Tours

From guided group experiences to seasonal tour events, there are many ways to connect with our historic sites. You can even explore our museums from anywhere in the world through our collection of virtual tours.

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Upcoming
MNHS tour events

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Millers' Tour

Millers' Tour

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A 60-minute guided tour including many of the nooks and crannies of Mill City Museum.
Winter Sleigh Rides

Winter Sleigh Rides

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Step into a winter wonderland on a horse drawn sleigh ride at the Forest History Center.
Snowshoe Tours

Snowshoe Tours

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Join us this winter to experience Historic Fort Snelling in a new way–on snowshoes!

Group tours

Our Twin Cities metro-area sites offer engaging exhibits and hands-on activities to explore Minnesota’s people, places, and history. More than just a change of scenery, these historic sites bring Minnesota’s past to life, guided by experts who make history real. Whether your group is interested in Indigenous history, early statehood, immigration, or industry, we have destinations matched to your interests.

Minnesota State Capitol.

Minnesota State Capitol

Bring your group of 15 or more to the capitol to learn about its incredible history, art, and architecture and connect with its amazing stories.

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Minnesota History Center.

Minnesota History Center

The Minnesota History Center is best enjoyed with others!

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James J. Hill House.

James J. Hill House

Bring your group to the Hill House for a private tour. Open year round for adult group tours and school field trips.

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Historic Fort Snelling.

Historic Fort Snelling

Bring your group of 10 or more adults to Historic Fort Snelling and receive reduced admission.

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Mill City Museum.

Mill City Museum

Bring your group of 10 or more adults to Mill City Museum and receive reduced admission.

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Virtual tours

Can’t visit us in person? Connect with these historic locations from the comfort of your own home!

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Alexander Ramsey House

Built in the 1870s as the dream home of Minnesota’s second governor, Alexander Ramsey, and his wife Anna, the handsome native limestone home was one of the first in St. Paul to receive running water, piped in from Lake Phalen.

Virtual tour
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Charles Lindbergh House

Transport yourself to Little Falls in the early 20th century with a virtual tour of famed aviator Charles Lindbergh’s childhood home. Built in 1906, the house features original family objects and furnishings.

Virtual tour
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Forest History Center

The north woods is an amazingly diverse and constantly evolving ecosystem. Explore a recreated 1900 logging camp and learn about Minnesota's forests of yesterday and today.

Virtual tour
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Historic Forestville

Forestville’s first settler-colonists arrived in 1853 and by 1860, the town had more than 150 residents and boasted 20 houses, a school, two sawmills, a gristmill, a blacksmith shop, a store, two hotels, a distillery, and a cabinetry shop.

Virtual tour
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Historic Fort Snelling

June–September

Peek behind the curtains into the spaces of the Commandant’s House, where the fort's constructor slept and entertained; clerks and regimental staff gathered for work; and enslaved people and servants toiled around the hearth.

Virtual tour
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Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post

Explore the story of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe through museum exhibits, objects, demonstrations, and tours, and shop for locally made Native American arts and crafts in the restored 1930s trading post.

Virtual tour
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James J. Hill House

Built for railroad titan James J. Hill, this 36,000-square-foot Gilded Age mansion was once the largest private residence in the state. Explore why the house was a symbol of success, personal taste, and family life.

Virtual tour
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Jeffers Petroglyphs

Jeffers Petroglyphs is home to about 5,000 sacred rock carvings, also called petroglyphs, made by the ancestors of today’s Native Americans. Petroglyphs are found worldwide, but the petroglyphs at Jeffers make up one of the oldest continuously used sacred sites in the world.

Virtual tour
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Mill City Museum

Soon after Minneapolis was born on the Mississippi's west bank, the city's flour milling industry skyrocketed. Powered by the mighty river and fed by boxcars of grain rolling in from the plains, the industry gave Minneapolis bragging rights as the “Flour Milling Capital of the World.” Explore where old mingles with new at Mill City Museum, built into the ruins of what was once the world’s largest flour mill.

Virtual tour
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Minnesota History Center

From the stones of the building to the spaces indoors and out, the artwork and architecture of the Minnesota History Center are filled with symbolism that recognizes the stories and characters of the state.

Virtual tour
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Minnesota State Capitol

A 1905 masterpiece returned to its original grandeur. Connect with this landmark building designed by Cass Gilbert through its amazing stories — and learn about its incredible architecture, art and history.

Virtual tour
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Oliver Kelley Farm

Be immersed in the world of 1860s farming, when agriculture in Minnesota looked very different than it does today. Explore the second Kelley home, the barn, animal pens, and more.

Virtual tour
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Snake River Fur Post

Step into the fur trader’s shop and see where the traders and voyageurs slept, visit a historic Ojibwe encampment and catch a glimpse of the Ginebig-ziibi (Snake River.)

Virtual tour
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Split Rock Lighthouse

Nestled in a Minnesota State Park, Split Rock Lighthouse is one of the most photographed and visited spots in the state, with a drama-filled history and breathtaking Lake Superior views.

Virtual tour