It may call itself a “historical research facility”, but for the thousands of visitors to this remarkable building, the Minnesota History Center is the place where the North Star State's history comes bursting to life. It has a huge exhibit dedicated to grabbing the attention of the kids, a museum theatre that stages plays steeped in Minnesota history and a wacky, fun-filled variety show that is as loud as it is informative. It also has a library, meeting rooms, classrooms and restaurants.
The centre lies on the edge of central Saint Paul, not far from the state's Capitol building. This solid, imposing façade of granite, limestone, marble and hardwood – all topped by three copper domes – was built in 1993. As well as being home to all manner of exhibits that excite and stimulate, the Minnesota History Center also stores a vast amount of the state's historical materials. Hundreds of thousands of books, photos and maps are held with over a million archaeological artefacts, as well as millions of newspapers. Much of this horde is accessible to the public.
But what most people come here for is the chance to get fully immersed in the historical events that have shaped this Midwestern state. You'll get to step into the richly decorated tipi home of the Dakotan Indians, travel in an old-time 19th-century box car or experience the full force of a raging Midwest tornado. Many of the centre's objects are also available to touch, feel and use at the “History a la Cart” stations scattered around the exhibits.
There are also “History Players” to hand – a different one each day – who will tell you some of the gripping stories of Minnesota's past. It could be the tale of the explorers who claimed this area for France, the struggle for survival of the early German and Swedish settlers or the brutal clashes of the 1862 US-Dakota War. And that's what makes the Minnesota History Center stand out – its determination not to let the dust settle on this state's rousing history.
