What are the opening hours?

Monday 10am - 4pm Tuesday 10am - 4pm Wednesday 10am - 4pm Thursday 10am - 4pm Friday 10am - 4pm Saturday 10am - 4pm

Runestone Museum Foundation

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Alexandria, MN
Runestone Museum Foundation

Regional History Museum with audio tour stops, children's activities, movies, & historical buildings!

Welcome to the Runestone Museum, located in what is now downtown Alexandria, Minnesota. We invite you to stop by and tour historic Fort Alexandria, take your picture with Big Ole, and see the world famous Kensington Runestone. For awhile you will live in the past, so walk a little slower, talk a little slower, and enjoy the exhibition on Norse history, the Native American exhibit, the Minnesota wi

ldlife display, the display of early pioneer life, and the hands-on children’s area. Enter Fort Alexandria and visit several authentic log buildings, an 1880 country school house, and view the forty-foot viking ship, the Snorri. Experience the changing of the seasons in the display of tools and farm equipment used by an earlier generation. The Runestone Gift Shop features Minnesota and Alexandria souvenirs, viking and runestone information, books, t-shirts, viking helmets and swords, and unique gifts, which many of them are by local artists, authors, and craftsmen. Admissions
Adults: $10.00
Seniors: $9.00
Student (High school or College): $7.00
Family: $25.00
Group Rates Available for 20+ people

05/26/2026

Save the Date!
June 20, 2026 is the 50th Anniversary of Fort Alexandria, located at the Runestone Museum in Alexandria. Join us outside, at the historic buildings, from 1:00-3:00pm for an old fashioned celebration including games, ice cream, cotton candy, treats, live music and more! The event is FREE to the public. Enter through the gate on Broadway Street.

04/09/2026

Please join us at the following event in Kensington! Elroy Balgaard, local historian and celebrity, is the guest speaker. Hope to see you there!

03/27/2026

🌍✈️ Little Ole has been spotted all the way in Nairobi National Park! 🇰🇪🦒

From the heart of Minnesota to the iconic African savanna, Ole is embracing his inner explorer—taking in incredible wildlife, wide-open landscapes, and a whole new part of the world.

It’s a fun reminder that the spirit of adventure is timeless. Just like the Vikings who journeyed far beyond Scandinavia—exploring new lands through curiosity and courage—Ole is carrying that same sense of discovery across continents today.

Where will Little Ole show up next? Stay tuned! 👀

02/23/2026

Little Ole has officially been sighted in Placencia, Belize! ☀️🏝️ While soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the beautiful Caribbean beaches, our favorite Norse traveler couldn’t resist a little adventure inland.

From the sand and sea, Little Ole journeyed to the impressive Xunantunich Mayan Ruins, climbing high above the jungle canopy to take in the breathtaking views of this ancient Maya city. Standing atop the pyramid, he may have been a long way from Scandinavia, but exploration is in a Viking’s spirit!

⚔️ Fun Fact:
The Vikings (from Scandinavia, around 800–1100 AD) and the Maya civilization were thriving during overlapping time periods. While the Maya were building incredible stone cities like Xunantunich in Central America, the Vikings were sailing across the North Atlantic, reaching places like Iceland, Greenland, and even North America. Two advanced cultures—worlds apart—both known for their ingenuity and exploration!

Where should Little Ole travel next? 🌍

02/12/2026

What a fantastic day at the Runestone Museum! We had the pleasure of hosting German Foreign Exchange Students from Melrose Area High School. 🇩🇪✨

The students dove into local and Minnesota history, explored the story of the Kensington Runestone, and learned how our region connects to the bigger picture of history. Their curiosity and enthusiasm made the day extra special!

Local educators: don’t forget to schedule your school’s field trip! Our programs make history come alive for students of all ages. 🏛️📚

Thank you to Melrose Area High School for visiting! We loved having you!

01/15/2026

Were open Monday, January 19th!

While schools are out to reflect on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his lasting impact on equality, justice, and service, it’s a great opportunity for families to spend the day learning together and exploring history at the Runestone Museum.

The museum will be open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and we invite you to visit and make the most of this meaningful day.

01/05/2026

The new documentary series Quest for the Lost Vikings aired in Canada yesterday on Super Channel Quest, and Canadian explorers may be rewriting North American Viking history. The series follows a family of modern-day explorers as they investigate evidence suggesting that Vikings may have traveled and traded in North America centuries earlier than previously believed.

Be sure to watch the trailer—you’ll spot our Executive Director, Barbara Haacke, featured in it. And don’t miss Episode 4, which highlights the legendary Kensington Runestone in Minnesota.

🎬 Watch the official trailer here:
https://superchannel.ca/series/quest-for-the-lost-vikings

We will keep everyone informed as soon as the series becomes available in the United States. This is one series that history fans and followers of the Kensington Runestone won’t want to miss!

12/23/2025

We’re excited to welcome a Black Beaver to our Natural History Exhibit! 🦫🖤

Cool fact: The North American beaver (Castor canadensis) is a keystone species. Its dams create wetlands that support hundreds of other plants and animals. The striking black coloration you see is a rare, naturally occurring melanistic phase.

A heartfelt thank you to Mr. Gary Blesi for his generous support in making this incredible addition possible. Be sure to stop by and see this remarkable animal up close!

12/19/2025

As we move closer to Christmas, we would like to take a moment to remind everyone of those who helped make this season another one filled with holiday cheer. 🎄✨

We are incredibly grateful to our local sponsors who made Christmas in the Fort and the Parade of Trees possible. Your generosity and support help create meaningful traditions, joyful memories, and a festive experience for our entire community.

A heartfelt thank you to:
, ’s Fresh Foods, Farm, Financial, Daddy’s Bar & Grill, Depot Smokehouse and Tavern, Theatre, K, Round Up, Blossom Farm, Coffee, Event Rental, City Bank, Coffee, ’s Tree Service, and Wedding and Events.

We’d also like to recognize our co-host of the Lakes Museum for helping bring these beloved holiday traditions to life for our community.

Thank you all for helping make this Christmas season truly special! ❤️🎄

Address

206 Broadway Street
Alexandria, MN
56308

Opening Hours

Monday	10am - 4pm
Tuesday	10am - 4pm
Wednesday	10am - 4pm
Thursday	10am - 4pm
Friday	10am - 4pm
Saturday	10am - 4pm

Telephone

+1 320-763-3160

Website

http://www.runestonemuseum.org/

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