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Throughout Mill City Museum, there are interactive exhibits, puzzles, trains and a lock and dam water play area. I found it to be a great museum to visit with multiple age levels. My preschool-aged kids probably got nothing of the historical significance but really enjoyed the interactive part. The grade schooler asked a lot of good questions about Minneapolis history and we were able to explore the answers together.  It’s also fun to browse the gift shop.

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Family Fun at Mill City Museum

In addition to museum exhibits, families can attend live concerts in the ruin courtyard, bring a group to the courtyard family days during the Stone Arch Bridge Art Festival, Archaeology Day and Railroad Day. Plus take guided tours throughout the summer in the Washburn A Mill, and outdoors along the riverfront.

Mill City Museum Flour Tower Ride

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. However, when I’m visiting with just little kids, I skip the flour tower.

3 Ways to Save on Admission to Mill City Museum

1. 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.
2. Museums on Us. This program gives Bank of America cardholders free entry during the first full weekend of each month.
3. 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.

Free Exhibits at Mill City Museum

Mill City often offers Free exhibits in the Mill Commons Lobby. Families can stop by during open hours to view these exhibits regardless of whether they visit the rest of the museum.

“Homeless in the Mill,” a small exhibit of photographs and words by JobyLynn Sassily-James, who took shelter in the abandoned Washburn A Mill Complex from 1994 to 1995, is free to the public during regular museum hours and located in Rail Corridor.

Useful Links:

• Online Giftshop
• Find Current Hours Here
• Buy Museum Tickets Online
• Find and Register for Upcoming Special Events