runestone museum

Our family thoroughly enjoyed visiting and learning about Minnesota history. There were even some board games played in the past that my children enjoyed so much we bought one in the gift shop. They periodically play which is a nice break from all their electronic gadgets. Lots to see, lots to experience!

My husband and I visited on New Year's Eve and were welcomed warmly by all the staff. We were the only ones to sign the guest register yet that day (it was late morning) the day before had 1 visitor. So we had the place to ourselves. The staff went in and turned on some of the videos and lights for us. It's a well done museum for a smaller, out of the way town. The Runestone is the centerpiece of the attractions which is surrounded by exhibits of local history. Since it was the winter season, the outbuildings were not open - so check before you go if you want to see those. We enjoyed our time browsing through the displays and learning more history. If you have the Entertainment coupon book, there's a BOGO coupon for admission. The museum is sort of at the end of the road near Big Ole and leads you past the downtown businesses and shops. A nice way to spend a day or a stay.

Nice local attraction. Hands on for kids. Family friendly. Close to local eating establishment (The Depot - family dinning/pizza/bar) or good sized fully stocked grocery store (Eldens Food Fair).

On my 16-day journey, I wanted to have at least one stop in every state I visited. The Runestone Museum was not one of my original stops, but it was on the route and the information I found about it looked interesting. The admission fee was a reasonable $8.00. This was Memorial Day weekend, so I was surprised that I seemed to have the museum to myself. The facilities are small, but they've got a lot of local and area history packed there. Numerous native and settler replications dating back centuries, even a Viking ship!! A lot to see, and I was free to wander at my leisure. An enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours.

We spent a day in the Alexandria area, and decided to check out the Museum where they house the Kensington Runestone. We were interested from start to finish. Not only did we add to our knowledge of the Runestone, but we learned how its discovery basically destroyed a family. Further, the museum gave significant historical information on life in West Central Minnesota in the 1800's....so many items we had never seen before at historical museums, and much history about the part of the state where we grew up. Enjoyed exploring the the old buildings that have been brought in from around the area. Each one had authentic displays related to how it was used. A person could easily spend hours lost in the past here.

You learn a little local history that is very interesting and historically significant. We were pleasantly surprised. I'm glad we stopped!

The Runestone itself is a fascinating story, but we really enjoyed the replicated buildings which gave a definite insight into what it was like 'back in the day'. A real step back in time, and staff were very friendly as well.

We had happened to plan on spending the night in Alexandria and, much to my surprise, I found that the Runestone Museum held the Kensington Runestone. I had read about the runestone when I was a child--a long time ago--so, I just had to see it. Some believe the runestone to be a hoax; some consider it to be authentic. I don't have a horse in the race, but I'm glad that I got to see it. The museum also houses a very eclectic collection. They have everything from stuffed owls and Native American stuff to a vintage John Deere tractor. The staff were pleasant. It's an enjoyable way to spend an hour or two.

This is a DO NOT MISS museum. If you follow history at all, this is a must-see. We were very impressed with this museum and the enthusiastic staff. Well worth our stop.

While biking on the Central Lakes Trail my husband, friends and I all stopped into the Runestone Museum. You can not be in Alexandria, MN and not stop to see the famous Runestone. "The Kensington Runestone has led researchers from around the world and across the centuries on an exhaustive quest to explain how a runic artifact, dated 1362, could show up in North America."In addition to the Runestone there is plenty to learn about Viking culture as well as pioneer life in the area.

This is a wonderful place to visit!About 150 miles from Minneapolis, you can relax and enjoy the Minnesota countryside!This place is going to get even better, and more development is on the way!

We had a busload of 55 passengers who visited the museum and came away split as to whether this is legitimate history or a hoax. The museum has a nice display of local history items, but the Runestone is the real draw here.I suggest you do some research before you come. The museum doesn't try to sell it as true, but obviously it would be to their benefit if it is somehow proven to be legit and there is more evidence presented for it as opposed to against it.On a sidenote, they have VERY limited restroom facilities so if you have a group, I'd suggest stopping elsewhere before you arrive.The Big Ole statue across the street also provides a nice, quick photo op.

My husband and I visited this museum on a weekend vacation. I had been there before on family vacation years earlier, it was just as fascinating as I remembered. It's great to learn about the rune stone and MN history. For sure worth the $8 admission.

This was an interesting stop while visiting Alexandria with a group. It was interesting to hear about the history of the runestone. They offer a short video upon arrival and have a historical village set up outside.

We enjoyed visiting this museum. The entry fee is very affordable for families. The exhibits have a lot of information and items to look at. A short narrative of some of the exhibits are available with a smartphone. (I found this to be very helpful.) There are outdoor exhibits as well. Make sure weather is suitable before going.