The Bakken Museum

About The Bakken Museum

The Bakken Museum inspires a passion for innovation by exploring the potential for science, technology, and the humanities to make the world a better place.

Since 1975, The Bakken Museum has been committed to nurturing a passion for science in visitors from around the world. Founded by Earl Bakken, a Minneapolis native and co-founder of Medtronic, The Bakken Museum offers something for everyone.

Located in the historic West Winds mansion on  Bde Maka Ska (formerly Lake Calhoun) and home to the Florence Bakken Medicinal Gardens, The Bakken Museum boasts one of the most beautiful settings you will find in the Twin Cities.  In addition, the museum maintains a world class collection of historic and scientific and medical instruments as well as books, journals and manuscripts.

A Smithsonian affiliate, The Bakken Museum offers dynamic exhibit experiences and industry-leading STEM-focused education programs.  Our experiences focus on the history and nature of electricity and magnetism, Minnesota’s medical technology industry and, of course, Frankenstein!

A historic mansion, unique collections, medicinal gardens, dynamic exhibits, and rich education experiences; The Bakken Museum truly has something everyone can enjoy.

Michael Sanders
Executive Director

The Bakken Team

Leadership