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Why Families Are Obsessed With the Minnesota Discovery Center

Katie Heruth

You’ll Never Guess What’s Hidden in Northern Minnesota—The Discovery Center Is a Must-Visit!

Address: 1005 Discovery Dr, Chisholm, MN 55719

About the Minnesota Discovery Center 

Looking for a family-friendly destination in Northern Minnesota with outdoor adventure and hands-on fun for all ages? Head north to the Minnesota Discovery Center in Chisholm. It’s Minnesota’s official museum of the Iron Range and one of the largest museums outside of the Twin Cities metro area.

Sprawled across 660 scenic acres, the Minnesota Discovery Center (MDC) invites families to learn about the people, land, and powerful stories that shaped the Iron Range. From indoor exhibits to outdoor adventures, it’s an excellent place for curious kids and parents alike.

In fact, the MDC offers an exciting mix of education and entertainment! Its wide-open spaces let kids roam freely, while rich stories connect visiting families to Minnesota’s past. MDC is also stroller-friendly, thoughtfully designed, and full of hidden gems—whether you are riding a trolley, picnicking in the park, or digging into family genealogy at the research center.

kids play room at the Minnesota discovery center

Plan Your Visit

Located in Chisholm, about 3.5 hours north of the Twin Cities, the Minnesota Discovery Center is well worth the drive. Admission is affordable, and discounts are available for members and large groups. Whether planning a summer road trip or a snowy weekend escape, the MDC is a must-stop destination for curious Minnesota families exploring the Iron Range.

Engaging Exhibits for All Ages

The museum has over 15 exhibits that explore regional geology, mining, immigration, and labor history. Kids can marvel at dinosaur fossils, walk through a recreated early 20th-century town, or explore the fight for workers’ rights in the Iron Range Labor Story. Rotating exhibits and interactive displays keep the experience fresh for return visits.

Play Studio for Littlest Explorers

Families with young kids won’t want to miss the Play Studio, designed for children ages 6 months to 11 years. This creative, hands-on space encourages open-ended play with natural and tactile materials. Admission to the studio is included with your museum ticket, so let the kids dig in and play while you explore nearby exhibits.

Ride the Trolley Through History

Hop aboard the MDC’s historic trolley for a ride through Glen Location, a former mining community. This seasonal tour (Memorial Day through November) brings Iron Range history to life with stories, sights, and a whole lot of vintage charm. The tour will be a highlight for all ages!

Outdoor Fun: Mini Golf, Redhead Trails & Recreation Rentals

After your trolley tour and museum experience, step outside and enjoy the many other outdoor adventures here! Take on the MDC’s 19-hole, mining-themed mini golf course. Or, if your crew is feeling more adventurous, explore the famous Redhead MTB Park. It offers 28 miles of mountain biking trails carved through dramatic mine-pit landscapes of the Iron Range. 

Depending on the season, you can also rent bikes, canoes, kayaks, and snowshoes on-site.

three kids playing mini golf at mn discovery center
Families playing mining-themed 19-hole mini golf

Related Article: Guide to Visiting the North Shore of Minnesota with Kids

Experience Highlights

  • Free admission every Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • 15+ museum exhibits (permanent and rotating) 
  • Winter recreation rentals, like snowshoes, to explore on-site trails
  • Summer recreation rentals, like canoe and kayak rentals
  • Indoor play studio
  • Trolley Tours
  • Summer mini golf
  • Civilian Conservation Corps Museum + Veterans Memorial
  • Shuttle service to trails and the beach
  • Redhead MTB Park, with miles of mountain bike trails
  • Regular events and live music
  • On-site gift shop
skateboarder doing tricks
Youth Mental Health Night – is a free event for the community to come to the campus

Know Before You Go to the Minnesota Discovery Center

*All images are courtesy of Minnesota Discovery Center.

Antonia Grant is a Minnesota mom + freelance writer who loves encouraging parents to find ways to connect and make memories with their kids. She’s a firm believer in providing children with experiences over things. You can find more from Antonia and her family adventures on Instagram @knead.to.roam and on her website. She shares all things family travel, outdoor adventures, and their favorite foodie finds.

 

Families can rent kayaks or canoes, take the shuttle down to Redhead Pit and have all the gear and equipment to explore the red cliffs and turquoise waters.

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