Many world-class attractions, and interesting little museums in Minneapolis and St. Paul are completely free to visit.
And several others who usually charge for admission have frequent open days with free admission.
Here's where you can enjoy art, history and entertainment for free in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Museums, Galleries and Attractions in Minneapolis and St. Paul with Free Admission
The Minneapolis Institute of Arts: A world-class art gallery. Admission is always free, gallery tours are free, and free music and art events happen frequently.
The Weisman Art Museum: The University of Minnesota's modern art gallery. Finding free or cheap parking nearby is almost impossible though.
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Always free, except when special events are happening in the garden.
The Minnesota Museum of American Art An art gallery in downtown St. Paul. Often closed in between exhibitions, so check before you travel.
The Minnesota State Capitol: Tours, held every day, are free.
TRACES Museum Center for History and Culture: Inside the Landmark Center in downtown St. Paul, this museum documents the lives and stories of Midwesterners, Germans and Austrians in World War II. A donation is requested for admission.
The Minnehaha Depot: A historic train depot in Minnehaha Park.
Como Zoo and Conservatory: An amazing variety of animals, and beautiful plants and flowers in an elegant conservatory. Free, although a small donation is requested.
The Museum of Russian Art: A simply stunning collection of Russian art. There is a general admission charge, but students are admitted free, or with a donation.
Free Days at Museums, Galleries and Attractions who usually charge for Admission
The Walker Art Center: Free admission on the first Saturday of the month, and Thursday evenings after 5 p.m.
The Bell Museum of Natural History: Free admission on Sundays.
The Minnesota Children's Museum: Free admission on the third Sunday of the month.
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is free all day Thursday in the winter, and free on Thursday evenings from 4.30 p.m. until 8 p.m. or sunset in the summer. Winter is November 1 until April 24. The Arboretum also has free family events and music on Thursday evenings in the summer.
The Minnesota Historical Society holds occasional open houses with free admission to it's historical sites in the Twin Cities. It also has free admission days on special days. For example, this year Fort Snelling was free to military personnel on Memorial Day, and the Mill City Museum was free to mothers on Mother's Day. Free events vary, and details of upcoming events can be found on the MNHS website.
