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3537 Zenith Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55416
612-926-3878 | info@thebakken.org
Admission: $13.00
Age 18-61: $13; Students w/ ID: $10; Age 4-17): $9; Age 3 & under: Free; Limited Income: $1
Scroll to the Bottom for a Ticket Link or to Register for Events
Hours of Operation:
Mon. Closed
Tue. 10:00 AM – 04:00 AM
Wed. 10:00 AM – 04:00 AM
Thu. 10:00 AM – 04:00 AM
Fri. 10:00 AM – 04:00 AM
Sat. 10:00 AM – 04:00 PM
Sun. 10:00 AM – 04:00 PM
Showing hours as of October 2023

Bakken Museum is tucked back behind Bde Maka Ska Park and straddles St. Louis Park and Uptown Minneapolis. It could be a little hard to find, but if you can get yourself to Bde Maka Ska Parkway, you can follow the signs the rest of the way. This one-of-a-kind museum explores science and technology.

Bakken Museum
Image courtesy of The Bakken – The Reimagined Museum

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Photos of Bakken Museum

About Bakken

The museum aims to inspire a passion for science and its potential for social good by helping people explore the history and nature of electricity and magnetism. Check the Family Fun Calendar regularly for more information about all the exciting things happening at Bakken Museum.

“The Bakken Museum inspires a passion for innovation by exploring the potential for science, technology, and the humanities to make the world a better place.”

Family learning About Electricity & Magnetism at Bakken Museum
Learning About Electricity & Magnetism in the Electricity Party Exhibit

Bakken Museum Classes for Kids

The museum offers classes and camps, outreach programs and field trip experiences for kids, homeschoolers and schools. The Science Studio programs below are an example of a weekend program that families can do together. They also offer week long summer camps and camps during school breaks that are drop-off in nature.

Boy playing with a puppet theater in the Mary & Her Monster Exhibit at Bakken Museum, Minneapolis, MN
Frankenstein Puppet Theater at the Mary & Her Monster Exhibit


Bakken Museum Science Studio

Science Studio is held most weekends (please check website for exact times). The museum encourages families to participate together in themed activities, experiments, and demonstrations. Included with museum admission.

Family experimenting with the Theremin at the Bakken Museum in Minneapolis, Minnesota
The Theremin


Birthday Parties at The Bakken

The Bakken is not currently offering programmed birthday parties. However, families can still have their birthday party at the museum as a rental. Rent The Bakken Museum’s classrooms. The first floor provides private space for party guests along with exhibit exploration for the whole group. Learn more and register at the Bakken website. Find a link in our Useful Links section at the bottom of this page.

10 Things for Kids at Bakken Discovery Days
Playing with LEGOs in the Reading Room of the Bakken


Admission to the Bakken

Admission as of March 1, 2024 is:

  • Adults $13
  • Seniors (65+) $11
  • Students (with ID) $10
  • Children (4-7) $9
  • Children (3 and under) FREE
  • Members FREE
  • Native American Admission FREE
  • Limited Income Admission $1

Annual Family Memberships

A household membership at the Bakken Museum is $80 and tax deductible. It includes all members of the household. (If you have four kids in your family, one visit to Bakken Museum is $54.00, so this is an especially good deal for larger families). Benefits include:

  • Free general admission
  • Free or reduced admission to participating Association of Science-Technology Center (ASTC) Travel Passport when traveling
  • Free admission to The Bakken’s Discovery Days
  • Invitations to special events.
  • Discounts on youth programs
  • Discounts at the Museum Store

Bakken Renovations in 2020

Originally written by Gianna Kordatzky
July 13, 2020.

The museum completed its 12,000 square foot renovation (of the 1998 addition) in 2020. As part of the Bakken’s new look, enhanced outdoor spaces and education areas have been crafted to increase the museum’s reach and honor the natural beauty surrounding the museum.

What Bakken’s New Look Includes:

Renovations include:

  • a stunning new entrance facing Bde Maka Ska featuring bird-safe glass;
  • an expansive courtyard and walkway overlooking wetlands restored by the museum;
  • a refurbished green roof overlooking Bde Maka Ska;
  • flexible-use classrooms and rental spaces;
  • a modernized makerspace for classes and camps;
  • updated amenities, including lockers, all gender accessible bathrooms, and food and drink vending;
  • a larger museum store, Earl’s Emporium, featuring science and technology-themed items for all ages;
  • and a 2,000 square foot gallery space that will feature a new, engaging exhibit in Fall 2020.

“In this moment, we are especially focused on providing a community space for people to feel connected to one another and inspired by our exhibits, gardens, and grounds.”

The Bakken Museum President and CEO Michael Sanders

West Winds Koi Pond at Bakken Museum in Minneapolis, Minnesota

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