Also called the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Minnesota is a trendy vacation destination for all sorts of discerning travelers. Outdoor adventurers are certain to get their thrills doing water activities, such as fishing and sailing, on Lake Superior and Lake Mille Lacs. Visitors eager to learn about culture will also discover plenty, such as Scandinavian and Nordic heritage, at American Swedish Institute. Like every good American, Minnesotans love their food, so expect amazing culinary delights at their food halls and shopping streets, including Mercado Central and Midtown Global Market in Minneapolis. If your interest has been piqued, then keep on reading. There are many more best things to do indoors in Minnesota, USA, that you should check out.
1. Explore the biosphere at SEA LIFE at Mall of America. Bloomington (from USD 26.0)
SEA LIFE Aquarium Minnesota in Bloomington invites visitors of all ages to admire and marvel at the denizens of the aquatic parts of our planet’s biosphere.
Drop by before or after a crazy shopping spree and relax while listening to the exhibit’s explanations or as the creatures flitter and float about. There are even themed tanks with specific ecologies, such as the Amazon River tank and its arapaima and tiger shovelnose catfish. If you’re lucky, you can even join in the shark and ray feeding experience.
SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium Admission at the Mall of America
Duration: 2 hours
2. Feel your heart pumping at Grand Slam, Burnsville
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Grand Slam is an expansive activity center that boasts a ton of fun stuff to do for kids of all ages as well as the kids at heart. While the little ones zoom through the Play Zone like hamsters, you can practice your putting at the Mini Golf zone. There’s also an X-treme Trampoline for some heart-pumping exercise and a large two-story laser tag arena for some mean team competitions.
Grand Slam
Address: 12425 River Ridge Blvd, Burnsville, MN 55337, United States
Website: Grand Slam
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 8pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 10pm; Sun: 11am - 7pm
Price: 22.95 USD for Deluxe Walk-In Package
3. Catch a game at Target Center, Minneapolis
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Target Center is a large-scale venue in Central Minneapolis, capable of accommodating a capacity of 20,000 people. Target Center is home to the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves and WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx, so try to catch a game if you’re in town.
You can also check out the calendar for upcoming concerts, comedians on tour, and other types of live sporting events such as the WWE.
Target Center
Address: 600 N 1st Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403, United States
Website: Target Center
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4. Have a fun-filled day at Nickelodeon Universe, Bloomington (from USD 44.6)
Nickelodeon has long been a household name in America for fun and zany home entertainment. At Mall of America: Nickelodeon Universe, you and your family can experience all the thrills and spills while you’re visiting Minnesota.
The little kids can enjoy safe but exciting junior rides such as Blue’s Skidoo and Diego’s Rescue Rider. The bigger kids, on the other hand, have speedier and crazier rides such as Avatar Airbender and Brain Surge to look forward to.
Mall of America: Nickelodeon Universe Unlimited Ride Pass
5. Explore dinosaurs at Science Museum of Minnesota, St. Paul
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Science Museum of Minnesota offers families and groups of friends a remarkable chance for learning and discovery. Marvel at the many exhibits, presenting different fields such as paleontology in the Dinosaur & Fossils Gallery, to debunked pseudosciences in the Weighing the Evidence exhibit.
Visitors with accessibility needs will be happy to know the museum can accommodate them, with features such as wheelchair ramps and sensory-friendly spaces. Those in need of snacks and drinks can head to the on-site deli.
Science Museum of Minnesota
Address: 120 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55102, United States
Website: Science Museum of Minnesota
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 10am - 5pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 8pm
Price: 9.95 USD - 34.90 USD for adults (Ages 18 and up); 9.95 USD - 24.90 USD for children (Ages 4-17)
6. Learn about ocean life at Great Lakes Aquarium, Duluth
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Looking for that last minute gift that will last all year long? Consider giving the gift of membership! We are...
Posted by Great Lakes Aquarium on Wednesday, December 18, 2019
The Great Lakes region is a vast treasure trove of ecological and environmental science. Great Lakes Aquarium is where visitors to Minnesota can learn all about this region. Guests can listen to or read explanations about how the Great Lakes formed, and the creatures that lived and continue to live in it. They can also meet animals that are indigenous to the lakes, such as otters, trout, and sturgeon.
The aquarium also has invasive species exhibits with lampreys and lionfish.
Great Lakes Aquarium
Address: 353 Harbor Dr, Duluth, MN 55802, United States
Website: Great Lakes Aquarium
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 20 USD for Adults; 16 USD for children (Ages 3-17)
7. Have fun exploring art at Rochester Art Center, Rochester
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Rochester Art Center is a hub for Minnesota’s art scene, where both traditional and modern styles are well-represented. Visitors can marvel at contemporary works from established and up-and-coming artists, presented in a multitude of mediums such as photography, installation, or metalwork. They also offer guided gallery tours, art classes, and even live performances.
Rochester Art Center
Address: 30 Civic Center Dr SE STE 120, Rochester, MN 55904, United States
Website: Rochester Art Center
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 11am - 4pm; (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: 5 USD for Adults; Free for ages 21 and below
8. Get competitive at Game Show Battle Rooms, Golden Valley
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Get 20% off your next Game Show Battle Rooms experience in July or August! All groups are now private! Book online now...
Posted by Game Show Battle Rooms - Minneapolis on Thursday, July 9, 2020
Ever wondered what it feels like to be in one of those primetime game shows? Game Show Battle Rooms offers the same experience, without getting into embarrassing moments that will be shown and recorded on national TV. This activity is perfect for big family gatherings, school reunions, and company vacations. It’s also a good way to settle old scores and grudges.
Duke it out in games inspired by popular game shows. Figure out the top survey answers, or try to complete a challenge within 60 seconds. Beers and seltzers are sold on-site as refreshments.
Game Show Battle Rooms
Address: 8836 7th Ave N, Golden Valley, MN 55427, United States
Website: Game Show Battle Rooms
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 9am - 9pm; Fri - Sun: 10am - 11pm
Price: from 34.95 USD
9. Delve deep into local history at Minnesota History Center, St. Paul
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Are you looking for a part-time job this summer? If so, make it historic! The Minnesota Historical Society seeks...
Posted by Minnesota Historical Society on Thursday, February 16, 2023
Minnesota History Center in St. Paul commemorates and celebrates the rich history and tradition of Minnesotans. Here, visitors can find stories and exhibits of people and events, such as the US-Dakota War of 1862. The museum offers up-close exhibits of mining machines, a boardable C-47 transport airplane, and even a grain chute turned into a play area.
Parties interested in much deeper archival research can also book appointments or request permission for access to their library and archival catalogs.
Minnesota History Center
Address: 345 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55102, United States
Website: Minnesota History Center
Opening hours: Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun: 10am - 4pm; Thu: 10am - 8pm; (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: 12 USD for Adults; 8 USD for Kids (Ages 5-17)
10. Check out war memorabilia at Stearns History Museum, St. Cloud
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Stearns History Museum got its start when locals formed Stearns County Historical Society. By 1982, the modern Stearns History Museum became a physical museum with a collection of historically significant items and information.
Visitors can check out exhibits pertaining to Central Minnesota’s history, including stories and pictures from World War 2. Living History events are also held, complete with reenactments, historic readings, and performances.
There’s also a variety of programs to join, such as Whippersnapper Hour for kids. Here, youngsters can try interactive experiences such as fur trading and early radio programming.
Stearns History Museum
Address: 235 South 33rd Ave S, St Cloud, MN 56301, United States
Website: Stearns History Museum
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 12am - 4pm; (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: 7 USD for Adults; 5 USD for children (Ages 5 and above)
Have plenty of indoor adventures in Minnesota
Depending on your itinerary, your main goal may likely involve visiting any of the 10,000-plus lakes in Minnesota. Even so, you should also try out the amazing indoor experiences that the state has to offer. For that, make sure to check out our list of the best things to do indoors in Minnesota, USA.
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