The Big Back Yard's hands-on exhibits and miniature golf course illustrate landscape evolution, river dynamics, and biodiversity. In addition, this outdoor gallery features a prairie maze, gardens, a camera obscura, and an award-winning solar-powered building.

GALLERY HIGHLIGHTS

• In 9 holes of EarthScapes Mini-Golf, learn about the theme of 'source to sink'—how landscapes erode, how rivers transport sediment, and what happens to sediment when it reaches the ocean.
• Walk into the Camera Obscura (Latin for "dark room"), and see an image of the outside world projected on the opposite wall.
• Learn how water and land can affect each other.
• Pan for gemstones and fossils in the giant sluice
• Walk through a maze of prairie plants native to Minnesota.
• Admire our Native American gardens and check out the Big Back Yard plant guide.
• Enjoy lunch at a picnic table.

HOURS

Open daily 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

TICKETS

Viewing the Big Back Yard is free with museum admission any time during your visit. Mini-golf is an additional charge: $3.00 for children ages 4-12, or $4.50 for adults and seniors. Members discount on mini-golf: 10%.

Mini-Golf at a Mini-Price!
After 5 p.m., enjoy a round of mini-golf by the Mississippi for a special golf-only price! For only $5 (for adults) or $4 (for children and seniors), enjoy the Big Back Yard on summer evenings.

This offer does not include admission to galleries and other exhibitions. Special member pricing available, but no additional discounts apply.

PANNING FOR GEMS AND FOSSILS

There are three bags available: Small Gems - $5.00, Large Gems (double the small size) - $7.50, and the Fossil Bag - $10.00