At the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers, the town of Mendota began as a tiny regional outpost of the American Fur Company for its trade with the Sioux. Henry Sibley was the company's regional manager; he went on to become Minnesota's first governor. The four limestone buildings at Sibley House Historic Site are his home from his days as a fur trader and later as governor and three other structures from the fur trade era.
It has a somewhat dull name, but the Minnesota History Center is anything but boring. It covers a variety of aspects of Minnesota history with both permanent and temporary exhibits. The emphasis is always on education through fun and interesting displays, some of which are hands-on, many of which are family friendly.
Best and worst time to go to the Minnesota History Center
The best time to go is mid to late afternoon on weekdays. This is a popular field trip destination, so mornings and early afternoons will find the center packed full of school kids. Weekends are busy family days.
Must see/do at the Minnesota History Center
There are several permanent exhibits worth seeing. Check out Grainland, an exhibit focused on Minnesota's grain production, with a replica grain elevator for kids to climb on and a vintage boxcar to explore. Minnesota's Greatest Generation is a fascinating, 6,000-square-foot exhibit that will appeal to all ages as it explores all aspects of life in the 1930s-1950s. Then Now Wow is a celebration of Minnesota's life and history, from pioneers and Native Americans to African Americans, as well as an examination of the 2007 I-35W bridge collapse over the Mississippi River.
Admission to the Minnesota History Center
Admission ranges from $6-11. Children 5 and under, as well as History Center members, get free admission. Tuesday evenings the admission is free after 5 p.m.
Parking and public transportation to the Minnesota History Center
There is both metered street parking and a pay lot adjacent to the History Center. There are several bus lines that stop nearby, and the nearest light rail station is about a 10-minute walk from the center.
Food at the Minnesota History Center
The history center has an excellent dining spot in the Minnesota Cafe. It's got plenty to satisfy finicky young palates, but it also offers better-than-average entrees for adults, with a menu that changes weekly and uses local foods when possible. Entrees average $5-8.
Insider tip for visitors to the Minnesota History Center
Check out the Weather Permitting permanent exhibit and, if you dare, enter the Get in the Basement! display--a recreated 1960s basement that, through sound and motion, simulates the experience of living through a tornado.
Author's bio: Amy C. Rea is the author of Minnesota, Land of 10,000 Lakes: an Explorer's Guide, and Backroads & Byways of Minnesota. Her third book, Camping Minnesota, will be published in 2016.
