Attractions

by Linda (minnemom) of Travels with Children

Planes, trains, and automobiles.  Find a museum about one of these, and most little boys will be happy.  If the vehicles happen to have lights and sirens, even better.  A fire pole to slide down? Icing on the cake, and it can be found at the Bill & Bonnie Daniels Firefighters Hall and Museum in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Upon arriving at the Firefighters Hall and Museum, young guests are greeted with two things:  1) an explanation of which things they can touch and which are hands-off in the museum, and 2) their own red fire hat.  Then they’re off to explore.

The Firefighters Hall and Museum has fire trucks from a number of eras, with placards describing the history of each one.  Although most are for display only, there’s plenty for the kids to do.  There’s one fire truck that they can climb on and pretend to drive; two small driving simulators; an old-fashioned water pump; and of course the fire pole.  The fire pole is definitely the biggest attraction for the kids.

Simulator at Firefighters Hall and Museum, Minneapolis, Minnesota

If the little ones tire of the fire truck activities, there are train tables to keep them occupied as well.

For those really interested in the history of fire trucks and fire companies, there’s even more to see.  A collection of uniform patches covers a large wall.  Equipment from many years can be seen throughout the museum.  Newspaper articles of large fires in the Twin Cities give an interesting perspective.

Firefighters Hall and Museum, Minneapolis, Minnesota

This museum is located away from most of the museums in Minneapolis and St. Paul, and it’s open limited hours, but for anyone–young or old–interested in fire trucks and fire fighting, it’s a worthwhile stop to make.

Do you have a favorite place that showcases vehicles of some sort?

Photo credits:  minnemom