Minnesota Historical Society in Saint Paul, MN 55102

The non-profit Minnesota Historical Society (MHS) is a fabulous resource for local parents and visitors alike.

MHS administers 26 historic sites, museums, living history centers, and other attractions throughout the state, with eight located right in the Twin Cities. The others make for great road trip destinations or stopovers.

The sites offer special programming and ongoing exhibits; Fort Snelling and the Mill City Museum also offer birthday parties. Some sites are open only during the summer, but the year-round attractions cover any lack; the Mill City Museum, History Center, and State Capitol are some of our favorites among those.

MHS's costumed interpreters are particularly outstanding, offering entertaining, educational presentations that just ooze authenticity at many sites. The facilities are all well-maintained, and almost all offer conveniences such as concessions. The organization's easily navigable website provides comprehensive site and event listings, as well as a wealth of information for history buffs and students working on reports about people and places in Minnesota history; families looking to trace their heritage can find lots of help there and at the History Center Library.

Family membership is a steal at only $75/year. It includes free admission to MHS sites, so a family of four can make back the cost by visiting just two or three sites, while also supporting this vital organization. A $55 Senior Household Membership for ages 65 and older includes admission for children under 18, giving grandparents a chance to get in on the savings, and there's also an Individual Plus option at $65, which includes one free guest admission per visit. Members are also entitled to reciprocity privileges nationwide, and discounts on classes, camps, programming, concessions, and gift shop merchandise.