The city of Bloomington is home to an astonishing number of museums — almost 60 in total — ranging from science and media, to history and culture. Whether you are visiting on your own or with the family, here are some museums worth a peek. 
The Bakken Library and Museum
If you are looking for an electrifying experience, the Bakken Museum mainly features exhibits relating to electricity, the story behind Frankenstein, and even plant-based medicine. Hands-on activities will help children uncover the mysteries of magnetism. Young visitors can also see a show about a mad scientist’s creation and the tragic life that unfolded. Finally, museum-goers will appreciate the history of plants being used as medicine throughout time in different cultures and what these natural healing sources might give us in the future.
Science Museum of Minnesota
Both young and old people will appreciate the variety of topics in this museum. Exhibits range from paleontology, physical science, technology, and the human body, to peoples and cultures of the Mississippi River, and even dinosaurs. Visitors can also watch a film at the Omnitheater, which has the world’s largest giant domed screen, towering at 90 feet. Prepare to be amazed at the museum’s jewel: the world’s only four real mounted Triceratops specimens. For the sports fans, an exhibit titled Sportsology shows the mechanics involved in making that tennis racket swing or the work involved in scoring that goal in soccer.
American Swedish Insitute
Switching over to culture, the state of Minnesota is home to many people of Scandinavian culture. This museum showcases the traditions, migrations, and arts and crafts of the Nordic culture. Visitors to the Turnblad Mansion, the castle-like former residence of Swedish immigrants, can expect to learn about Viking culture. Children’s exhibits teach the little ones about life as a Viking. For the adults, the Norse Saga Room holds interior design pieces that were inspired by Norse mythology and VIking artifacts; the works date back to the late 1800s.
The Museum of Russian Art
The only one of its kind in North America, this cultural museum holds Russian artifacts and art pieces. Suited more for the older historical enthusiast, the Museum of Russian Art explores the art and culture of the early Eastern Slavic culture, Muscovite Russia to the 300-year-old Russian Empire, the succeeding Soviet Union, its former republics, and post-Soviet Russia. This museum is certainly worth a visit in order to glimpse into the soul of the largest nation in the world throughout many centuries.
Walker Art Center
Lastly, this museum hosts an array of contemporary art items. The acclaimed Newsweek once called the Walker Art Center “possibly the best contemporary art museum in the U.S.” The museum is also home to a contemporary art garden, which features a giant spoon with a cherry on top (you be the judge on the meaning). The center also features a cinema and a stage for performances.
Visitors to Bloomington can expect to be dazzled by a plethora of museums encompassing science and culture.
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