Address: 3537 Zenith Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN, 55418
Upcoming Events: Jump to Bakken Museum Events
Website The Bakken Museum
Phone 612-926-3878
Email info@thebakken.org
Located within a beautifully restored mansion, Bakken Museum is tucked back behind Bde Maka Ska Park and straddles St. Louis Park and Uptown Minneapolis. This one-of-a-kind museum explores science and technology with a focus on electricity.
Photos of Bakken Museum
Get an idea of what to expect from a visit to the Bakken with our slide show of photos from a recent visit:
About the 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. The museum achieves this goal through thoughtful exhibits, events and programming for all ages.
Classes for kids at the Bakken
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. Find dates, prices and more information each year in our Summer Camp Guide.
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.
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. For more birthday party ideas, we’ve created FFTC’s Ultimate Guide to Birthday Parties in the Twin Cities
Annual family memberships
A household membership at the Bakken Museum is includes all members of the household and usually pays for itself in two to three visits. 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
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. 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
Originally written by Gianna Kordatzky
July 13, 2020
More information
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- Tickets: Purchase Bakken Museum admission
- Register for: Upcoming events
- Learn more: Bakken Science Studio
- Association of Science-Technology Center (ASTC) Travel Passport
Related content
Upcoming Family-Friendly Events
- Bakken Science Studios - 04/18/2026 - 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Bakken Museum Summer Camps - 06/15/2026 - 08/28/2026 - SEE TIMES
Fun Past Events We Hope to See Again
- Bakken Discovery Days: Women In Science - 03/21/2026 - 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Please Note: FamilyFunTwinCities.com is an independent website run by Twin Cities families for Twin Cities families. We attempt to include the information we find most essential as parents. We make every effort to keep up with changes. However, we are not employed by or connected to this venue, and information sometimes changes without our knowledge. We recommend calling or checking the venue’s website for up-to-date information.
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