Museum
Hours
Starting Jan 5
Wednesdays: 9-1
Thursdays: 9-12, 3-7
Fridays: 2-5
Saturdays: 9-3
Sun-Tues: Closed
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (1/19): 10-2
President's Day (2/16): 10-2
Extra Open Hours!
Mini Sota will be open on additional days to match upcoming no-school holidays
GENERAL ADMISSION: $8
Daily admission is $8 per person, ages 1+ year
Children under the age of 1 at no cost
All children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver, age 16+
You can leave and come back the same day without being required to pay admission twice,
please just let staff know you plan to return
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Tips for a great trip!
Supervisors & Caregivers
Mini Sota is a place for kids and their grown-ups to learn and play together.
All children must be accompanied by an adult age 16+, and caregivers are responsible for supervision throughout the visit.
We strive to create a warm, welcoming space. Kindness and patience go a long way in helping everyone enjoy their time here.
Parking
Free parking is available both in front of the museum and behind the building.
The north side of the building (front entrance) is fully handicap accessible and is the main entrance for all guests.
The south side of the building is an emergency exit only and is not available for regular entry.
What to Bring
Shoes Off, Socks On! Available for purchase at Welcome Desk for $2
Packing an extra pair—or a change of clothes—can be helpful for those who love messy, hands-on fun.
Cubbies are available for personal items, though Mini Sota cannot be responsible for lost or stolen belongings
.
Strollers are welcome anywhere in the museum.
We are a peanut-free facility. Thank you for helping keep all visitors safe.
Food & Drinks:
Coffee and water are allowed if they’re in sealed containers.
Feel free to bring lunch or snacks—all food must be enjoyed in our BNSF Railway Party Room. Room is open to all visitors when not rented out.
Nursing & Comfort:
Countryside Haven is available for nursing or feeding, but parents are welcome to nurse wherever they feel comfortable.
The room is sensory-friendly and supports the needs of neurodivergent children.
Timing Your Play
Most families spend 1–3 hours exploring Mini Sota, but every visit looks a little different depending on your child’s age and curiosity.
Our hands-on agricultural exhibits are designed for children birth through age 12.
Need to step out? No problem. Same-day re-entry is welcome—just let the front desk know you’ll be coming back.
Pets & Service Animals
To keep Mini Sota safe and comfortable for all guests, pets and other animals are not permitted inside the museum.
Service animals are welcome if properly identified. Please be mindful that not all children are comfortable around animals, and help us maintain a respectful environment for everyone.
Timing Your Play
Minnesota weather can be unpredictable. If conditions become unsafe, certain areas—or in rare cases, the entire museum—may temporarily close.
If you’re unsure whether we are open, please call the museum and a staff member will be happy to confirm our status.


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