This museum’s kid-friendly exhibit, “Then Now Wow,” invites kids to ride a streetcar, sit in a tipi, see if they can pull a pioneer plow, climb through a grain elevator and dynamite ore in an Iron Range mine. The full-sensory experience knits together diverse eras of state history, from the days of voyageurs to modern life on Ojibwe Indian reservations.

Younger kids can explore a play area inspired by grain elevators. Additional exhibits may highlight topics such as the Civil War or weather extremes, while special events may include meeting Abraham Lincoln, day camps, concerts on the terrace or a lively Day of the Dead program each fall. Take a camera for fun photo ops and the history center’s beautifully framed views of Minnesota’s state capitol and St. Paul Cathedral. Look for free family-friendly music and dance lessons on the terrace Tuesday evenings in July and August.

Admission
Children 5 to 17, $6; seniors, college students and military with ID, $10; and $12 for adults

Hours
Tuesdays: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesday through Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: Noon to 5 p.m.

Parking
Fees are usually $5 for the history center lot and varied for area parking. Some parking is free after 5 p.m.