STEM in the City for Families with Kids and Teens
Itinerary prepared by Rethos Volunteer Emily Winter
All of these stops are in or around downtown Minneapolis and feature Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in some way. Pick and choose the locations that most interest you and your younger explorers; there is no need to visit all of them (you surely couldn’t in one day anyway!) or in any order. Take this opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at some of the things that keep our city running smoothly: transportation, traffic management, snowplowing, firefighting, street sweeping and more. You can also visit a medical center (with your teddy bear!), a radio station and a unique car garage.
If you drive, there should be plenty of parking available at each venue, but you may also be able to walk or bus between some of the stops. *Please note that some locations are open on Saturday only.
Please visit the VENUES page of the Doors Open Minneapolis website for more information about each venue, including hours, accessibility, parking, restrooms, entrances, food and beverage availability, reservations (for some) and more. You can also access a map showing all sites.
City of Minneapolis Eastside Maintenance Facility
2635 University Ave NE *GPS may not offer reliable directions to to the entrance. Enter through the gate off 27th Ave NE
Visit the new Public Works facility that provides basic city services to residents and visitors.
Are your kids fascinated by big-rig vehicles? Stop by the Eastside Maintenance Facility to get an up-close view of city vehicles ranging from a recycling truck, snowplow, and street sweeper, to a drill rig, graffiti truck, and MPLS tap truck. Not only will visitors get to climb into the trucks, they will also learn from those who work with the equipment, providing the basic city services residents and visitors rely on every day. The Eastside Maintenance Facility is a bit Northeast of Downtown, but worth the stop if you are looking for a hands-on experience.
Saturday Only
Free parking
Fully accessible, public restrooms, kids activities
K & K Metal Recycling
The largest nonferrous metal recycling facility in the Twin Cities
Visitors to K&K Metal Recycling will get a 30-minute guided tour (a treasure hunt of sorts for kids!) of the largest nonferrous metal recycling facility in the Twin Cities. On this tour, visitors will see how metal is received from the public, processed and transported to the next facility in the life cycle of the metal. Interesting note – these are the buildings where the first Caterpillar tractor was fabricated in 1909.
Open Saturday and Sunday
Free Public Parking
Fully accessible, public restrooms
Minneapolis Traffic Management Center
Come and see how we keep traffic moving safely and smoothly in Minneapolis
We are always moving within and through Minneapolis in vehicles, but many people don't think about how it all works. Learn how the technology used at the Traffic Management Center allows it to monitor the flow of traffic in Minneapolis and respond to changes as they happen. You will view our traffic management cameras and see them in action, watch staff design and make street signs and see how traffic electrical cabinets are made. The building currently houses the Minneapolis Traffic Management Center, as well as our street maintenance facility, traffic stores, and engineering design staff.
** Border Avenue is closed due to construction. Please follow directional signs and use caution when entering and exiting the TMC. Recommended parking is underneath 1-94 between Lyndale Ave. N. and Glenwood Ave. N. Visitors will need to walk across Lyndale Ave. and around or through the Mpls .Farmer’s Market. Watch for signs.
Saturday Only
Partially accessible, public restrooms
Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District
A great rest stop and resource for downtown visitors, residents, and employees alike
The Mpls Downtown Improvement District (DID) welcomes you to its Nicollet Community Space! As part of Doors Open Minneapolis, all ages can pose for a photo atop our street sweeper, DJ the Nicollet Mall sound system, and decorate and take home a fairy door! All of the usual indoor and outdoor activities and games will be available both days, as well, including coloring books, cards, checkers, giant chess, giant Jenga, ladder ball and more. There are tables and chairs for you to rest your weary feet, as well as refreshments. Ambassadors will be on hand for “meet and greets” and to assist visitors.
Open Saturday and Sunday
Fully accessible, public restrooms, kids activities
Parking ramps nearby and meters on the street.
Minneapolis Fire Station 1
Built in 2022, Fire Station 1 serves downtown Minneapolis
Come and learn how our city’s firefighters work and live while on 24-hour shifts in Minneapolis’ newest fire station. Visitors can check out the fire engines, fire trucks, protective equipment, hoses and other equipment used to fight fires. Kids can take home a fire hat!
Open Saturday and Sunday
Partially accessible, Public restrooms are fully accessible
Parking ramps nearby and meters on the street.
Hennepin Healthcare Teddy Bear Clinic
Kids are invited to bring their favorite Teddy Bears to our Clinic and Specialty Center
Kids are invited to bring their Teddy Bears for a special Teddy Bear Clinic. Teddy Bears will be “admitted” and after being examined may have a variety of procedures performed including blood pressure and heart rate checks, injections, stitches, x-rays, or a splint or bandage placed on their paws. Teddy Bear Clinic will also feature Teddy bear repairs and sew-ups, prevention activities, and ambulance and fire truck tours.
Saturday Only 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Free parking is available in the building's underground garage - entrance is at 821 Park Ave. Take elevator to first floor for event.
KFAI Fresh Air Inc.
An FM radio station featuring 89 programs in ten languages.
Tour the KFAI 90.3 FM Studio, an analog and digital hybrid radio station known for its eclectic entertainment and public affairs programming. This stop is probably more geared for teens who have an interest in seeing what live radio and audio production studios look like. There are no hands-on activities.
Saturday Only
Metro Transit Blue Line Operations & Maintenance
Where the Light Rail system’s trains are stored and maintained
Get up close and personal with the Blue Line trains - our city’s first Light Rail system. Take a self-guided tour; the shop will be open. Staff will be available to discuss how the system runs and trains are cleaned and maintained. There will be a light rail vehicle available to explore!
Download a free transit pass here!
Open Saturday and Sunday
Partially accessible, kids activities
The Lift Garage
Get a good look at the inner workings of an auto repair shop and its machinery and equipment
Visit Minnesota’s only non-profit car repair shop. At this shop, you will get to take a look under a car, identify car parts and see the repair tools and machinery. There will be certain car parts and repair tools available to touch. Fill out the "car trivia" game and submit it to a raffle to win a swag bag full of goodies from The Lift! The questions listed in the game can all be answered by looking around the garage and asking questions.
Saturday Only
Free public parking available at nearby Allina Clinic, 3024 Snelling Ave
Fully accessible, public restrooms, kids activities