Accessibility in Minnesota STEM Organizations

Many museums, zoos and parks in Minnesota offer opportunities for people with limited incomes or special mobility, sensory or access needs.

Many scientific institutions in Minnesota offer discounted admission rates to community members with limited incomes. Financial assistance is also often offered for summer camps and other educational programming. Before visiting, please check with each institution for program changes and to learn about required proof of eligibility.

Download our PDF of Discounted Science Opportunities in the Twin Cities to the right for a summarized and printable version of selected information.

This section was last updated December 2023.

Bakken Museum Limited Income Discounts
Eligibility: Participation in TANF, MFIP, WIC, General Assistance, Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare, Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability Benefits, SNAP, Section 8, or Free/Reduced Price School Meals
Admission: $1

Bell Museum Curiosity Membership and Explorer Passes
Eligibility: Participation in TANF, MFID, SNAP, General Assistance, Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare, WIC, Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability Benefits, Section 8, or Free/Reduced Price School Meals
Admission: Museum Admission Only: Free | Planetarium: $2
Membership: Curiosity Membership may be purchased for $15, includes unlimited free admission, $2 planetarium tickets, and more.

Great Lakes Aquarium
Eligibility: EBT or medical assistance (including Minnesota Care and Wisconsin BadgerCare)
Admission: Adults $6, Children $4
Membership: Limited Income Access Memberships are 50% off

Minnesota Zoo Free to Explore Zoo Admission Program (ZAP)
Eligibility: Minnesota resident and participant in TANF, MFIP, SNAP, MFAP, General Assistance, MSA, MN Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare, MN WIC, MN HeadStart, FDPIR, Housing Support, Resident Disabled Veterans AND current Minnesota photo ID with address matching any in eligibility documents
Admission: Free, parking is $8

Science Museum of Minnesota Great Tix
Eligibility: At least 18 and enrollment in TANF, MFIP, WIC, General Assistance, Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare, Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability Benefits, Food Stamps, Section 8, or Free/Reduced Price School Meals
Admission: Museum Only: $3, Omnitheater: $3
Membership: Adventurer Membership is $15 with free parking and other benefits

The Works Museum Gateway Program
Eligibility: Free/Reduced Price School Meals, SNAP, TANF, MFIP, WIC, SSI, Section 8 housing, Medical Assistance or Medicaid Care, Minnesota Care or Basic Sliding Fee Childcare Assistance
Admission: $6.50 per person; $25 family membership

Various scientific museums and zoos across Minnesota offer assistance for guests with special sensory and/or mobility needs.

Bakken Museum
The Bakken Museum has partnered with the Autism Society of Minnesota to develop tools for individuals with sensory processing differences. Scroll to the bottom of their Accessibility page to learn more.

Bell Museum
The Bell Museum offers audio, visual and translation services; sensory-friendly visits and resources; and physical design amenities for those with reduced mobility.

Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
Como Zoo periodically offers Sensory Friendly Early Entries and other resources such as a sensory map and social narrative.

Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
The DNR offers information about accessibility in DNR managed spaces, special DNR hunting, fishing and camping programs for people with special accessibility needs, and permits and licenses available for people with disabilities.

Great Lakes Aquarium
Visit the Great Lakes Aquarium Amenities & Accessibility page for information for guests who are are deaf or hard of hearing, blind or partially sighted, require mobility assistance or service animals, or desire sensory strategies.

Minnesota Zoo
The Minnesota Zoo has special resources for guests who are blind or low vision, require accessible seating, or are deaf or hard of hearing. MNZoo4All – A Sensory Guide is an app designed to support those with autism and sensory-processing disorders. Other specific disability accommodation, ASL interpretation or information in an alternative format may be obtained by contacting the Minnesota Zoo a minimum of two weeks prior to your planned visit.

Science Museum of Minnesota
The Science Museum of Minnesota offers several sensory friendly resources, including a sensory friendly visitor guide, social narratives to the museum and omnitheater, and Sensory Friendly Sundays on the first Sunday of every month. Sign language interpreters can be arranged with one week notice. Accessibility resources are available for those with reduced mobility.

Three Rivers Park District
Inclusion services are available with a two-week notice and include print materials in Braille, sign language interpretation during programs, inclusion assistants during programs, sensory-friendly services and adapted equipment. Mobility devises can be requested.

Special sensory friendly services are available at French Regional Park, Lowry Nature Center, Richardson Nature Center and Silverwood Park. Social narratives and virtual tours are available of numerous facilities. Many programs can be adapted of modified, and adapted programs are offered throughout the year.

The Works Museum
The Works Museum offers a variety of sensory friendly accommodations, including a social narrative, sensory friendly kits, and more.

Check out Accessible Nature for information about places in Minnesota to enjoy nature with minimal mobility obstacles.