Runestone Museum

Runestone Museum

Runestone Museum
4.5
Speciality MuseumsNatural History MuseumsHistory Museums
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
Closed
About
Rated a Gem “must-see” point of interest by AAA. This kid-friendly museum has a Scavenger Hunt for the young and young at heart! Our most famous artifact is the Kensington Runestone and its mysterious runic message. Was it carved in 1362? Recent laboratory and linguistic analysis of the stone suggests yes! But even as more supporting evidence of its authenticity is revealed, controversy continues to swirl around this internationally renowned artifact. Visit the museum, see the Runestone and learn its story…then decide for yourself. The Runestone Museum also features pioneer displays, a wildlife exhibit, a World War II living room with 1940’s music playing, a children’s discovery area and special limited time exhibits. The museum’s Native American exhibit garnered national attention when our rare 1920s Ojibwe jingle dress appeared in the American Indian Art magazine. There is now a decorated full sized Tipi in the Native American camp diorama. Fort Alexandria is a delightful collection of restored buildings from 1868 to 1910 that includes a furnished township school, pioneer church, log home, and stage stop. The large Annex has many displays, including a 40 foot replica Viking ship and a huge 1906 steam tractor. The third annual History Live! in Fort Alexandria will be Fri. and Sat. June 23 - 24, 2017. Enjoy live historic reenactments from the Fur Trade, Pioneer, and Civil War eras, kid’s activities and family fun. Check the museum website for dates and admission prices. The museum is open year round.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles199 reviews
Excellent
117
Very good
69
Average
11
Poor
2
Terrible
0

Erika W
7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022 • Couples
Very fun experience, especially for kids! It was a little expensive ($10 per adult) for a small museum, but it does feature a famous attraction, the money goes to the chamber of commerce, and you get discount vouchers for another museum. My one major issue was the fact that the museum doesn't make it clear that the runestone was almost certainly a hoax, making the "birthplace of America" slogan pretty offensive to all the Native Americans whose artifacts are also featured. Otherwise I loved the variety of exhibits and the effort put into the restored buildings. There are great photo opportunities. The surrounding shops on the same street make the trip well worth it!
Written August 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

JT564
Mankato, MN110 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2023 • Couples
The Kensington Runestone and the history surrounding it is a must see. The stone itself, the translation, and the other “Viking” artifacts recovered in the immediate are tell a story that changes all history books. And the story of the poor and persecuted farmer that found it is equally compelling. History isn’t a story, it’s real people and places. And the rest of the museum shows that, with replicas of Fort Alexandria, “Viking” ships and examples of the way of life it took to bring our country to where it is today. All ages will connect with this fascinating collection, and the staff and director couldn’t be more helpful and friendly. Don’t miss this.
Written May 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

paulJ3717PW
Alexandria, MN5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2019
The Runestone is displayed and memorializes a Viking journey to America in 1362. Traveling through the waterways of northwest Minnesota from the Hudson Bay and through Canada, the Runestone tells the story of the Vikings on an expedition and the tragedy of loosing 10 of their men to an attack. Runes are etched on a two hundred pound stone telling the story. This has been a heavily studied artifact and it is a must see.
Written January 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

mw4au
Mobile, AL49 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2021 • Couples
A great visit from the moment we arrived. In spite of the fact that they are short on staff, the lady behind the counter took us into the museum, pointing out the best path to take, not to miss anything. Be sure to watch the video, telling the story of the Kensington Runestone... very informative and includes details not covered in the television show (according to another visitor). At the back of the museum is the entrance to "Fort Alexandria", a collection of pioneer era buildings moved to this site. An unexpected surprise was a replica Viking Merchant Ship. A nice bonus, having visited three Stave Churches and The Hjemkomst Center in Morehead.
Written June 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Richard R
Bushnell, FL6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020 • Couples
My wife and I visited them yesterday. It is a very nice museum that shows you history of the area along with the Runestone. Very informative and interesting. Gives you a great insight of early MN and that the Viking people did inhabit the area. Very cool how the stone was actually found. A great help was the ability to use your phone and scan codes as you walk through and actually hear about the displays.
Written August 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for supporting the museum with your visit and your review! We appreciate it and hope to see you again if you're able.
Written August 7, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

nebtraveler
Lincoln, NE63 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2019
I’m always game to check out small-town museums, which are often kitschy or quaint, so we stopped at the Runestone Museum while visiting Alexandria. I’m glad we did.

Whether you believe in the Runestone, this museum is rich in Viking and Minnesota history, including Native American artifacts. A short film explains the Runestone’s history and several historic buildings give you a firsthand sense of the life of early European settlers. The displays are extensive and surprisingly well curated for a small museum. Definitely worth a visit.
Written March 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your visit to the museum and for your review--much appreciated! We hope you'll be able to visit us again.
Written March 13, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Extraordinary448985
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2024 • Family
Lots to see for a small museum. Very reasonably priced for a family to have a couple hours of learning and fun. Our kids (10,8, and 5) had a great time with the scavenger hunt. Grandparents came along and there was something interesting for everyone.
Written July 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Reedmolly
Apple Valley, MN95 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2023 • Couples
A treasure of a museum. Excellent exhibits, many interesting facts about the Vikings. They Rune Stone is there and an explanation about its history, mystery and myths. There are also about 6 buildings to visit that are of the times (1800s). Worth your time.
Written May 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

George D
Cleveland, OH326 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2020 • Couples
From the moment we walked in, it was a good visit. COVID-19 statement on the door and everyone following the rules made my wife and I feel safe. You can use your phone for a guide tour. It really helped us understand many of the exhibits. If you do not know that much about the history of Alexandria and the Runestone, this trip is a must. And across the street, a giant Viking. Does it get any better?
Written September 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kara J
Badger, SD15 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020 • Family
Very nice museum about something that I had not heard of. Wish I could have taken more time to stop and read. Kids were not to interested.
There is a short video at the beginning that tells you the history of the stone then you are on your own to look around. The pirate ship was very nice.
Written August 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Runestone Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2025)

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