Minnesota factories to visit and tour
Minnesota has factories to visit and tour. Below, first are the active, working factories. The next section has historical operations which often have demonstrations or renactments. These incluse both large and small operations, from several person chocolate factories and cheesemakers to large manufacturers making paper towels, wood products, beverage cans and bottles, are open to the public with real tours, exhibitions and fun education.
In some cases, such as a manufacturing process that is no longer in use, the only way to see it and learn about it is a museum or living history center. So, we also provide information about engineering facilities and museums, dinosaur digs, even government facilities, like NASA, astronomy oberservatories and more that are open to the public on certain days and times. And if there is some place that is just plain fun to visit, we add that, too!
These are perfect for homeschooling, for STEM and for fun! Kids love visiting these places! They're learning and getting an education without even realizing it. And most of these are either free or under $10! What's better then fun, entertaining, good for children and families, educational and free?
Here are some of the top factory tours in Minnesota and contact information and tips about visiting them.
Factories, Engineering, Museums and other fun demonstrations and exhibits to visit in Minnesota
- Amazon Fulfillment Center - tour of the facility
MSP1: Amazon Fulfillment Center, 2601 4th Avenue East, Shakopee, MN 55379.
BOOK ON THEIR WEBSITE. Each tour is approximately 60-90 minutes long. On the tour you may walk up and down at least one flight of stairs and walk approximately 1 mile. Amazon says "Ever wondered what happens when you shop on Amazon? Book a free walking tour of an Amazon warehouse and see how our people and technology deliver for customers." The also have the following recommendations and requirements:
Arrive Early - arrive 15 minutes prior to your tour.
Attire - All guests must wear flat, closed-toed, and closed-heeled shoes (no sandals, clogs or high heels). We recommend wearing comfortable shoes or sneakers. Additionally, long hair must be pulled at or above shoulder length. Loose fitting clothing (long-hanging jewelry, scarves, or ties) are not permitted. Headscarves worn for religious reasons are permitted but must be tucked in securely.
Identification - Upon your arrival, your tour leader will ask for a government issued photo ID. Please ensure that guest information submitted during sign-up matches the guest ID. - Polaris Experience Center -
Suite #2, 205 5th Ave. SW, Roseau, MN 56751. Phone: (218) 463-4999. Open: Monday - Thursday 11:00 - 6:00 pm, Friday 11:00 - 7:00 pm, Saturday 11:00 - 5:00 pm, Sunday Closed. Polaris Factory Tours are available Monday-Friday at 2:00 pm during regularly scheduled production. Group tours of 15 or more should be arranged ahead of time by calling (218) 463-4999. Please call ahead of time to ensure tour availability.
Know Before You Go
No children under 6 are permitted.
No cell phones or cameras allowed.
No open toes shoes or sandals allowed to be worn.
Located just south of the Canadian border, our Roseau facilities are currently home to research and development, engineering, product testing and manufacturing. The facilities focus on production of our snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles (ATV), and military vehicles.
Minnesota Historical Forts and Sites, Famous buildings, Active Federal facilities to tour, Geology: like fossils and volcanic areas
- Grand Portage National Monument,
Grand Portage, MN.
Travel into the past to discover the present. Explore the partnership of the Grand Portage Ojibwe and the North West Company during the North American fur trade and the NPS today. Follow pathways into a distant time. Experience the sights and smells of a bustling depot reconstructed in its exact location. Hear the beat of the drum echo over Gichigami - Lake Superior.
- Pipestone National Monument,
Pipestone, MN.
For countless generations, American Indians have quarried the red pipestone found at this site. These grounds are sacred to many people because the pipestone quarried here is carved into pipes used for prayer. Many believe that the pipe's smoke carries one's prayer to the Great Spirit. The traditions of quarrying and pipemaking continue here today.
Minnesota State historic sites and parks
These are state-run parks, museums and historic sites that present the history of some manufacturing process, industry, or living settlement
Minnesota Seasons, bugs, topography and climate
Minnesota has bitterly cold winters and hot, humid summers. In the winter, people move from building to build via underground tunnels and enclosed skyways to avoid stepping outside.
Camping in Minnesota
If you're looking to save money on your trip, camping may be a fun alternative to hotels and motels, especially, if you already have the gear, or are looking to get some. BTW, this websites ( https://RoadTrippingAndCamping.com ) explains everything you need to know about camping gear and where to the best gear at the lowest prices.
State forests have 46 campgrounds with 1,000 campsites, or you can try dispersed camping anywhere in the state forest. State parks and state recreation areas offer more than 5,000 campsites and a variety of cabins, guesthouses and other lodging. Plus, there are thousands of miles of rugged or paved state trails and state water trails that can lead you there.
Purchase a vehicle permit and get a year of unlimited visits to all 75 state parks and recreation areas.
Plan your trip
ParkFinder (state parks & rec areas) »
State forest campgrounds »
Dispersed camping (state forests only) »
Camping checklist »
Make a reservation
(link
is external) »
If you're not from Minnesota, you may not realize that There are both state parks and private campgrounds in Minnesota.