Welcome to Minnesota Then

Learn the stories that shaped our state, from historic landmarks in our communities to voices of our past.

Explore Historic Locations

Stand where history happened and walk with those who came before.

Play Interactive Trivia

Challenge yourself with fun quizzes about your local history.

Attend Local Events

Participate in lectures and events about Minnesota's history.

Access Curated Resources

Dive into historical archives and explore stories through time.

Minnehaha Creek before the Falls

Connect with the Past

History isn’t just something read about in books—it’s all around us, in the places we visit every day. Like the coffee shop where activists once gathered, or the lakeside path where Indigenous families fished for generations. Or even that quiet street corner where kids played ball in the summer. Each place is full of stories, rich with memories. Every moment has meaning; every step tells a story.

A Museum Without Walls

Travel to historic sites across Minnesota and unlock virtual exhibits that bring the past to life.

  • Explore history where it actually happened
  • Access rich multimedia content at each location
  • Learn at your own pace, on your own schedule
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Discover Minnesota's Past

Explore our state's rich history through multiple interactive experiences

Location-Based Stories

Find history where it happened across our state with interactive, GPS-enabled exhibits.

24/7 Access

Visit any time, day or night, all year round. History is always available at your fingertips.

Interactive Experience

Let your mobile device be your guide to the past with immersive audio, video, and images.

MNThen Blog
Our Stories

MNThen Blog

Dive into Minnesota's rich history with our curated collection of in-depth articles exploring the people, places, and events that shaped our state.

Themed Tours
Featured Tours

Themed Tours

Embark on interactive self-guided trips through Minnesota's past with carefully crafted historical tours that bring history to life.

State Landmarks
Minnesota Landmarks (Rathskeller)
Famous Minnesotans
Famous People
Gangsters
Gangster History
Sports Stars
Athletes History
200+ Questions

Minnesota History Trivia

Test your knowledge with themed quizzes that make learning Minnesota history both fun and engaging.

  • Challenge yourself with questions across multiple difficulty levels
  • Compete with friends and family to see who knows Minnesota best
  • Learn fascinating facts about our state's rich and diverse history