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Science Museum of Minnesota
Category: Arts & Entertainment Museums Museums [Edit]
120 W Kellogg BlvdSaint Paul, MN 55102
Neighborhood: Downtown St. Paul
(651) 221-9444
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 9:30 am - 9:30 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
53 reviews for Science Museum of Minnesota
Review Highlights
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"The National Park Service staff members monitoring the..." In 3 reviews -
"Great exhibits, lots of hands-on displays, and friendly..." In 4 reviews -
"The Human Body was a very cool exhibit and teaches you..." In 4 reviews
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53 reviews in English
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Review from Zac S.
1/19/2012
Came here for a MIMA event today. Well organized and staffed - they had a guy standing in the gigantic lobby to direct traffic towards the event. Such fantastic views of the city and the river.
They also have mini golf (in the summer) but I was always turned off by the price to play - which is the price of admission. So if you want to mini golf you have to go see some crazy ass exhibit in 3D. But still. Great idea on a summer day.Comment from Science Museum of M. of Science Museum of Minnesota 1/25/2012
Thanks Zac. We're glad you had an awesome event experience… More » -
Review from Lisa M.
3/27/2012
Arrr!
We went on a recent weekend morning for the Pirates exhibit. The exhibit itself was great, the rest of the museum is okay. The rest of the museum is perfect for kids and curious adults.
The Pirate exhibit was a ton of fun and filled with great information. What I always wonder is, does anyone take any new information away with them from the exhibits? People seem to go through it very quick and don't read much. I guess I would think this would be a waste of money, since it was $25/person for the museum and the exhibit, to take anyone who wasn't truly interested. So, if you have time, patience and interest, check it out.
Like Kyle T, I think parking is a rip off and the exhibits are a bit dated. I think it's kind of expensive if you are not a member consider you can go to the Field in Chicago for less than it costs to visit this place. Don't get me wrong, I'm not hating on the place. I think the whole thing is just a bit overpriced.
So, load up the kids, good walking shoes, some hand sanitizer and head over to check it out. It's a good place on a dreary weekend to spend the day.Listed in: The Hot 100
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Review from kyle t.
1/28/2012
Great place to bring kids in the winter to get out of the cold, or just for the fun of it if.
There are a bunch of great, hands on things for kids and adults to get into. There is plenty of space here and a fun little layout. Everything from the musical stairs to the health and body displays. Lots of fun little experiments for your kids to try in the weather area and a very cool area on the Mississippi river which lays right behind the museum.
I only have two things that I don't like about this place. The first is a pretty standard complaint for anything in DT Saint Paul and that is parking. I don't think I've been down here when there isn't something going on and you always have to pay event parking, $10 or more. The other complaint is they really need to mix things up a little. It's been almost a year since I've been here and really nothing's changed. You think they could refresh it every now and then...move some things in and out and give it a little bit of a fresh feel.
Still a good family choice. Catch an IMAX film but plan ahead and get you tickets in advance.
KT -
Review from Lindsay F.
Austin, TX
5/22/2012
fabulous for all ages for all interests- i've actually never been with kids but they also seem to be having a blast. if you don't find something fascinating here, i recommend you take some time to exercise that mind of yours. haven't done any of the movies, just the minigolf course- a must if you live near the mighty mississippi!- and the exhibits. we got caught up on the childhood development- brains are nuts!- and the sound exhibit. i even sat through one of the historical science acts- the actors and writers nailed the audience and had everyone laughing and engaged. i won't expect anything else from those progressive, clever twin cities citizens, though. i hope public schools are able to cycle through there often to keep sharing the knowledge and interest. keep up the good work SMM!!
Comment from Science Museum of M. of Science Museum of Minnesota 5/23/2012
Thank you Lindsay. Glad to hear you had a great time. This… More » -
Review from Dan N.
St Paul, MN
4/28/2012
magnets, dinosaurs, quantum physics, what does it all mean? Where does it come from? Who am I? Great food court.
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Review from Cameron K.
San Francisco, CA
11/11/2011
I'm a nerd. So is my fiancee. We're those people who biked to Maker Faire and get perhaps too excited about thermodynamics. (Even though she went to art school and my BA is in History.) Science museums often have many of the same exhibits (like that pully discy thing for the bernoulli effect). What makes this museum special is the spectacular job introducing the beauty of natural Minnesota. Although children at heart, our adult group had a fantastic time.
One other thing: We are members of the Exploratorium in San Francisco which participates in the ASTC Passport Program...meaning that our membership provided free admission. -
Review from Krysten A.
St Paul, MN
9/22/2011
Ever since I was a kid, people have always hogged the tornado machine.
There's a lot at the Science Museum that has been around for a llloooooooonnngg time. I remember a lot of the exhibits from my early childhood. That giant fish fossil has always transfixed me.
Going there as an adult is a different experience. Now I have the patience to read all the instructions on the hands-on experiments. Last night I totally made a sweet magnet and then demagnetized it and then I learned about air currents and then I saw some really cute amoebas and then I tried to write my name backwards and upside down and then I saw these beetles eating a deer's skull and then and then and then...
I would definitely recommend going on their quarterly "adult" nights. There's (overpriced) alcohol, a DJ, and a bunch of extra activities and learning stations, and best of all, ZERO CHILDREN. Science is way better with alcohol and a 21+ crowd. I promise. Sincerely. -
Review from Lily K.
Sausalito, CA
11/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
A nice place to visit. You can check out the science displays as well as the visitor center for the National Park Service (Mississippi National River and Recreation Area). Definitely has some neat displays and cool interactive stuff. Week days towards closing time are nice and quiet so you get up close to stuff without all the kids.
My only dislike was that all the displays had tons and tons of text to read, it was a bit overwhelming. -
Review from Qaiser B.
10/6/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Science museum of Minnesota is a just one amazing place. You can easily conclude that they worked hard to make sure that the exhibits and other museum presentations are accessible to both children and adults, both mentally and physically. And perhaps it is because of this reason the museum is a great place for a family to spend time together and bond.
Moreover I am now a member of the Science Museum since last month. Which means I get to watch free Omni-theater shows, free museum entrance and discounts on special exhibits. With discounted parking and many other perks. I got the dual membership so I get to take one more person with me, meaning some of my friends are in for a treat.
Alas I know my membership will come handy during the long Minnesotan winter. -
Review from Lila C.
9/26/2011
I went to the Social Science: Fermentational Informational last week. Great time at the museum if you're looking to see the exhibits and get a hands on feel without little munchkins in the way.
$8 for museum and MPR members, $12 for nonmembers, at that price it was a steal with all the activities set up. Fermentation demonstrations, wine and beer tasting, Trivia Mafia, and plenty of tasty treats from French Meadow Cafe, El Burrito Mercado and Mississippi Market in addition to the regular exhibits. -
Review from Jill V.
Williams, IN
11/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
I really enjoyed this museum and wished that I had more time to spend there. The exhibits themselves are great and very interactive, but the best part of this museum is its extremely well-trained floor staff.
The staff presents a wide variety of interpretive presentations throughout the day. Do not miss these - catch as many as you can. There are also staffed activity stations throughout the museum that provide enhancements to your experience. These stations go beyond just the simple staffed prop display (although there are some of those) - they even have a laboratory set-up where children and adults can study cell biology, and another area where people can assist with the paleontology artifacts.
I didn't have time to catch one of the shows in the Omni Theater, but I heard good things about it while I was there.
Before/after visiting the museum, catch out the Mississippi River Visitor Center in the museum's lobby. This is a separate organization (National Park Service) and their visitor center is worth stopping by - particularly if you are interested in outdoor rec opportunities in the area. -
Review from Bill N.
St Paul, MN
6/27/2011
King Tut Exhibit - A little disappointing. It is not clear in the beginning exhibit(s) that the artifacts did not come from the Tut tomb. Also, the written description of each of these items was extremely vague to the point of being uninformative. The actual tomb items were also limited.
At a $30 price point (per person), I expected more artifacts and more explanation about the items and the history of the dig that unearthed the tomb.
Ordinarily the Science Museum is fantastic - this exhibit is mediocre. -
Review from Ks K.
St Paul, MN
9/9/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Awesome! King Tut on the last day, not too busy for a Saturday (weather outside is perfect). Very efficient staff, moving people through, ticketing.
The exhibits are the best. We always learn something, even for exhibits we've seen before.
Parking is easy & the garage/ ramp is so close. -
Review from Rachel E.
Minneapolis, MN
7/22/2011
I went here for a fun date night with the bf. It was the perfect choice. I hadn't been there since elementary school and was so excited to see some of the things I remembered.
We chose a Thursday night because they have a special deal for college students starting at 5 p.m. ($18 for omnitheater, King Tut exhibit, and museum admission). It was well worth the price for such a fun time. Another perk of the package, the museum was not busy at all so we were able to do everything.
One thing I never realized when I was little: how completely STUNNING the setting is. There are massive windows and terraces that overlook the river.
Three favorites of the night:
1. Being a kid again - it was a great change of pace for date nights
2. The musical stairs - too cool, I want them in my house
3. Captain's room in the Towboat - gorgeous panoramic view
Loved it. -
Review from Sam H.
6/29/2011
This museum didn't blow me away, but it's still a cool place to check out, especially with kids. A lot of the exhibits feel a little dated, but they're still interesting. I can't imagine wanting to come back and see these exhibits again, however. With that said, there are lots of revolving events that come to the museum (King Tut, Body Worlds, movies), so I'd come back for that. There are lots of hands-on activities and demonstrations, all of the people working here are really nice and genuinely excited about what they do.
The museum also puts on an event called Social Science, which is a 21+ event held every few months. There are a couple bars throughout the museum selling wine, a Summit pale ale and Bud Light (gross). It was kind of strange because you could drink in some random parts of the museum, but for the most part you needed to stay in a confined area to drink, which was kind of disappointing. There were really cool demonstrations and games every half-hour, all of which surround a different theme each time this event it put on. -
Review from Jon C.
6/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have loved and visited this museum since I was a child. Unfortunately, now that I have grown older and experienced a plethora of other museums, it has lost a bit of that childhood luster.
However, this museum is still legit and still brings in a number of interesting exhibits. Most recently, I attended their "King Tut" exhibit during a "Social Science" event. The entry into the museum + exhibit was $21 ($13 for museum members) which I thought was slightly high but still alright due to the fact that I could troll around the musuem with a beer in hand.
The King Tut exhibit was interesting yet slightly sparce/dissapointing. It was put together nicely, was informative, and entertaining. However, let it be known that the real "King Tut" AKA his body and original tomb will never leave Egypt. Thus the "body" on display at the Science Museum is simply a CT scan replication. In addition, 50+ artificats of King Tut's "four rooms of treasures" are on display. With all that said, it is still a unique exhibit worth a visit.
The rest of the museum is geared more towards children. The 3rd, 4th, and 5th floor have a number of exhibits ranging from fossils to the human body that can keep the rugrats entertained. For the adults, the Omnitheater and the terrace on the 6th level provide a great escape from the museum.
All in all, the Science Museum is a great spot for family outings or unique dates. -
Review from Kristen S.
San Diego, CA
12/5/2011 3 photos
This is such an interesting and interactive science museum, and I have been to many of them. I came here with a friend and her 11 year old little sister. We all had a really good time. They have a science lab for kids where they can do their own experiments.
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Review from Ryan N.
Uptown, Minneapolis, MN
2/23/2011
I LOVE the SCIENCE MUSEUM. I have ever since I was a child.
My girlfriend and I try to make regular visits as new exhibits are featured. We recently went to the King Tut exhibit. I have always fascinated by Ancient Egypt, Pharaohs, Mummies and the architecture of the ancient civilization. This exhibit is nothing short of amazing. To consider that the artifacts on display are over 3000 years old is mind blowing. I spent hours just examining the details that these people put into their funerary offerings. I have never been to Egypt and seen the pyramids. But after this exhibit it has definitely renewed my interest in this culture.
I would definitely suggest going to see such rare items. Oh and always, see the omni theatre show. -
Review from christina p.
Phoenix, AZ
8/18/2010
Spent a few hours here just in the Dead Sea Scroll exhibit. Would definitely be interested in returning to see the rest of the museum. The building is beautiful. They did a great job spacing displays so you didn't have to feel like you were fighting a mob to see things.
I did think it was weird that they went through my purse - felt like a metal detector would be next. The "security procedures" seemed overkill. -
Review from Erik T.
Minneapolis, MN
2/27/2012
The museum is definitely geared toward teaching children and some adults may have some trouble being mentally stimulated. If you have kids or want to attempt to reach back in time and experience child-like wonder, the Science Museum can be fun. I've attended 5 or 6 of the big special exhibits (the Dead Sea Scrolls etc.) and have enjoyed all of them. These are primarily the opportunity for adults to learn more at their level as these attempt to reach children, but seem to be more at an adult intellectual level than the rest of the museum.
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Review from Steph L.
Circle Pines, MN
11/26/2011
Fabulous place to go for all ages! Didn't mind the higher rate this year. The facility has so much to see and do - my husband and I have a ton of fun every time we go. And, we learn a little bit more each time. A great place to go on a rainy Saturday or when there's nothing else to do. Highly recommend!
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Review from Nick L.
Minneapolis, MN
2/12/2009 ROTD 2/16/2010
I haven't been to very many science museums in my life (just St. Paul and Chicago), but this is a great place to visit for those who enjoy learning about the world, no the universe. There are plenty of interactive exhibits on many of the disciplines of science.
Like physics? Check out the lowest level attractions on force, energy, and the like. Is meteorology your thing? Again, the lower level has more than you'd like to know about weather patterns, and the effect that the sun has on the changing of the seasons. Do biology and genetics excite you? The third floor (I could be wrong) has plenty of information about diseases and genetics. You should have gotten my point by now.
There are also traveling exhibits that continually pass through here, some of them more educational than others. Seriously, Star Wars is not science! The CSI exhibit also wasn't that great. Also, check out the Omnitheater. It features shows specially filmed for such a large screen, just don't sit too close to the front.
Some negatives: the traveling exhibits, mini-golf, and Omnitheater cost extra. The wealth of material here can be overwhelming by the time you get to the bottom floor. But don't skip it! In addition to physics and meteorology the bottom floor also has dinosaur skeletons! Stegosauruses rock!
PS-The museum has a great view overlooking the Mississippi and features exhibits specifically about Minnesota's geology. -
Review from Kyle K.
Oakland, CA
12/30/2009
OK, this is not the Science Museum that I loved going to as a kid. You know what, its better! The space is amazing, really open with great views. We went just before Christmas which was great because it was nearly empty. The exhibits were great and educational for kids and adults.
The Minnesota focus in a few of the exhibits was appreciated, I think its a wonderful idea to help kids have pride in the area where they live. We missed the Titanic exhibit because we didn't have much time, so we will definitely be back. -
Review from Finn K.
Minneapolis, MN
8/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
My experience as a student here was terrible. It's very clear that this place is a business first and an inadequate educational experience second. The manager Juliet was clearly a racist, demanding my Asian friend produce a school ID no older than 1 year old while accepting mine that was 2 years old just because it was the UofM. Its always annoying when white trash try to play the elitist. The prices are just outrageous for what they have to offer too. I would say avoid!
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Review from Jared M.
1/19/2007
Booooo!
Oh man, I read about the new museum years before it was built and I just couldn't wait for it to finally open. I imagined it as a more futuristic, more elaborate version of the Science Museum I had practically grown up in. I would fly through it in a jetpack and upload knowledge into my brain directly from a computer.
But then when I finally set foot in the new museum, what happened? It just plain SUCKED! Where were the stairs that played notes when you stomped up them? Where was the giant TicTacToe game that you could never win? Where was the Native American corn grinder? Where was the dingy basement cafeteria?
What most disturbed me is that the science presented by the new museum had absolutely no soul. It's amazing how much the design of a museum can ruin your appreciation of the beauty of the natural world.
Boooooooo! -
Review from Kat C.
Boulder, CO
6/3/2009
Expensive parking and expensive tickets.
After growing up with the exploratorium and the academy of sciences, I felt this museum was average. The dinosaurs/evolution, weather (not surprising as this is the midwest) and physics exhibits were really cool. However, some of the local history exhibits were pretty one dimensional.
I think the museum is worth a visit if you're in the area, but maybe not worth coming to minneapolis/st. paul for the science museum alone. -
Review from Nadine Y.
Minneapolis, MN
9/27/2010
Ooookay, let's just put it out there - I got strept throat from the cells/disease/bacteria/doctor exhibit. Yeah, that's right. Laugh now. Ironic - I know.
Oh, and always make sure to bring a business card with you. Tons of corporate discounts. -
Review from Dave J.
Tucson, AZ
9/19/2010
WEDDING RECEPTION REVIEW.
So I may be biased since the two of us love science museums, but this is a FANTASTIC venue for a wedding reception. The elements cafe is completely transformed from high school cafeteria into a fabulous dining area, there is a lovely patio that looks over the Mississippi river and there is ample room for people to dine dance and mingle. Highly recommended! -
Review from Kendra M.
Denver, CO
4/17/2007
I'm not sure when the other person visited, but when I went back in 04 I thought this placed rocked. During my years moving from place to place, I've used the Science Museum of Minnesota as a measuring stick to all the others. Let me tell you, the others didn't even compare to how awesome I thought this place was.
Inlayed maps on the floor, the human body exhibit, and just the lay out of the place. I'd visit this museum on a date or take some kids here. -
Review from Steve W.
Andover, MN
12/31/2008
We went here specifically to see the CSI exhibit but ended up enjoying every other aspect of this place even more. The CSI exhibit was okay, but the full-time exhibits were very interesting (can't wait to go back with the kids, who we did not take since the CSI thing was a bit graphic). The show at the Omnitheatre was very well done, although it took a while to get used to the screen.
The cafe upstairs was a nice surprise. Really good, fresh, and different food, with many options for vegetarians. It was also very reasonably priced.
Even the gift shop was great! Lot's of truly unique things that I haven't seen anywhere else.
Overall we enjoyed it so much that we're getting annual passes for the family. -
Review from Rachel K.
6/22/2011
I just went to my first Social Science Event at the Science Museum tonight and I absolutely LOVED it. . Social Science is event that is held once a month, from 7-11pm where the museum is just for 21+. People can visit the museum and see the exhibits plus there are activities Trivia Competition, Science Live Demonstrations and you can perform experiments in the Cell Lab. Beer and wine are available for purchase, not too expensive as a glass of wine was only $6, plus free food samples. As a single adult it was nice to go to the museum without any children being there. I would go to the Science Museum more, but I don't really want to deal with all the families on the weekends so this was the perfect event. Tickets were not expensive, $8 for regular admission, $15 for admission and to go to the King Tut exhibit. I will definitely being going back again next month.
Listed in: The best of St. Paul
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Review from Jennifer S.
Saint Paul, MN
10/3/2010
Went for the "Waste to Waves" exhibit *free* in the lobby Oct. 1-3, 2010.
Saturday was my first time in the "new" location. I loved the big open space feeling and the large windows facing the mighty Mississippi River, then at 17' above flood stage. The National Park Service staff members monitoring the display were very friendly, helpful and informative during the time Dr. Marcus Eriksen of Algalita Marine Research Foundation was on a break. This exhibit was very informative and yet disturbing at the same time. Those disposable plastic bottles that are everywhere can wind up in our great river, and, eventually, out into our oceans, wreaking havoc in nature. As one of the exhibit panels read about them (plastic bottles): Made to last. Designed for trash.
Another display in the lobby was captivating - varying air bubbles rising in clear tubes of water. I could relax and watch that for hours, man... I'd like to install one of smaller scale in my living room.
Parking in their ramp was easy, but a bit spendy. $5 for 1/2 - 1 hour? Well... my friend and I clocked out at 1 hour and 5 minutes. It then cost $6. She, being a regular of this place informed me the ramp is a scam. She has clocked her own time, carefully gauging her car's clock against the time stamped on the ticket given at point of entry, and then comparing both clocks again at the point of exit - the ramp's clock is "fast" which allows them to collect more money for parking (in or case yesterday, an extra dollar). -
Review from Sal K.
12/12/2009 3 Check-ins Here
I haven't been to the Science Museum in a while because it seems too expensive, but I did stop in today specifically to do some holiday shopping at their gift shop. I love their gift shop. I have fond memories of shopping there when I was a kid after school field trips to the Science Museum.
The shop is filled with hundreds, if not thousands, of perfect gift ideas for my science-loving 7 year old boy (and his equally science-curious mom!). Fossils, rocks, dinosaurs, insects, weather, math, chemistry, detective stuff, puzzles, space exploration, animals, the human body....you name it, it's here and the prices are fair. Just remember, you'll have to pay to park to shop here. ...that's the only reason why I'm not giving it 5 stars. -
Review from Nicole V.
Minneapolis, MN
10/26/2009
Yeah, not so much. For all the traveling exhibits there i thought it would be more "ADULT". Cool stuff to look at like the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry but it was really more of a Children's Museum. That wasn't really clear on their web site.
The place is small but there is plenty to do, and we did poke around for a while. Though there are 3 floors there isn't much on the 1st or 2nd. And the special exhibits cost $12 extra and you cant go to them alone so in order to see the traveling exhibits you have to spend $23.
So ... it is Great for Kids, Expensive for Adults. -
Review from Ericka B.
Minneapolis, MN
5/16/2008
Maybe I'm just jaded from having grown up with much better science museums in Southern California, but I was pretty disappointed with this place & have only managed to patronize it once or twice. It's overpriced & a little on the boring side.
It could also be that these things are usually geared toward kids & I am neither a kid nor do I have any.
Nah, that's not it. -
Review from Geoffrey R.
San Antonio, TX
5/13/2010
It's a solid science museum but it's really not comparable to similar museums I've experienced in bigger, coastal metro areas.
The exhibits are generally fun and interactive (though far too many geological specimens in my opinion) but it's geared pretty specifically (and exclusively) to families and children.
As an adult without children, I don't think I'll be going back anytime soon unless a special exhibit or IMAX film of interest is being featured. -
Review from Chanstay Y.
Saint Paul, MN
11/12/2009
This is one of my favorite places to take my daughter. I have a membership which I think is a great deal if you live in the city because it's great to go to when you can't find anything else to do.
I was there just this past weekend with my 10y/o and her friend and they had so much fun while learning. Be sure to do some of the experiments. They learned how to subtract DNA and stain blood on slides. When I go, I always make sure we learn something, I don't think enough people do that, lots of people seem to just play, but there is so much to learn. Also there are tons of staff and volunteers that are very helpful and knowledgeable.
I have been to other science museums and this one is far better than all of those. -
Review from Jeremy M.
Zimmerman, MN
2/16/2010
Love to go here with the family. We are members, so we get a discount on special exhibits and the Omni theatre. We make this trip several times a year!
Very interesting and interactive for the kids. There are standard display items that it would take a long time to get everything out of, they also change the special exhibit frequently enough that there is always something new to see.
There -
Review from Jennifer D.
Chicago, IL
8/27/2010
While this museum has an interesting and eclectic mix of things to look at, it is pretty small and pared down compared with museums I've been to in other comparably sized cities. Also, it's MUCH MORE GEARED TOWARDS CHILDREN than adults, something I wish I knew before going! Nice building and great location- but be ye warned about the swarms of small kids!
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Review from jenny A.
Saint Paul, MN
10/4/2010
Ok, in my little museums list, I kind of singled out the science museum to an example of the problematic, over-priced big museum. That was unfair. I regret it now since I actually took the time to go there recently.
This was a great place to take my four year old son and my 65 year old mom. It truly has something for everyone. The staff here were really wonderful. The woman at the fossil counter spent about half an hour with me and my kid showing us fossils in the microscope and giving us information about local fossil hunting. Also their paleontology department discovered a dinosaur species, (which my mom dissed as being "just an Alligator') in North Dakota and they have a whole big exhibit devoted to the Cretacious period in my home state. If you are a geology nerd like, me, you'll dig that. This museum is expensive, especially if you go to the touring shows like Bodyworlds or the Dead Sea Scrolls, but admission for me and my kid to the basic museum was under $20 which isn't too bad, considering the quantity and quality of the displays. We were there four hours and he was entertained the whole time. We didn't begin to scratch the surface of everything you can do. My suggestion is to go several times a year to get a flavor for their whole collection.
