Meetings and Special Events

Host Your Event Here

Welcome to the Minnesota Discovery Center, where unforgettable moments come to life in the heart of the Iron Range!

Whether you envision a grand affair or a small gathering, our versatile spaces can be tailored to suit your every need. Our dedicated team is committed to turning your vision into reality. We will guide you through every step of the planning process with professionalism and expertise. From heartfelt service to delicious catering, allow us to exceed your expectations. Come create lasting memories with us. Book your venue today!

Weddings

The Minnesota Discovery Center rests amid the red rocks, rolling hills, and lush greenery of reclaimed mineland—a picturesque backdrop for your special day. The enchanting grounds create a serene atmosphere perfect for celebrating love and new beginnings.

Our dedicated staff is committed to ensuring that every detail of your special day is perfect, from exquisite catering options to seamless event coordination. Our campus offers both indoor and outdoor settings to accommodate your preferences.

An outdoor wedding ceremony amongst MDC's willow trees.

Location Options

  • The Gazebo
  • The Pavilion
  • The Willow
  • Taconite Square

Learn more about each location in our wedding packet! By the way, all venue choices include free set-up/take-down of tables and chaires.

VIEW OUR WEDDING PACKET
A close-up captures a groom placing a wedding ring on the bride's finger during their ceremony.

  • An Unforgettable Wedding

    Sophia & Miles Wilcowski
    We appreciate all of the help coordinating and putting things together. The food was delicious and our guests loved the mini-golf excursion! A huge thank you for an unforgettable wedding.

  • The Best Place To Get Married On The Range

    Molly & Chase Vail-Jackson
    If we had to do it all again, we wouldn’t change a thing. After our wedding day, we truly believe the Minnesota Discovery Center is the best place to get married on the Range. Not only is the venue absolutely stunning, the staff is also amazing and went above and beyond to ensure our wedding went off without a hitch! We also had many compliments from many of our guests – beautiful venue, great food, amazing staff… the list could go on. If you are looking to book your wedding up on the Iron Range, pick the Minnesota Discovery Center. We promise you won’t be disappointed!

  • Wildly Exceeded Our Expectations

    Haylie & Jake O’Bey
    July 2022
    Not only did this venue match our vision for our wedding ceremony and reception perfectly, but wildly exceeded our expectations. We had a large wedding of over 300 guests, the Willow tree location created a serene, beautiful, and relaxed ceremony. We utilized the Pavilion for our reception, this was the most perfect and elegant space that fit all our guests comfortably. The MDC has a unique sense of natural beauty, from the picturesque Willow Tree, to the indoor/outdoor Pavilion with bright natural lighting and high ceilings, to the grounds that had many hidden locations for breathtaking photos. This space transformed from day to night in a truly magical way. Each space was extremely well-kept, organized, and clean. Everything from chairs and tables to food and drinks were set up and taken down for us by the exceptional staff. Our guests still rave about the beautiful venues, the large, high-quality menu of food and drinks, and everything in between. Thank you to all the staff at MDC for your kindness and professionalism, and for making this day truly unforgettable!

  • Nothing Short Of Magical!

    Holly & Reggie
    September 2023
    Our wedding at The Minnesota Discovery Center was nothing short of magical. From the moment we first visited, we were captivated by the stunning scenery and the warm, welcoming atmosphere. It was everything we had dreamed of for our day and more!  The staff made us feel incredibly comfortable. On the day of the wedding they were so accommodating and their seamless coordination ensured everything ran smoothly, allowing us to relax and fully enjoy our special day. When unexpected challenges arose, the staff handled them with remarkable efficiency and calmness. Their ability to manage these situations with such grace and competence made us feel truly cared for.  Our wedding is still a topic of conversation, everything from sharing our vows under the gorgeous willows, to the elegant space created in the pavilion for our reception, to the delicious food and drinks that were served. We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful or accommodating place to celebrate our love.  Thank you, Discovery Center for making our wedding dreams come true! 

Corporate Meetings & Trainings

MDC offers a unique and engaging environment for hosting your corporate meetings or training sessions. Located in the picturesque Minnesotan Iron Range, we combine modern amenities with a rich historical backdrop, providing an ideal setting for productive and memorable business events.

For booking, email info@mndiscoverycenter.org.

For more information on the spaces, see our venue rental guide.

VIEW OUR VENUE RENTAL GUIDE

Venue Features

We boast a variety of meeting rooms and event spaces tailored to suit your specific needs, whether you’re planning an intimate board meeting or a large-scale training session.

Equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual (A/V) equipment, high-speed internet (including Wi-Fi), and other essential business tools, we ensure your presentations and communications run smoothly.

Enjoy a range of on-site catering options, including everything from light refreshments to full meals designed to keep your team energized and focused.

Surrounded by historic beauty, we provide a refreshing atmosphere that can enhance creativity and team bonding.

Incorporate team-building activities into your agenda by exploring our museum exhibits or taking guided recreational tours highlighting the Iron Range’s rich cultural and industrial heritage. During the summer, bring your team on a historic trolley tour!

Additional Benefits

Our dedicated event planning team is available to assist with all aspects of your event, from initial planning to execution, ensuring a seamless experience.

We offer ample on-site parking for your attendees, providing convenience and ease of access.

The venue is fully accessible, accommodating guests with different needs and ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone.

  • So Special

    The Staff of Home Care & Hospice at Fairview Range

    Your venue makes this event so special. Your staff are delightful to work with! Thank you for hosting our 12th annual Hospice Butterfly Release.

  • We Always Come Back

    Michelle Morrison, Hoover Construction
    I want to express our deepest gratitude for the exceptional service provided during our Christmas party. Your team demonstrated an outstanding level of professionalism and dedication, especially when we had some last-minute needs. They worked tirelessly to ensure everything was taken care of without a hitch. Their commitment to excellence truly made a difference. The bartender went above and beyond. I must also commend the kitchen team for the delectable spread. Every dish was delicious and beautifully presented. It added a special touch to our celebration, and our guests were thoroughly impressed.

  • A Successful Outing

    Talia Sandys & Julie Lucas, MiningMinnesota
    Our state association group enjoyed learning about our region and visiting MN! We appreciate your help and time.

  • A Well-Rounded Experience

    Sara Welna, PG Geologist Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
    The meeting spaces, food service, and staff was outstanding and made for an incredibly positive experience for our big group of educators!

On-Site & Off-Site Catering & Bar Services

Hungry? Indulge in a seamless event experience at MDC with our on-site catering services—or have us come to you with our off-site catering services. Either way, our professional staff will ensure every detail is executed flawlessly, allowing you to relax and enjoy the occasion.

Thirsty? Elevate your event with our custom bar services. Whether you prefer handcrafted cocktails, fine wines, or artisanal beers, our licensed (both on-site and off-site) bartenders will ensure you enjoy an exceptional drinking experience.

A chef carving prime rib au jus.

Email us to begin planning your unforgettable event.

Explore your delicious dish and drink options in our catering menu.

VIEW OUR CATERING MENU

Birthday Parties

Need a place to host a birthday part? MDC has you covered!

Birthday party rentals start at $100 for 10 people and come with complimentary Museum admission, a round of mini golf, and access to our Play Studio.

Hungry, too? We have food and drink package options! See the adjacent graphic for details.

The indoor venue option is the Dining Room. The outdoor venue option is the Food Court.

Email info@mndiscoverycenter.org to book!

Informational graphic about MDC's birthday party offerings.

Theater

MDC offers a fantastic theater venue for rent, perfect for hosting your corporate meetings, training sessions, and presentations. Here are the details and features:

Theater Venue Features:

The theater can accommodate 148 attendees, making it ideal for medium-to-large seminars, workshops, and training sessions.

Our facilities have high-quality sound systems, projection screens, and lighting, ensuring your presentations are clear and impactful.

The Theater offers comfortable seating arrangements to keep your audience engaged throughout the event.

On-site technical support is available to assist with setting up and managing audiovisual (A/V) equipment, ensuring your event runs smoothly.

The theater is fully ADA- and wheelchair-accessible, providing easy access for all guests, including those with disabilities.

Amphitheater

Seating 1,600, the architecturally iconic Amphitheater is one of Minnesota’s top open-air concert venues. Forged into the historic red rock mining landscape of the Iron Range, the Amphitheater is the home of MDC’s yearly Summer Concert Series and more community events. The amphitheater is available for event rent.

LEARN MORE

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