Hennepin History Museum

It's just across the street from the Minneapolis Institute of the Arts, but the Hennepin History Museum shouldn't be overlooked. People who enjoy history in general, or people who are specifically interested in the happenings in Minneapolis and greater Hennepin County, will enjoy a visit here. The museum frequently livens up its exhibits with sometimes downright quirky special exhibits.

Best and words time to go to the Hennepin History Museum
The best time to go is on a weekday afternoon (but check the website for opening hours, as they vary by day), when it's quiet. Weekends and Thursday evenings (the one night it's open) are busier.

Must see/do at the Hennepin History Museum
The museum is housed within an old historic mansion, well worth visiting just for that. The staff frequently change out the exhibits, meaning that there are usually new things to see, whether it's a collection of local artwork or a curated view of a themed topic (a recent exhibit focused on Hennepin County's bygone restaurants). The museum shop is small, but carries a surprising number of out-of-print books.

Admission to the Hennepin History Museum
Admission runs $3-5 dollars, with the lowest prices for seniors and students. Children ages 6 and under, along with Hennepin History Museum members, have free admission. Note: the building is not fully accessible, and to see all the exhibits, you will need to be able to climb stairs.

Parking and public transportation to the Hennepin History Museum
There is metered parking on the street, and about a block away is the Minneapolis Institute of the Arts parking ramp and lot, both fee-based. Metro Transit has several bus lines that stop nearby.

Food at the Hennepin History Museum
There is no restaurant at the museum. There is a restaurant with limited hours at the Minneapolis Institute of the Arts, or a few blocks away is a stretch of Nicollet Avenue known as Eat Street with dozens of restaurants.

Insider tip for visitors to the Hennepin History Museum
If you're planning on visiting on one of the hottest days of summer, be aware that the building has no air conditioning and has been known to close when the weather is unbearable. Call ahead to make sure it's open.

Author's bio: Amy C. Rea is the author of Minnesota, Land of 10,000 Lakes: an Explorer's Guide, and Backroads & Byways of Minnesota. Her third book, Camping Minnesota, will be published in 2016.