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Northeast Minnesota Museums Offer a Wide Variety

By Ellie M. Bayrd Minnesota Monthly

I'm a big fan of museums and historical sites. Minnesota is chock full of interesting destinations to visit, no matter your area of interest or where you are in the state. Hence, Minnesota Museums Month in May, to let people know about the many choices (there are around 600 in the state!) available.

To show you an example of the amazing variety of museums and historical sites you can find here, I decided to turn my attention to the northeast corner of the state and share a few places you might visit.

3M Museum, Two Harbors
You use their products, but maybe you don't know the company's local connection. This museum is dedicated to the story of Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing (3M) and its roots in the Dwan Building of Two Harbors. Take a guided tour of the property and learn their story. Open Fri. noon-5 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sun. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (open seven days a week after Memorial Day). Admission: $1-3.

Duluth Art Institute, Duluth
This art center displays an ever-revolving series of exhibitions. Take the kids to see Arts Illustrated and look at how these children's book illustrations help create the worlds of stories, featuring the works of some regional artists. The retrospective exhibit Brian Barber focuses on the gently twisted work of another children's book illustrator (Henry, You're Late Again, Alphabet Soup). Open Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 1-5 p.m. Admission: Free for most galleries.

Split Rock Lighthouse, Two Harbors
Learn about the history of the light station, the North Shore, and more in the exhibit area before taking a guided tour of the station. A quarter-mile hike will get you in the perfect position to get a great photo of the lighthouse. Summer hours: open daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission: $6-9.

International Wolf Center, Ely
I've always wanted to check out the wolf station. This Ely destination advances the survival of wolves and educates about these animals. Explore the exhibits or sit in on sessions like "Pup 101" and "Wolves of the World." The wolf enclosure features Great Plains and Arctic wolves. Open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: $4.50-$8.50.