Bell Museum - mission founded in 1776 in colonial Las Californias by Spanish Catholic missionaries of the Franciscan Order. Named for Saint John of Capistrano, the Spanish Colonial Baroque style church was located in the Alta California province of the Viceroyalty of New Spain. Today, it is located at 26801 Ortega Highway in San Juan Capistrano, Orange County, California. The Mission was secularized by the Mexican government in 1833, and returned to the Roman Catholic Church by the American government in 1865.
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Bell Museum

4.6
·585 reviews·Saint Paul, United States

Minnesota's official natural history museum and planetarium, featuring stunning wildlife dioramas and a captivating cosmos experience.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more space to explore

CrowdLow
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Bell Museum - mission founded in 1776 in colonial Las Californias by Spanish Catholic missionaries of the Franciscan Order. Named for Saint John of Capistrano, the Spanish Colonial Baroque style church was located in the Alta California province of the Viceroyalty of New Spain. Today, it is located at 26801 Ortega Highway in San Juan Capistrano, Orange County, California. The Mission was secularized by the Mexican government in 1833, and returned to the Roman Catholic Church by the American government in 1865.

Bell Museum

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more space to explore

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Minnesota's official natural history museum and planetarium, featuring stunning wildlife dioramas and a captivating cosmos experience.

4.6
(585 reviews)

"A phenomenal place to spend time, with exhibits that entrance visitors of all ages."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Buy Tickets Online

Save time and skip the line by purchasing your admission tickets in advance online.

🐘 Mammoth is a Must-See

Don't miss the impressive woolly mammoth exhibit; it's a highlight for many visitors.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wildlife Dioramas

Wildlife Dioramas

Main Exhibit Halls

Step into meticulously crafted scenes showcasing Minnesota's diverse wildlife in their natural habitats.

Woolly Mammoth

Woolly Mammoth

Main Exhibit Halls

Marvel at the impressive life-size woolly mammoth, a crowd-pleasing centerpiece for all ages.

Planetarium Shows

Planetarium Shows

Planetarium

Journey through the cosmos or explore scientific wonders with immersive and educational planetarium presentations.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Tickets Online

Save time by purchasing your Bell Museum tickets online in advance. This is especially helpful on busy days, avoiding potential queues at the entrance. Reddit

Parking & Arrival

The museum's parking lot can be small. Consider arriving early or being prepared to park a bit further away and walk. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Planetarium shows are popular
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Family-focused, can be busy
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

BELLS AND THEIR FREQUENCIES #tartarianempire #tartaria #tartariantechnology #tartarianmudflood #tartarianarchitecture #tartariangiants #tartarianhistory #tartariantruth #history #HistoryTime #historytiktok #historyfacts #oldworld #oldworldtiktok #cultivateelevate #cultivateelivate2 #cultivateelev8 #fyp #fypシ #fypage #viral #viralvideo #viraltiktok #viralvideos #tredning #trendingvideo #trendingsou...
@cultiv8.elev8
64.5K likes • 941.8K views

🎟️ Buy Tickets Online

Save time and skip the line by purchasing your admission tickets in advance online. Reddit

🐘 Mammoth is a Must-See

Don't miss the impressive woolly mammoth exhibit; it's a highlight for many visitors. Reddit

The Bell Museum is Minnesota’s Natural History Museum, a super place where you can marvel at wildlife dioramas and more! We’d love “DC” you there!
bellmuseum
242 likes • 4.4K views
Let's explore the @bellmuseum in @visitsaintpaul! 🌍 This incredible natural history museum and planetarium takes visitors to the far reaches of the cosmos, inside the human body, showcases the wildlife of Minnesota with their world famous wildlife dioramas, and more! 🌲 Have you visited the @bellmuseum? ⭐ 🎥: @nordicmediamaven #bellmuseum #MySaintPaul #OnlyinMN
exploreminnesota
729 likes • 46.7K views

✨ Kid-Friendly Design

Thoughtful exhibits at kid-friendly heights and amenities like stools make it great for families. Instagram

🌌 Planetarium Experience

Catch an immersive planetarium show for an educational and visually stunning journey. Reddit

Shoutout to the Bell Museum for not only being a place of wonder, but also one that gets it—thoughtful details like stools for little visitors, free period products, a quiet/nursing space, and exhibits designed at a kid-friendly height made our visit so easy and enjoyable. Nova loved dancing like a crane, Teddy was obsessed with the woolly mammoth, Blake got lost in reading in the space exhibit, ...
everydaywithbritnib
39 likes • 585 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Buy Tickets Online

Save time and skip the line by purchasing your admission tickets in advance online. Reddit

🐘 Mammoth is a Must-See

Don't miss the impressive woolly mammoth exhibit; it's a highlight for many visitors. Reddit

✨ Kid-Friendly Design

Thoughtful exhibits at kid-friendly heights and amenities like stools make it great for families. Instagram

🌌 Planetarium Experience

Catch an immersive planetarium show for an educational and visually stunning journey. Reddit

🚗 Parking Considerations

The parking lot is small; arrive early or be prepared for a short walk from alternative parking. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(585 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Bell Museum for its engaging wildlife dioramas and impressive woolly mammoth. The planetarium shows are a highlight, offering immersive educational experiences. The museum is noted for its thoughtful, family-friendly design and helpful staff, making it a great destination for all ages.

"I really enjoyed this museum. There’s an entry fee, so you might want to buy your ticket online ahead of time to save some time. The parking lot is small. When we arrived, there weren’t any spots available, so we had to park a bit down the street in front of a big field and walk to the museum. There are lots of exhibits, but I think the mammoth is the star of the show. It was interesting to see what beavers used to look like; they looked like giant rats to me, lol."

Dr. Dominic Nguyen

"We held our wedding ceremony and reception at the Bell Museum and can't recommend it as a venue enough! The Bell is a beautiful location that has proved to be a picturesque location for capturing our event in photos, the staff are all kind courteous and professional, and our guests were obsessed with over how cool of a venue it was for a wedding.

Laura and Korra were exceptionally helpful when it came to planning and hosting the event. Laura walked us through the process of planning step-by-step so that when the big day came it ran exactly to plan and we had zero issues whatsoever. Korra provided excellent day of support and was helpful in answering all of our questions as the event unfolded.

If you are planning a wedding or event that involves children as guests, or adults who just want to have something fun to do between the festivities, we can't recommend the Bell Museum enough. You will have zero regrets, and your guests will rave over the fun and inviting venue."

Jeffrey Bibbs

"What a phenomenal place to spend time on a cold snowy day with two young men on Spring break. The boys were entranced with all the exhibits. It’s very thoughtfully done and is self guided. We come here often. Don’t miss the live exhibit of amphibians and the planetarium show."

Cheryllyne Vaz

What People Like

Stunning wildlife dioramas
Impressive woolly mammoth
Engaging planetarium shows

What People Dislike

Small parking lot

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Bell Museum is located on the University of Minnesota's Twin Cities campus in Saint Paul. It's accessible by car, with parking available on-site (though it can be limited). Public transportation options, including bus routes, also serve the area. InstagramReddit

Yes, there is a parking lot at the Bell Museum. However, it is noted to be small and can fill up quickly, especially on busy days. Visitors may need to park a bit further away and walk. Reddit

The Bell Museum is accessible via public transportation. Several bus routes serve the University of Minnesota campus, making it a viable option for visitors. Check local transit schedules for specific routes and times. Instagram

The Bell Museum is situated on the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities campus in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Instagram

The museum is well-marked on the University of Minnesota campus. Using GPS or a mapping app with the address should guide you directly to the location. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is an entry fee for the Bell Museum. It's recommended to purchase tickets online in advance to save time and potentially secure your spot, especially during peak hours. Reddit

While tickets can likely be purchased at the door, buying them online ahead of time is strongly advised to avoid potential queues and ensure entry, particularly on busy days. Reddit

Information on specific discounts (e.g., for students, seniors, or children) is best found on the official Bell Museum website. It's always a good idea to check for any available promotions before your visit. Instagram

The Bell Museum's operating hours can vary, so it's essential to check their official website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times before planning your visit. Instagram

Planetarium shows are often included with admission or may require a separate ticket or timed entry. It's advisable to check the Bell Museum's website for specific details on planetarium show ticketing and schedules. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

A visit to the Bell Museum can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on your interest level and whether you include a planetarium show. The museum is larger than it appears and offers a lot to see. Reddit

The world-famous wildlife dioramas are a major draw, as is the impressive woolly mammoth. The planetarium shows are also highly recommended for an immersive experience. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! The Bell Museum is very family-friendly, with exhibits designed at kid-friendly heights, interactive elements, and thoughtful amenities like stools and quiet spaces. Instagram

Yes, the museum features interactive elements that engage visitors of all ages, encouraging hands-on learning and exploration of natural history and science. Instagram

The Bell Museum boasts a state-of-the-art planetarium offering immersive shows that transport you to outer space or explore scientific concepts in a captivating way. Instagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The Bell Museum typically has a gift shop that may offer some snacks or beverages. For full meals, visitors often plan to dine before or after their visit at nearby establishments on the University campus or in Saint Paul. Reddit

Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted inside the museum exhibits. It's best to consume any personal food items in designated areas outside the museum or before entering. Reddit

Yes, being located on the University of Minnesota campus, there are numerous dining options available nearby, ranging from casual cafes to more formal restaurants. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Photography for personal use is generally allowed inside the Bell Museum, but flash photography may be restricted in certain areas to protect exhibits. Always check for posted signage. Instagram

The wildlife dioramas offer stunning backdrops, and the woolly mammoth is a popular subject. The planetarium dome and the museum's architecture also provide great photo opportunities. Instagram+1

Video recording for personal use is typically permitted, but similar to photography, be mindful of any restrictions on flash or disruptive recording, especially during planetarium shows. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Bell Museum is an excellent choice for families. The world-famous wildlife dioramas are captivating for all ages, and the impressive woolly mammoth is a guaranteed hit. The museum is designed with children in mind, featuring exhibits at accessible heights and interactive elements to keep young minds engaged. InstagramReddit

Don't miss the planetarium shows, which offer an exciting and educational journey through space. Practical amenities like stools for younger children and quiet spaces further enhance the family experience, making it a comfortable and enjoyable outing. Consider booking tickets online to save time. InstagramReddit

👩‍🎓 Students & Educators

As part of the University of Minnesota, the Bell Museum offers a wealth of educational opportunities. Its natural history exhibits and planetarium shows provide rich content for students of all levels, from K-12 to university. Educators can find inspiration for lesson plans and potentially arrange field trips. Instagram

The museum's focus on Minnesota's biodiversity and scientific exploration makes it a valuable resource for learning. The interactive displays encourage hands-on engagement, fostering a deeper understanding of scientific principles and the natural world. Instagram

💍 Couples & Event Planners

The Bell Museum offers a unique and picturesque venue for weddings and events. Its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens provide a memorable backdrop for celebrations. The staff is known for being professional, courteous, and exceptionally helpful in planning and hosting events. Reddit

Guests often rave about how 'cool' and inviting the venue is. The ability to combine event festivities with access to the museum's exhibits can also provide a unique entertainment option for guests, especially those with children. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Wildlife Dioramas

The Bell Museum is renowned for its world-famous wildlife dioramas, which transport visitors into meticulously recreated scenes of Minnesota's natural landscapes. These exhibits are not just visually stunning but also incredibly informative, showcasing the diverse flora and fauna of the state. Each diorama is a testament to the art of taxidermy and environmental storytelling, offering a glimpse into the lives of animals in their authentic habitats. Visitors often express awe at the realism and detail, making it a truly immersive experience. InstagramReddit

These dioramas cover a wide range of Minnesota ecosystems, from forests and prairies to wetlands and the North Shore. You can observe animals in various seasons and times of day, providing a comprehensive understanding of their behavior and adaptations. The museum's commitment to scientific accuracy ensures that these displays are both educational and inspiring, fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world. InstagramReddit

Many visitors, including families, find the dioramas to be a highlight of their visit. The ability to see these creatures up close, in such lifelike settings, creates lasting memories and sparks curiosity about conservation and the environment. It's a chance to connect with Minnesota's natural heritage in a profound way. InstagramReddit

The Wonders of the Planetarium

The Bell Museum features a state-of-the-art planetarium that offers an unparalleled journey through the cosmos and beyond. Visitors can experience immersive shows that explore the vastness of space, the mysteries of the universe, and the wonders of science. These presentations are designed to be both entertaining and educational, making complex astronomical concepts accessible to all ages. Instagram+1

Popular shows often cover topics like the formation of stars, the exploration of planets, and the search for extraterrestrial life. The dome projection system creates a captivating visual experience, making you feel as though you are truly traveling through space. It's a fantastic way to learn about astronomy and the latest scientific discoveries in a dynamic and engaging format. Reddit

Many visitors rave about the planetarium shows, describing them as 'fun and informative.' It's a perfect complement to the museum's natural history exhibits, offering a broader perspective on our place in the universe. Be sure to check the show schedule upon arrival, as these presentations are a must-do for many. Reddit

Family-Friendly Features

The Bell Museum has made a conscious effort to be a welcoming and accessible destination for families with children. Recognizing the needs of younger visitors, the museum has incorporated thoughtful design elements. This includes exhibits placed at kid-friendly heights, ensuring that children can easily see and interact with the displays. Instagram

Beyond the exhibit design, the museum offers practical amenities that enhance the family experience. Visitors have noted the availability of stools for little visitors, which can make viewing more comfortable. Additionally, the museum provides free period products and a quiet/nursing space, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and the comfort of all guests. Instagram

These considerations make the Bell Museum an enjoyable outing for families, reducing potential stress and maximizing engagement. Parents often appreciate these details, as they contribute to a smoother and more memorable visit for both children and adults. Instagram

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