A Family Guide to the Bell Museum: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

If your family enjoys science, nature, wildlife, and hands-on learning, the Bell Museum in St. Paul deserves a spot on your Minnesota bucket list. Often called Minnesota’s official natural history museum, the Bell Museum combines fascinating exhibits, immersive wildlife displays, a state-of-the-art planetarium, and interactive learning experiences that appeal to curious kids and adults alike.

Whether you’re looking for a rainy-day activity, a homeschool field trip, or a weekend adventure, the Bell Museum offers something for every member of the family. Best of all, many of the exhibits encourage kids to ask questions, investigate, and explore at their own pace.

Here’s everything families need to know before visiting the Bell Museum.

Where Is the Bell Museum?

The Bell Museum is located on the University of Minnesota’s St. Paul campus, making it an easy day trip for families throughout the Twin Cities.

The modern museum opened in 2018 and combines Minnesota’s rich natural history with hands-on science experiences designed to inspire visitors of all ages.

Its convenient location also makes it easy to pair your visit with nearby parks, restaurants, or the University of Minnesota’s beautiful St. Paul campus.

Why Families Love the Bell Museum

Unlike many museums where visitors simply walk past displays, the Bell Museum encourages curiosity through interactive exhibits, educational activities, and immersive experiences.

Children can learn about:

Minnesota wildlife
Birds
Fossils
Astronomy
Climate
Ecosystems
Conservation
Natural history

Parents appreciate that kids are learning while having fun, making it a wonderful destination for school-age children.

Explore the Famous Wildlife Dioramas

One of the Bell Museum’s signature attractions is its world-renowned wildlife dioramas.

These incredibly detailed displays recreate Minnesota habitats with realistic scenery and native animals placed exactly as they would appear in nature.

Visitors may see:

Moose
Wolves
Foxes
White-tailed deer
Black bears
Bobcats
Owls
Waterfowl
Songbirds

The craftsmanship is remarkable, and kids often enjoy searching for hidden animals throughout each scene.

The exhibits also help children understand how different species live together in Minnesota’s forests, prairies, wetlands, and lakes.

Visit the Planetarium

One of the biggest highlights of any visit is the Whitney and Elizabeth MacMillan Planetarium.

Using stunning digital technology, visitors can journey through:

The solar system
Constellations
Distant galaxies
Black holes
The northern lights
Space exploration

Planetarium presentations are designed for a variety of ages, making them enjoyable for both children and adults.

Many kids leave talking about planets, stars, and astronauts long after the show ends.

Parent Tip

Purchase planetarium tickets in advance whenever possible, especially during weekends and school breaks, as shows often sell out.

Hands-On Learning for Curious Kids

Throughout the museum, interactive exhibits encourage children to become scientists themselves.

Kids can:

Examine fossils
Learn about animal adaptations
Explore Minnesota habitats
Investigate weather and climate
Discover how scientists study wildlife
Participate in educational activities

Many exhibits include buttons, puzzles, touchable displays, and digital experiences that keep children actively engaged.

Outdoor Learning Spaces

If the weather is nice, don’t miss the museum’s outdoor learning areas.

These spaces feature:

Native Minnesota plants
Pollinator gardens
Walking paths
Outdoor exhibits
Seasonal educational programming

Children can observe butterflies, bees, birds, and other wildlife while learning about Minnesota’s ecosystems firsthand.

It’s a wonderful way to extend your museum experience beyond the building.

Temporary Exhibits

In addition to its permanent galleries, the Bell Museum regularly hosts traveling exhibits and special educational displays.

Because these exhibits change throughout the year, each visit offers something new to discover.

Families with memberships often return several times each year to experience the newest exhibitions.

Is the Bell Museum Good for Younger Kids?

Absolutely—but it’s especially well suited for elementary-age children and older.

Best Ages

Preschool: ★★★☆☆
Elementary School: ★★★★★
Middle School: ★★★★★
High School: ★★★★★

While younger children will enjoy the animals and interactive displays, older kids are often better able to appreciate the science and educational content.

For many families, it’s the perfect museum once children have outgrown some of the toddler-focused attractions around the Twin Cities.

How Long Should You Plan to Stay?

Most families spend between two and three hours exploring the museum.

If you plan to attend a planetarium show and spend time outdoors, allow closer to three or four hours for your visit.

The museum is easy to navigate and doesn’t feel overwhelming, making it manageable even for younger visitors.

What to Bring

To make the most of your visit, consider bringing:

Comfortable walking shoes
Water bottles
Camera
Light jacket for outdoor exploration
Notebook for kids who enjoy drawing or taking notes
Portable phone charger

If you’re visiting during the school year, the museum can also be a wonderful supplement to science lessons.

Nearby Family Attractions

If you’d like to turn your Bell Museum visit into a full day of exploring, consider adding one of these nearby attractions:

Minnesota State Fairgrounds (when events are taking place)
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
Como Town (seasonal)
University of Minnesota St. Paul Campus
Local restaurants and cafés in St. Paul

Combining attractions makes for a fun and educational family day trip.

Why It’s Perfect for School-Age Kids

The Bell Museum strikes a wonderful balance between entertainment and education.

Children aren’t simply reading signs—they’re exploring, asking questions, making observations, and developing curiosity about the natural world.

For families with elementary and middle school students, it’s one of Minnesota’s best destinations for encouraging a lifelong love of science.

Whether your child dreams of becoming a veterinarian, wildlife biologist, astronaut, engineer, or simply enjoys learning about animals, the Bell Museum provides an experience that is both inspiring and memorable.

The Bell Museum may not have roller coasters or giant playgrounds, but it offers something equally valuable—the opportunity to spark curiosity.

From breathtaking wildlife dioramas and interactive science exhibits to the impressive planetarium and beautiful outdoor learning spaces, every part of the museum encourages families to explore the world around them.

It’s one of those rare attractions where children leave entertained while parents leave knowing the day was both fun and educational.

If you’re searching for an engaging family activity in the Twin Cities, especially for elementary-aged kids and curious teens, the Bell Museum is absolutely worth adding to your list. Rain or shine, it’s a destination that inspires learning, encourages exploration, and creates memories that last long after your visit ends.