Headwaters Science Center

Headwaters Science Center is a vibrant interactive space in the city of Bemidji, where science literally comes to life in your hands. This modern museum, located in the USA, offers a unique learning format through personal experience and experimentation, making it a must-visit for families and curious travelers.

Occupying about 700 square meters in a historic former department store building, the center houses over 70 exhibits. Here, every visitor—from child to adult—can feel like a researcher, exploring the principles of physics, technology, and the natural features of northern Minnesota. In 2021, the museum was officially recognized as the best in the state by the Star Tribune, confirming its high quality and significance.

The institution's main mission is to inspire discovery. Unlike traditional museums where exhibits are behind glass, the Headwaters Science Center operates under the motto "science you can touch." The center's staff actively interact with guests, conducting live demonstrations and helping to explain even the most complex concepts in simple and engaging language.

To clarify current programs or plan a group visit, you can contact the center's administration directly. Below are the up-to-date contact details to help you find your way before your trip to Bemidji.

The official office and exhibition space are always ready to answer visitor questions by phone or via the website.

The main feature of the center is the opportunity for active interaction. Here, you don't just watch—you become part of the experiment. Be sure to try the Bicycle Gyroscope, which clearly demonstrates the laws of conservation of angular momentum, or step into the famous Frozen Shadows room, where a flash of light allows you to literally leave your "frozen" shadow on the wall.

For space and astronomy enthusiasts, the center offers programs in the Starlab planetarium. Here you can study the phases of the Moon, learn details of the Apollo 11 mission, and dive into the mysteries of the night sky. Children will be delighted by the tactile exhibits dedicated to the region's ecology and the wildlife of the northern forests.

Don't miss the chance to talk to the staff—the center's experts often perform spontaneous science shows and personalized explanations that make the visit even more educational. Before leaving, stop by the gift shop, where you can purchase unusual science kits and souvenirs to continue your experiments at home.

Headwaters Science Center is conveniently located in the heart of Bemidji at 413 Beltrami Ave NW. Thanks to its central location, the museum is easily accessible on foot from most downtown hotels, shops, and restaurants. A walk from the banks of the Mississippi River takes just a few minutes, making a visit to the center a great addition to a city sightseeing tour.

If you plan to arrive by car, parking spaces are provided near the center. The trip from Bemidji Regional Airport (BJI) takes no more than 10 minutes. The city's main thoroughfares provide direct and clear access to Beltrami Avenue, so navigating with maps will be easy.

For those who prefer public transport or taxis, Uber and local taxi companies operate in the city. Since Bemidji is a compact city, a taxi ride from any part of it to the science center will be quick and inexpensive. For maximum convenience, we recommend using navigation apps to build a route in real-time.

The history of this amazing place began back in the 1970s. It was initiated by Jim and Laddie Elwell, who were faculty members in the science department at Bemidji State University. Their passion for science and desire to share knowledge led to the creation of an organization called Opportunities in Science in the 1980s. It was originally planned to be just a branch of a major Minnesota museum, but over time the project grew into a completely independent and unique center.

The Headwaters Science Center officially opened its doors in July 1993. It found its home in a rented building that had housed a popular J.C. Penney department store in the 1930s. At first, the exhibition was modest, consisting mostly of homemade apparatuses and a small souvenir shop, but the creators' enthusiasm quickly caught the public's attention.

A significant milestone in its development was March 1994, when 11 major professional exhibits arrived at the center as part of the Science Carnival program from the Pacific Science Center. This event allowed for the grand opening of a full-scale exhibition hall. Over decades of operation, the number of interactive areas has grown to 70, a modern planetarium was added, and the institution has been recognized as one of the best museums in the state.

Today, the Headwaters Science Center functions as a non-profit organization that carefully preserves its origins. Visitors can still see those very first exhibits, such as the gyroscope and the "shadow room," which after thirty years have not lost their relevance or ability to surprise new generations of researchers.

To fully enjoy everything the center has to offer and explore more than 70 interactive exhibits at your own pace, a typical visitor will need 1.5 to 2.5 hours. This is enough time to experience physical laws in action and watch science demonstrations.

If you are traveling as a family with children or as part of an educational group, we recommend allowing about 3 hours for your visit. Little explorers often linger at the most interesting displays, and attending a show at the Starlab planetarium will add another 30–40 minutes to your program.

Headwaters Science Center is open to visitors all week. From Monday to Saturday, the museum is open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and on Sunday the doors open a bit later—from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Please note that the center may be closed for visits during the annual e-cubed fundraiser charity event. We recommend checking the official website before your visit to confirm the current schedule and any possible changes in admission rules.

After diving into the world of science at the Headwaters Center, you can continue exploring the culture and cuisine of Bemidji. Historic architectural monuments, cozy breweries, and picturesque walking spots are within walking distance.

Exploring the surrounding area will allow you to feel the atmosphere of northern Minnesota and see how the city's modern life intertwines with its rich historical heritage.