The Bakken Turns 50
Celebrating our 50th year with a weekend of festivities to inspire the next generation of innovators.
Brilliant at 50 Gala
Set in the historic Grain Belt Brewery, our Brilliant at 50 Gala brings together food and drink, great company, and fun, all to help the museum inspire the next generation of innovators.
The evening will feature:
Heavy Hors d’Oeurves, Two Complimentary Drinks, and a Full Bar
Live Auction and Special 50 Innovators Announcement
Complimentary Valet Parking
Cocktail Attire Encouraged
Friday, October 10 | 6:30 – 9:30 PM
Grain Belt Brewery // 1220 Marshall St. NE, Minneapolis
TICKETS:
$150 — Entry
$125 — 8 Pack ($1,000 total)
$135 — Early Bird Pricing Until August 29
50th Birthday Bash
Join us for a day of all-ages fun.
Come to The Bakken Museum to experience our exhibits, explore our grounds and take in the views of Bde Maka Ska. Plus, enjoy a variety of fun activities. All ages are welcome to come to this fun and FREE day of festivities.
Saturday, October 11 | 10 AM – 4 PM
The Bakken Museum // 3537 Zenith Ave S., Minneapolis
FREE ENTRY TO OUR MUSEUM & GROUNDS
Minnesota STEM Book Fest
Come to The Bakken – where science meets literature at Minnesota’s first STEM book festival.
Another free event for The Bakken Museum’s 50th Birthday will be an all-day STEM-themed book fest. See what our museum is all about while perusing new and exciting literature with a scientific twist.
Sunday, October 12 | 10 AM – 4 PM
The Bakken Museum // 3537 Zenith Ave S., Minneapolis
FREE ENTRY TO OUR MUSEUM & GROUNDS
JOIN US IN OCTOBER
Help The Bakken Museum celebrate 50 years as an institution
Our weekend celebration kicks off on October 10, 2025.
We hope you come along as we share stories, host special events, and look forward to another 50 years of inspiring innovators. Plan your next visit and learn about our legacy.
ABOUT THE BAKKEN MUSEUM
HISTORY
The Bakken Museum was founded in 1975 by Earl Bakken who was the inventor of the first external wearable, battery-powered pacemaker and co-founder of one of the largest medical companies in the world.
EDUCATION
Renowned for our student-driven youth education programs, we proudly deliver on- and off-site programs for thousands of students each year. On-site programs are designed for students 2-9+, and we offer classes and workshops year-round.
EXHIBITS
The Bakken Museum's exhibits explore the cycle of innovation and inspiration. Each space provides historical context for visitors to make connections and ask questions. The museum also features three acres of meticulously kept gardens.