Science Museum of Minnesota — Attraction in Saint Paul

This is absolutely amazing for all ages and can really show the wonder of science and why it's such a great career path. There's plenty to read and learn about physics, electronics, dinosaurs, and more! At the top floor where you come in you enter the floor about the Mississippi and several things related to water. There's plenty to learn but it wont keep the kids entertained very long or at least it doesn't keep me very entertained and I have the mind of child. There's also the collectors corner here which is one of my favorite places. It features a variety of the museums collections including bones, rocks, etc. If your a collector yourself you can bring with some things from your collection which based on your knowledge of the item can be exchanged for points that can be traded for and item at the counter. The next floor down has a bunch of stuff about history. An example would be the electric chair or a mummy. The cell lab is also on this floor which is a more involved activity that you have to ask to do one of the several experiments. It's mostly for kids can be be fun for adults too. I was hesitant to do it the first couple of times we came here but it was super fun when we did it. I will say that some of the tools needed replacements when we did it. You can also find the special exhibit and race exhibit off in the corner here. If your into race you can walk through but it's a very quiet place with a very boring kinda feeling. The special exhibit I also steer clear of most of the time. Depending on the subject it can be intresting for a little while but it's just SO long. I've never once walked through the whole thing before I basically ran out because it just keeps going. Down a floor from that is the food court, dinosaur exhibit, physics exhibit and sports exhibit. Dinosaurs are my jam and I love studying the fossils. Only about half the bones are real but it's fun to look at them anyways. There's tons of info which I find super fascinating. The physics stuff is also super fun. It's organized in table each featuring a different electrical or physics concept that you can experiment with. The sports exhibit is where the kids usually have more fun. Basically it's a bunch of kinda sports minigames that are meant to teach about the science of sports. There's racing, a reflex test, and a bunch more. There's also several shows that happen around the museum that can be quite entertaining. The IMAX theater always gives me a neck cramp but it can be a cool unique viewing experience. Anyways that my top to bottom review of the museum. I hope this helps! Have fun and make sure to learn...

Our most recent visit was a weekday...during spring break. We had reservations for opening: 10AM. Ramp parking was very easy...and...cheap at just $5.00 during museum hours...as long as there isn't an event happening. In that case...parking fees can be much more steep so...know before you go. When we got inside...it was not crowded at all. We expected the opposite given schools being out. [Honestly...it never felt crowded the entire time we were there even though it was 'busy'. The museum is expansive.] We had back-to-back omnitheater reservations to check out both current films playing. These are always highly enjoyable...and...worth the extra fee to attend. The exhibits don't really change much...with the exception of one...or...two temporary exhibits that come for a certain period of time. You'll always find favorites like the medical quackery gallery...the human body exhibit...and...the dinosaur habitat...which will thrill any prehistoric enthusiast. Many of the exhibits are interactive...along with being educational. There is alot to be learned here...even if you've previously visited. Some of the stations...especially in the sports/activities...and...medical quackery areas can get overly-busy as the activities are exciting. Just be prepared to bring your patience...and...enjoy your turn when it comes. Besides the fun exhibits...some galleries deal with minnesota's history...and...social issues: both current...and...past. Everybody leaves with something. The museum store is open limited hours...as is the lobby snack bar. You can always bring your own food/drinks...and...enjoy them in the designated dining locations. We have always had a pleasant experience at the Science Museum...and...will return at...

We are members and visit often but unfortunately every visit as of late has been utterly disappointing. We will NOT be renewing membership or visiting when this membership expires. There are many agendas being very obviously pushed throughout the exhibits, Omni shows, employees, etc. that goes far beyond what is actually considered science. There are serious biases behind the exhibits and shows, and it’s clear as day. The building is also not secure in any way and frankly I don’t feel safe there any more. At one of our visits I was approached in the lobby by a man asking for money. This man approached several people, all asking them aggressively for money. The staff clearly saw this and did nothing about it, just let the man continue to walk around the building, harassing their patrons. That, and almost every time we go - which has been fairly often, with a membership - the building is overrun with school or camp field trips. We have tried going different days and times but without fail every time we’ve decided to visit the museum this year, we are forced to share with multiple field trip groups. The groups are always, without fail, poorly managed and unsupervised, leading to exhibits being damaged, no room or space to move around, etc. They need to seriously manage the amount of groups they allow in at a given time or day- the amount allowed in now is just outrageous and leads to my family being unable to even use or experience the majority of the exhibits. It’s unbearable, and insulting as members of this museum to be treated so poorly by random school groups, and their chaperones. This museum is no longer of interest to my family for these reasons....