FAQ
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
We are open year-round but have seasonal entrances.
During summer (May through September), please use the Summer Entrance, which is directly to the right when you pull up to our parking lot. to the right when entering the Minnesota Discovery Center grounds.
During the winter (October through April), please use the Winter Entrance, which is located past the Redhead MTB Park trailhead and down the curved road. Follow the directional arrows on the signs as indicated.
Unless requested in advance, our Museum is self-guided, which means you can go at your own pace and take breaks when needed.
Speaking of breaks, we have a Bijou-style Playground and an indoor Play Studio. Kids are welcome to use them at any time (except for the rare instances they may be booked for a private event).
Our exhibits are layered with educational offerings available at different height levels for different ages of learners. Many of our exhibits are interactive. Unless there is a “DO NOT TOUCH” sign, let your kids touch things.
We have a family bathroom in the Summer Entrance, and most of our other bathrooms have changing tables.
Strollers can easily be pushed along our outdoor paved paths. Additionally, we have a dozen toddler-sized push-seats that you can borrow.
The Museum has elevators to take you, your little ones, your bags, and your strollers between floors.
Most of our staff are animal lovers! But no, pets (including emotional support animals) are prohibited inside MDC. Of course, service dogs are more than welcome!
No outside food or beverages are allowed on our campus. Personal water bottles and baby/toddler drinks are allowed.
Yes, we have a Grab-n-Go refrigerator right next to the Admissions Desk. Also, most of our events involve food and beverage sales.
Visitors are encouraged to take non-flash photographs inside the Museum and throughout the Grounds. We’d love if you tagged us when you post online!
Out of respect for other visitors, please refrain from recording video (unless it contains only yourself).
Recreational and/or commercial drone use is not allowed above MDC’s campus.
Yes. We offer an incredible array of on- and off-site catering services and a variety of venue rentals. Please email us for more information about hosting your event.
Our Museum is wheelchair accessible and has an elevator between the two main floors. The outside grounds have paved walkways. Our trolley can accommodate up to 2 wheelchair users, and there is a ramp up the trolley deck. Our Amphitheater is also wheelchair accessible, and we have designated ADA seating for concerts.
We have people-movers (golf carts) and extra wheelchairs! Should you need any help moving around, ask any staff member.
Yes, family restrooms are available at the Summer Entrance and the Research Center.
Five (5) AED’s (Automated External Defibrillator) are located throughout MDC’s campus. First aid kits are also spread throughout our campus, including one kept at the Admissions Desk.
Yes, our lost and found is located at the Admissions Desk.
Yes, we do!
Yes, we offer free Wi-Fi for our visitors.
Check out our events calendar!
Smoking and vaping are not permitted inside MDC’s campus However, they are allowed at least 20 feet away from the admissions entrance.
Field Trips FAQ
During an MDC field trip, participants can:
- take an interpretive/guided tour through the Museum
- ride our historic trolley to a simulated mining location
- go behind the scenes into our Paleontology Lab
- participate in hands-on educational activities
- play Mini Golf on our 19-hole, mining-themed course
- hike through the nearby Redhead MTB Park
- paddle in the Glen Mine Pit Lake
- snowshoe throughout our grounds
- and more!
Please see our downloadable Field Trips & Classroom Visits Guide or contact the Education & Recreation Manager for more details.
We have age-specific activities for students PreK-Grade 12.
Please email our Education & Recreation Manager to schedule a field trip. When you do so, please provide:
• Your name
• Your contact information (phone number and email address)
• The name of your school or organization
• How many students you would like to bring
• The grade level(s) or age(s) of the students
• Possible dates that would work for your visit
• Any questions you have for us
Our Education & Recreation Manager will get back to you as quickly as possible to work out the details with you.
Also, we’re history nerds. We love questions and curiosity! If you prefer to talk through your options, call our Education & Recreation Manager at 218-254-6001.
We host field trips year-round, but some months are busier than others.
For field trips from September through March, we recommend scheduling at least 3 to 4 weeks in advance.
For field trips from April to August, we recommend scheduling at least at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance.
All field trip requests are subject to space and guide availability. We will help you select a date from the available openings.
