For many years, Smithsonian Free Museum Day was in September. It was a national day where participating museums, zoos, and cultural centers provide free admission to anyone presenting a Museum Day ticket. It’s usually been honored on the third Saturday of September.
It hasn’t happened since 2022, but now the Minnesota Historical Society is offering FREE admission to 11 sites on September 19, 2026!
There are 26 historic locations that are part of the Minnesota Historical Society. Some are free, but many do charge admission. Here is a list of 11 places that usually charge admission but will be FREE on September 19th:
METRO
- James J. Hill House, St. Paul (Self-guided tours only)
- Historic Fort Snelling, St. Paul (pictured above)
- Minnesota History Center, St. Paul
- Minnesota State Capital, St. Paul.
- Oliver H. Kelley Farm, Elk River.
- Mill City Museum, Minneapolis.
GREATER MINNESOTA
- Jeffers Petroglyphs, Comfrey
- Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post, Onamia
- Forest History Center, Grand Rapids
- Folsom House, Taylors Falls.
- Split Rock Lighthouse, Two Harbors.
Be sure to get your free tickets online before you go!
Other ways to save on admission here
The Minnesota History Center is FREE on Thursday nights.
Minnesota 6th Graders can get a FREE 6th Grade Minnesota History Pass to use for free admission to Minnesota Historical Society sites and museums.
If you are a Bank of America cardholder, you may qualify for free admission the first full weekend of each month through their Museums on Us program.
The Minnesota History Center – and all the Minnesota Historical Society sites – offer discounted admission for limited income families through their limited income program. Admission is $4.
See my guide:
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