accessibility & Amenities
The Bakken Museum offers services that make museum programs and exhibits accessible to all visitors. Below is a list of amenities to help you prepare for your visit.
TIMING & Ticketing
Tickets are available for purchase online but are not required. Once you arrive, you may stay as long as you like. Purchase tickets.
Walk-up tickets are available during museum hours.
On average, most visitors stay at The Bakken Museum for 1.5 to 2 hours.
Limited Income Admission
To ensure access for everyone, The Bakken Museum offers Limited Income Discounts. Learn More or Contact Us to schedule a visit.
NATIVE AMERICAN ADMISSION
As a part of our ongoing Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) efforts, The Bakken Museum offers Native American Admission for Free. To receive free Native American Admission, please speak to a staff member at the visitor services desk, email us at info@thebakken.org, or call us at 612-926-3878.
GROUP RATES & TOURS
Discounted admission is available for groups of 10 or more. Learn more.
Guided tours are available and must be scheduled in advance. Learn more.
Payment
We accept cash, credit card, Apple or Google Pay for general admission, the museum store, and vending machine.
Parking
Cars
Free parking is available in our surface lot off Zenith Avenue South. Free street parking is also available on Zenith Avenue South (West side of the street) and on both sides of W 36th Street.
Bikes
We are located near Twin Cities Metropolitan Area Transit System routes 6 (0.48 miles). Schedules and route information are available at from Metro Transit here.
ENTRANCE
The Bakken Museum’s entrance faces Bde Maka Ska between W 36th Street and our surface parking lot off of Zenith Avenue South. The entrance has automatic doors and has no exterior or interior steps. It is approximately 150 feet from our parking lot to the entry doors.
Wheelchairs
There is a wheelchair available on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve a wheelchair in advance, please contact visitor services at (612) 926-3878.
Lockers
Secure lockers are available in the museum lobby free of cost.
Restrooms
Accessible and all-gender restrooms are located on both floors of the museum.
Restrooms are equipped with diaper-changing facilities.
We offer free organic tampons and pads in restrooms throughout the building.
First aid
The site is equipped with first aid kits and AEDs. Museum staff are first-aid certified.
Closed Captioning
Most videos are closed-captioned. A transcript of the sound and light show, Frankenstein’s Laboratory, can be downloaded and printed or picked up at the Visitor Services desk. Download Script Here
Translation
All information panels in the Spark exhibit are displayed in both English and Spanish.
Service Animals
Service animals such as guide dogs are permitted to assist museum visitors.
Elevator
Doors stay open for six seconds. There is an audible floor change signal.
Seating and Breaks
There are benches located throughout the exhibits.
A quiet room is available for anyone who needs to take a break during their visit.
FOOD & DRINK
The museum offers a vending machine with snacks, soft drinks, juice, and water.
Tables and chairs are available in the museum lobby.
During warm weather months, picnic tables are available on the museum’s green roof.
Food and drink are not permitted in the exhibits.
Outside food is welcome.
PHOTOGRAPHY
We love to see visitor photos! Visitors to The Bakken Museum are allowed and encouraged to take photographs for personal use or to post on social media. The use of flash is discouraged. Learn more.
Shopping
Visit the museum store for unique books, science-themed gifts, and locally made products. The store is open during regular museum hours and admission is not required to shop.
WIRELESS INTERNET
Free wireless internet is available.
Personal care attendants
Admission is free for working Personal Care Attendants when visiting with clients.
Sensory-Friendly Resources
The Bakken Museum has partnered with the Autism Society of Minnesota to develop tools for individuals with sensory processing differences.
Complimentary noise-dampening headphones and sensory backpacks are available for visitor use at the front desk on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Periodicals Room on the second floor is a quiet space for visitors who may need to take a break from the museum.
Questions?
Contact Visitor Services
612.926.3878 | info@thebakken.org
We welcome inquiries about other ways The Bakken Museum may be able to meet your needs.