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.
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
President & CEO
Board of Directors
OFFICERS
Chair - Brad Bakken, Citizen’s Independent Bank
Vice Chair - Matt Hunt, U.S. Bank
Secretary - Ann Ladd, Fredrikson & Byron
Treasurer - Mark Van Osnabrugge, Medtronic
BOARD MEMBERS
Rebecca Bergman, Gustavus Adolphus College
Lawrence Bick, Xcel Energy
JD Blank, TreeHouse Health
Doreen Bortel, UHG - Optum
Raquel Briskin, U.S. Bank
Jessica Burdette, State of Minnesota
Georgine Busch, Bakken Family Office
Caroline Byrd, Leica Biosystems
Jeff Hillins, 3M
Cat Jennings, Boston Scientific
Pat Keran, UnitedHealthcare Group
Dr. Mary Jo Kreitzer, University of Minnesota
Carl Stamp, Independant
Barb Stinnett, Timmaron Group
Janet Swedal, Independent
John Uribe, Blue Cross Blue Shield Minnesota
Heather Walch, H.B. Fuller Company
Contact Us
We welcome all comments and inquiries. You may also call us directly at (612) 926-3878.
The Bakken Team
Leadership
Michael Sanders
President & CEO
Joseph Imholte
Vice President of
Programs & Operations
Sara Kietzmann
Director of
Finance & Administration
Erica Washburn
Director of Strategic Initiatives