Hats off to the Mill City Museum for going above and beyond simply keeping the kids in mind when they designed their space. After announcing to the preschooler that we were spending the afternoon at a museum she immediately demanded to know, “Is it a museum where we can touch things?”
And the answer is yes, child. A resounding yes. You and your sibs can not only get your little hands on the exhibits at Mill City Museum, but build, design, splash, taste and play with them. I wouldn’t be nearly so enthusiastic to take you if that were not the case. And also, yes adults, there will be plenty to entertain you as well.
Top 10 activity picks for kids at Mill City Museum
Throughout Mill City Museum, there are interactive exhibits, puzzles, trains and a lock and dam water play area. We have found it to be a great museum to visit with multiple age levels. Our preschool-aged kids craved the interactivity. Our grade schooler have asked a lot of good questions about Minneapolis history and we enjoyed exploring the answers together. Straight from our FFTC Team children (spanning ages 0-17 years), here are the top things kids will enjoy doing at Mill City Museum:
There are water play tables!
The water play tables demonstrate the Mississippi River’s role in powering the early flour mills of Minneapolis. Any museum that includes the chance to splash is an instant hit for most ages — thank goodness for the hand (and clothes) dryers.
And a train play table
The train track table gives kids a chance to simulate the path of flour by rail from the farm to factory, then onto shipment down the river. It’s at perfect height for your little train enthusiasts.
Life-sized floor puzzles
Putting together the life-size puzzles is a great activity for the kids. We found our littlest ones tired of this quickly, but the grade schoolers determinedly put the whole puzzle together then flipped it over and tackled the other side. If the museum isn’t too busy, you can turn the blocks and put together a different puzzle.
Taste some samples at the Baking Lab
The Baking Lab is always whipping up some tasty samples and we mean this quite literally. If you hang around long enough (we’ve found distractions such as play-doh, cookie cutters and other activities in the lab) the baker on duty will pull something fresh out of the oven for you to enjoy. (Allergen note: of course, as it’s a milling museum, the recipes are made with flour.)
Old-fashioned kitchen play
Whip up a feast for the threshers’ dinner table using a wood-burning stove and mouth-watering props.
Design-your-own-cereal-boxÂ
A simple activity to remind kids that many of our favorite cereals had their genesis right here in Minneapolis. This is an activity even the youngest visitors can do as it involves felt boards. (Looks like this kiddo couldn’t resist the giant pancakes.)
The Flour Tower multi-media experience
We debated adding this multimedia attraction as it involves an 8-story elevator ascent and simulated explosion during the show. Here’s what our very own Joy says about bringing her kids: “The kids (and my) absolute favorite part was the flour tower ride. I was a little nervous going in with my somewhat sensitive four-year-old. You are riding up and down in a freight elevator and there isn’t really a place to get off if it doesn’t go well (although I’m sure if it became a panic issue, the volunteer guide would stop for you). I’d heard enough about it to know to expect a mock explosion at some point. My other worry was that it might just be boring for them and they would act up. Both of my fears were unnecessary. The excitement of the freight elevator going up and down and stopping at various floors was enough for my kids and we adults found the interviews and history lesson incredibly interesting and entertaining. It’s a must-see for older kids and adults.”
“Minneapolis in 19 Minutes Flat”
It’s quirky, genuinely funny and just the right length of time for kids to consume. The film by Kevin Kling helps tell the story of the origins of Minneapolis – from the days of the indigenous to the sawmills at St Anthony Falls to the present-day riverfront.
Don’t miss the view from the observation deck
Once atop the museum, the awesome view from the observation deck includes mill ruins, the lovely Stone Arch Bridge, and the St Anthony Falls that started it all.
Explore the courtyard ruins – and beyond
If weather permits, spend some time wandering the ruins of the Mill City Museum courtyard. The indoor exhibits are built right into the remains of the Washburn A Mill, destroyed by fire in the 1960’s. In Minnesota’s balmier months families can attend live concerts in the ruin courtyard, bring a group to the courtyard during the Stone Arch Bridge Art Festival and Archaeology Day among other events. Guided tours are offered throughout the summer in the Washburn A Mill, and outdoors along the riverfront.
3 ways to save on admission to Mill City Museum
- History-Connects. The Minnesota Historical Society’s limited income program offers discounted admission to visitors enrolled in one or more assistance program. This includes the higher-income-threshold programs, like WIC and MA.
- Museums on Us. This program gives Bank of America cardholders free entry during the first full weekend of each month.
- Become an MNHS member. Not only will you receive FREE admission to this museum, you’ll also receive FREE admission to museums and historic sites all over the state.
More information & useful links:
Address: 704 South 2nd St. Minneapolis, MN 55401
- Find current hours & admission prices here
- Buy museum tickets online
- Find and register for upcoming special events
- Parking information here.
