During the winter, it can be hard to find the motivation to leave the warmth of the dorms or college apartments without good reason. However, the Twin Cities offer numerous unique and niche museums for free, or in the case of Mill City Museum, only $12 for students. 

Mill City Museum 

As a familiar staple of childhood field trips, Mill City Museum is located on the Mississippi Riverfront in Minneapolis. The historic museum is built out of the ruins of the Washburn A Mill, once the world’s largest flour mill in the late 1800s.

Since its inception in 2001, Site Manager Dave Stevens has worked to introduce Minnesota students and residents to the history of Minneapolis’ historical roles and the “Flour Milling Capital of the World.”

“A big part of what I do is just keeping an eye on the facilities and taking care of the building, which is kind of a unique mix of a brand new museum that’s nestled within the ruins of an old one that has really particular needs,” Stevens said. 

Multiple exhibits demonstrate the building’s former operations, including water and baking labs where visitors can learn the importance and power of the Mississippi River in the industry. 

“The city of Minneapolis is here because of the Mississippi River and especially the waterfall that was here. That has been a special place for lots of people for many different reasons,” Stevens said. 

The museum also includes an elevator show through eight levels of the building, each showcasing the sights and sounds of the old mill. It ends on the observation deck which overlooks the remaining ruins and the riverfront. Its original red neon sign is visible from the Washington Avenue Bridge. 

Smallest Museum in St. Paul

Located four stops east on the Metro Green Line from the center of the University of Minnesota’s Twin Cities campus is the Smallest Museum in St. Paul. The miniature museum is built out of an out-of-use fire hose compartment in the wall of the Workhorse Coffee Bar. 

“The point of the museum is to spark joy and curiosity,” said organizer and curator Shannon Forney. “It’s really more for appreciating St. Paul and appreciating the art of regular day people in the neighborhood and reflecting the history.”  

For 10 years, Forney has curated local artists to showcase in the museum’s tiny exhibitions. Each reflects a connection to the neighborhood and engages with the community.

The museum hosts new artists quarterly, with its current exhibit showcasing small snow globes with horror-centric themes by Maine artist Sailor Cartwright.

Having a background in performance and clown work, Forney created the museum as a theater for the community to engage with. 

Minnesota Transportation Museum

Further into St. Paul is the Minnesota Transportation Museum, a museum focusing on the long history of passenger trains in the state. Another museum operating out of a historic site, the Minnesota Transportation Museum found its home in the Jackson Street Roundhouse. 

“In the Twin Cities, we are the only thing that’s like us, which is really cool,” said CEO and Executive Manager Josh Hoaby. “It’s a unique opportunity as a nonprofit organization to find ways to reach out to our community.” 

The museum has real train rides every Saturday through the St. Croix River Valley along the valley’s railway, as well as a diesel shop that provides hands-on experience in the restoration process.  

“I love it,” Hoaby said, a year after taking on his role. “My dad was a contractor, so I grew up on job sites and working with my hands which makes me uniquely equipped for what’s going on in the back of the shop which is great. I love seeing a project come together.” 

The Minnesota Transportation Museum, along with the Smallest Museum in St. Paul and Mill City Museum each stressed the importance of highlighting the history and culture of their neighborhoods. 

“I hope it’s a moment of respite or reflection in someone’s day,” Forney said. “It’s just a moment of connecting to joy, connecting to others.”