Disclosure: Meet Minneapolis facilitated our visit to the Hennepin History Museum. However, all opinions are my own.
Growing up in suburban Chicago, I spent many a Saturday volunteering with my mom at our local historical society. I loved learning about the people who might have lived in our house or attended the same school. So when we were looking for unique ways to learn more about Minneapolis’ history, I knew the Hennepin History Museum would be right up my alley.
Focused on sharing the stories of Minnesota’s Hennepin County, this museum gives an interesting look at the lives of Minneapolis’ past residents. Located just blocks from the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the museum is located inside of the George Christian house. This historic mansion was built in 1919 in the Washburn-Fair Oaks Mansion District of Minneapolis. Today the beautifully preserved building is the perfect place to learn about the people who once walked the surrounding streets.
When we visited the museum earlier this fall, we particularly enjoyed an exhibit about the history of house pets in Hennepin County. It was fascinating to see such a universally relatable topic applied to the specific history of the area. We especially loved exploring some of the artifacts from the museum’s collections like historic clothing, pet toys, photos, and more.
The amount of interactive opportunities that the small museum provides also pleasantly surprised us. At almost every turn we were asked for our opinion or given the opportunity to share our thoughts about an exhibit. From crowd-sourced event ideas on marker boards to exhibit-specific hashtags for social media sharing, the Hennepin History Museum is constantly sparking a discussion with its visitors.
If you visit the Hennepin History Museum
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind approach to Minneapolis history, this unique county museum is for you. While the museum isn’t particularly large, it offers a look at the county’s history you won’t find anywhere else. With changing exhibits and many interactive components, it’s easy to find personal connections in the history you experience here. Also, the museum offers a research library for anyone looking to delve deeper into the history of the area.
Admission: $5 adults / $3 students and seniors
Hennepin History Museum, 2303 Third Avenue South in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Looks like another great museum in the midwest. You have experienced some really cool finds this fall in the midwest!
Thanks Sara! The Hennepin History Museum is definitely a hidden gem. We’ve had a blast seeing so many new places around the Midwest this season. Thanks again for reading!