Help Center

The Minnesota Then web app uses the GPS on your mobile device (location services must be on) to bring history to the place where it happened. As you near a marked location, the story unlocks automatically, with photographs and an audio narrative at each site.

No. We believe local history should be accessible to everyone, so everything we offer is free to use on the website.

No. Explore anytime, with any number of people. Grab your GPS-capable phone and journey through Minnesota’s past. The map is always open.

As long as you like. Everything is designed to be done at your own pace. The audio narration at each site typically runs three to six minutes.

Yes. The map’s location-based exhibits unlock when you are on site, but the stories don’t have to stay there. Our long-form articles are available to read anywhere, at any time, on the blog.

Minnesota Then uses publicly accessible routes and locations. Even so, we ask everyone to stay aware of their surroundings and use caution, especially when crossing streets or exploring unfamiliar areas. Your safety comes first.

Not currently. Minnesota Then is a web application and needs an active internet connection, either Wi-Fi or cellular data, to work properly.

GPS signals can be affected by tall buildings, dense tree cover, weather, and weak network coverage. If your location seems inaccurate, refresh the page, make sure you have a clear view of the sky, and confirm that precise location is enabled for your browser. Closing the page and reopening the map usually resolves the issue.

External factors such as your device, the weather, and nearby buildings can affect GPS signal quality. This “drift” is normal and rarely affects your experience.