The Bakken Museum

This place truly has something for everyone. Well worth a visit if you’re in the area, and looking for a museum that touches on a number of the sciences. I really enjoyed the gardens and architecture of the site. Maddie at the front desk was super friendly!

Had an amazing time talking with a few of the workers, especially loved getting shown around the rooftop garden and the medicinal plants! Museum is adorable, love the architecture. Lots of history and fun for all ages

The Bakken Museum is a treasured venue that sits on a hill overlooking Bde Maka Ska (formerly known as Lake Calhoun). The former West Winds mansion with a slate roof and Gothic architecture was purchased by engineer and inventor Earl Bakken who invented the pacemaker and was a co-founder of Medtronic. The museum appeals to all ages and has fun and educational interactive displays. A favorite display is the Frankenstein Room. There is also a collection of pacemakers from the earliest to the most recent technology. Millions of heart patients around the world have benefitted from pacemakers. My uncle was one of the first recipients; my dad, age 92, has a longer life expectancy because of receiving a pacemaker. The museum doubles as a venue for social events (weddings, anniversaries, company parties, etc). Amenities abound: beautiful gardens with medicinal plants; a koi pond; huge terrace; a leafy gazebo; interior spaces suited for dining and dancing; a view of the lake.

Excellent small museum for kids and adults alike, showing several experiments to stimulate kids in STEM areas. We loved the ones with electricity and the history behind it explained. The little ones in our party also enjoyed playing and building with the wooden blocks and the older ones liked the Frankenstein room. Plan at least two hours for your next visit and more if you go during warmer months.

We hosted our wedding ceremony at The Bakken Museum this past summer and I could not recommend a venue more. Maggie and Chris were absolutely fantastic to work with- so kind, flexible, and supportive. They paid attention to every detail big and small, were open to some wild ideas we wanted to make happen, and made our dreams come true! Pricing was very reasonable- we got a lot of bang for our buck. The best part is, we were able to support a great organization that contributes to our community! (Photos by Marit Williams Photography)

We did an event at this museum. It was fantastic. The staff was amazing to work with. They were accommodating and willing to help to achieve a successful event. Maggie even ran an errand for me. Chris was spectacular to coordinate the arrangement and flow of attendees at my event. I would never hesitate to rebook and event here. Also the caterer was wonderful too. The food was amazing! Please support the arts and the staff!

This place is awesome! What a fun little museum tucked away in residential SW Mpls in an old Tudor-style mansion. Our two young boys had a great time running around and learning about electricity and Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein. The next day our 5 year old asked if we could go again. Good thing we live nearby!

As a family, we had so much fun here! I wish we would’ve had more time! The kids enjoyed the crafts and especially trying the prosthetics. There is a lot to see and do. If we lived closer, we would definitely visit again! The staff were all very kind and helpful.