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A Day at the Museum: Some Unique Museums in Minneapolis
Are you relocating to the Minneapolis and St. Paul area and looking for exciting, educational places to explore? There are more than 350 museums across Minnesota, from the Minneapolis Institute of Art to the Spam Museum.
Many of the finest museums in the state are in Minneapolis. The Museum of Russian Art, the American Swedish Institute, and the Weisman Art Museum are all places you should definitely visit.
If you’re looking for something a little more unusual, then you’re in luck. Minneapolis has plenty of museums that are a bit unusual.
Read on as we take a look at a few unique museums in Minneapolis.
House of Balls
Not just in Minneapolis, this is one of the most unique museums in the world.
Sculptor Allen Christian has been displaying his works in this museum for nearly thirty years. His sculptures include items made out of pressure cookers, crankshafts, and even chicken feet. The museum gets its name from Christian’s most distinctive works: sculptures carved out of bowling balls.
If you’re looking for an experience that is truly exclusive to Minneapolis, then make sure you visit the House of Balls.
Twin City Model Railroad Museum
One of Minnesota’s most unique destinations has the goal to entertain and educate – the Twin Cities Model Railroad Museum.
This 10,000 square foot museum, built and operated by volunteers, has been delighting visitors young and old for more than 75 years. The interactive train layouts and hands-on exhibits cover real railroad history, the world of model railroading, as well as toy train collecting.
Explore the history of the railway and trains in this panorama view of the Twin Cities from the 1930s through the 1950s through interactive layouts in all model scales and sizes. This must-see local gem is fun for visitors of all ages. Kids can even operate some of the displays!
During the holiday season, from Thanksgiving through New Year’s, check out “Night Trains,” a fun event where they dim the house lights, and the train lights provide a spectacular dazzling backdrop to the wintery scenes.
Minnesota Transportation Museum
If miniature trains just aren’t big enough for you, and you want to check out the life-size versions, visit the Minnesota Transportation Museum located at the historic Jackson Street Roundhouse. Formerly a steam engine maintenance building for The Great Northern Railroad it is now home to everything from vintage locomotives to passenger cars.
Travel through history exploring exhibits that feature local and regional railway and bus history. Examine 50 historic train cars all located in a building that represents a significant part of Twin Cities history.
Experience an operating roundhouse turntable — one of the last of its kind in the country. See the restoration of historic railroad equipment and even view blacksmith demonstrations!
Walk through restored trains and even take a trip down the tracks in an old caboose.
Ready to Experience the Best Museums in Minneapolis?
Aside from the museums in Minneapolis, the city has plenty more to offer.
If you visit and fall in love, we’re here to help. Metcalf Moving & Storage has been helping people move in Minneapolis for 100 years. We specialize in handling the moving needs of families and businesses in Minnesota and beyond.
If you would like to know more about our services, get in touch.
