Science Museum of Minnesota, Minneapolis

Get ready for a hands-on adventure! Test your skills at steering a river barge, peer into real human tissue under a microscope, dig into dinosaur fossils, and experiment with the forces of magnetism. Create a mini tornado, step inside a traditional Hmong house, and marvel at exhibits so engaging they bring in over a million visitors each year. (Heads up: during summer, winter holidays, and school breaks, the museum opens its doors for extended hours; weekends can get crowded, while Mondays are typically off.)

One crowd-pleaser is the collection from the legendary Museum of Questionable Medical Devices, which joined the lineup after the quirky private museum closed its doors. Curious minds can see a phrenology machine that reads your personality by examining the bumps on your head, along with a menagerie of quirky “medical” contraptions powered by vibration and electricity.

In the lobby, you’ll find the Mississippi River Visitor Center, your go-to for river info, maps, souvenirs, and expert advice from National Park Service rangers about local outdoor activities. Be sure to check the center’s website for the latest hours.

And before diving into the museum itself, swing by the public patio to your left. It’s the perfect spot to soak in stunning views of the Mississippi River, framed by the Wabasha, Robert, and Smith street bridges.