The Science Museum of Minnesota is one of the most popular family attractions in the Twin Cities Area. They have several exhibit areas with travelling exhibits to entice families to visit several times a year. There are several upcoming events at the Minnesota Science Museum that will be fun for families to attend.
Charles Darwin’s Birthday
First, celebrate Charles Darwin’s birthday On February 11 at the Science Museum of Minnesota. Family activities to celebrate this famous scientist will be available from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.in the community gallery.
Real Pirates Exhibit
The much anticipated Real Pirates exhibit will be opening February 18 and run until September 3rd. This exciting exhibit will have a recreation of a pirate ship as well as over 200 artifacts from real pirates. The exhibit centers around the ship Whydah which was captured on her maiden voyage by the famous pirate Sam Bellamy. The ship sank in a storm with treasure aboard and the wreck was located 300 years later by Barry Clifford. The exhibit tells the story of this amazing ship and her crew. There are hands on activities as well for the whole family to enjoy. Learn how to tie knots and actually touch some of the gold from the ship.
Permanent Galleries
There are seven permanent galleries at the science museum. They are:
1. Mississippi RiverGallery
2. Human BodyGallery
3. Cell Lab
4. Collections Gallery
5. Experiment Gallery
6. Dinosaurs and Fossils Gallery
7. Big Back Yard – seasonal gallery
Each gallery has hands on displays and information specific to the topic. Some galleries also have shown and scientists available to answer questions.
Mississippi River Gallery
This is the first exhibit guests walk into when entering the museum galleries. The highlight of this gallery is the tug boat that everyone can climb into and explore. The boat has an upper area where the captain would steer the ship. The stairway up is quite small and only one person at a time can go up or down so there is some waiting required when the museum is busy. This area also has a river pilot simulator where guests can try to steer a variety of boats down the river.
Human Body Gallery
Guests can learn all about the human body in this gallery. This gallery has a show in the perception theatre with a 20 minute show that teaches about how the human brain functions. The show is free and very fun. This gallery also has displays on the bloodstream and other body parts. The human body gallery is right next to the Cell Lab and the two galleries complement each other.
The Cell Lab
This is the only area of the museum with specific age requirements. The cell lab has 7 different experiments for kids to perform that will teach them about the human body and some of its parts. All items needed are provided for each experiment and the steps are given on an interactive computer screen. There are several experiments that can be done by 1st graders and some that required guests to be 10 and up. Each experiment does take 20 to 30 minutes and there is limited space.
Collection Corner
This is a fun and interactive gallery for kids of all ages. The museum encourages kids to bring in two natural objects to trade. The objects are ‘priced’ with points and the points can be redeemed for other natural objects available. There are a lot of rocks and crystals to trade for. Additional points can be earned for knowing about the items that are traded in. This is a fun way for kids to get something interesting to bring home from their day at the MinnesotaScience Museum. This area also has a several interesting displays including questionable medical devices and a real mummy.
Experiment Gallery
This gallery is located near the human body gallery and the cell lab. There are a variety of hands on experiments and displays that teach guests about tornados, steam power and air currents. Each experiment has directions and younger guests may need help reading the instructions.
Dinosaur and Fossil Gallery
This gallery has a small play area specifically for the youngest guests. There are also large fossils of some dinosaur favorites, including a stegosaurus and triceratops. Future paleontologists can take a look at fossils up close and learn about where they can do their own fossil hunting in the twin cities area.
Big Back Yard
This gallery is open seasonally. There is a miniature golf course available for an additional fee. There is a natural maze of prairie plants for kids to explore. The best part of this exhibit is the large water and sand exhibit where water runs over a large incline of sand. Kids can mold the sand into dams, pools and ridges to see how the running water effects what they build. It is a lot of fun for all ages.
On Site Food
There is a food court on the top level of the science museum as well as a small snack counter in the lobby and another café area near the dinosaur gallery. Food is not allowed in any of the exhibits but may be brought on site.
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