to be shared soon at mnhs.org/library.

The trading post (retail store) at the Mille Lacs Indian Museum will reopen in time for holiday shopping. Unique one-of-a-kind items, many locally made by Native artisans, will be on sale. 

Minnesota History Center

• Hours: Thursday-Saturday 10-4; Sunday 11-4
• Museum admission: $8-12, members free
• Tickets go on sale Sept. 24 
• www.mnhs.org/historycenter

Trading post at the Mille Lacs Indian Museum

• Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 10:30-4:30
• www.mnhs.org/millelacs
• Note: the Mille Lacs Indian Museum, which normally closes for the season at the end of October, will remain closed.

Other MNHS Historic Sites and Museums 
MNHS is prepared to offer self-guided tours at the State Capitol as soon as the Minnesota Department of Administration reopens the building. Reopening plans are still being developed for Mill City Museum and additional historic sites, although it is unlikely that any will open in 2020.

Previously MNHS opened Jeffers Petroglyphs, Lower Sioux Agency, Oliver Kelley Farm, Split Rock Lighthouse, and the trail sites Birch Coulee Battlefield, Marine Mill and Traverse des Sioux. View an open/close grid.

Advanced Ticket Purchase 
In order to ensure the health and safety of guests, staff and the community, MNHS is limiting the number of daily visitors at our historic sites and museums. Tickets can be purchased online or through the box office at 651-259-3015. A limited number of tickets will be available for walk-ups.

Health and Safety
New protocols designed to minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19 can be viewed on the health and safety procedures page of each site’s website, which can be found on our visit page.

MNHS is following recommendations from the Minnesota Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control, and will adjust reopening plans as necessary.  

For more information, visit our website at mnhs.org/covid-19.

About the Minnesota Historical Society
The Minnesota Historical Society is a nonprofit educational and cultural institution established in 1849. MNHS collects, preserves and tells the story of Minnesota’s past through museum exhibits, libraries and collections, historic sites, educational programs and publishing. Using the power of history to transform lives, MNHS preserves our past, shares our state’s stories and connects people with history. Visit us at mnhs.org.