Summary
Many world-class attractions and interesting art, history, and entertainment museums in the Minneapolis and St. Paul area charge nothing to visit. Additionally, several usually charge an admission fee but have designated free-admission days. Therefore, you can explore 12 cultural riches without spending a dime in the Twin Cities.
Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Address: 2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404, USA
Phone: +1 888-642-2787
Admission is always free, gallery tours are complimentary, and free music and art events occur frequently at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. This is a world-class art museum situated on a beautiful 8-acre site.
Weisman Art Museum
Address: 333 E River Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
Phone: +1 612-625-9494
The Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum is the University of Minnesota’s modern art museum, serving as a teaching museum. Although museum admission is free, finding free or cheap parking may be challenging.
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Address: 725 Vineland Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403-1195, USA
Phone: +1 612-375-7600
Always free to visit, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden showcases more than 40 works from the Walker Art Center’s collections, including the iconic “Spoonbridge and Cherry.” Located in an 11-acre park in central Minneapolis, it has welcomed millions of visitors since opening in 1988.
Minnesota State Capitol
Address: Minnesota State Capitol, 75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard, St Paul, MN 55155, USA
Phone: +1 651-296-2881
The Minnesota State Capitol building in St. Paul offers free guided tours conducted daily, showcasing the restored 1905 classical revival building listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Minnehaha Depot
Address: Minnehaha Park Hwy, 55 & Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA
Phone: +1 651-228-0263
The Minnehaha Depot, built in 1875 and known as the “Princess” for its elegant architecture, operated the first railroad line west of the Mississippi River connecting Minneapolis to Chicago. Admission is free.
NWA History Centre
Address: 3 Appletree Square, Bloomington, MN 55425, USA
Phone: +1 952-876-8677
The NWA History Centre is a free museum showcasing the history and memorabilia of Northwest Airlines (NWA), located at Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport. Airplane enthusiasts will appreciate the many retro exhibits.
Como Zoo and Conservatory
Address: 1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MN 55103, USA
Phone: +1 651-487-8201
Como Zoo and Conservatory features a diverse range of animals, plants, and flowers, all displayed in a beautiful setting. While admission is free, a small donation is appreciated.
Museum of Russian Art
Address: 5500 Stevens Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55419, USA
Phone: +1 612-821-9045
The Museum of Russian Art houses a remarkable collection mainly from the Soviet period, featuring exhibitions in a beautifully renovated historic building. Students receive free or discounted admission; there’s a general charge for other guests.
Walker Art Center
Address: 725 Vineland Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403-1139, USA
Phone: +1 612-375-7600
The Walker Art Center offers free admission on the first Saturday of the month and Thursday evenings after 5 p.m. All other days have a general admission charge, although entry is free for anyone under the age of 18. This contemporary art center is world-class, located in the Lowry Hill neighborhood of Minneapolis.
Minnesota Children’s Museum
Address: 10 7th St W, St Paul, MN 55102, USA
Phone: +1 651-225-6000
The Minnesota Children’s Museum offers playful, interactive exhibits tailored for younger children, featuring state habitats and a rooftop park. Free admission occurs on the third Sunday of each month, while a general admission fee applies on all other days for visitors aged over 1. The museum remains closed on Mondays.
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Address: 3675 Arboretum Dr, Chaska, MN 55318, USA
Phone: +1 612-624-2200
Free admission to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is available on the third Monday of each month from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Children under age 15 and University of Minnesota students can enter at no charge. Moreover, summer events feature free family activities and music in this expansive horticultural garden.
Minnesota Historical Society
Address: 345 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55102-1411, USA
The Minnesota Historical Society occasionally holds open houses with free admission to its sites. Additionally, it offers special free admission days, particularly on holidays. For information on free days, check the society’s monthly calendar online or contact them.
The Minnesota Historical Society is a nonprofit dedicated to preserving Minnesota’s history through research, education, and grants, originally founded by the territorial legislature in 1849.
