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Judy Garland Museum, Grand Rapids, MN
MuseumsHistory BuffFamily FavoriteLocal Gem

Judy Garland Museum

2727 S Pokegama Ave · Grand Rapids, MN

Why you should go…

Opened in 1975 as one of the first celebrity museums in the United States, this Grand Rapids museum sits on two acres around Judy Garland's restored 1920s birthplace home. Exhibits cover her life with personal items, a Dorothy Gale test dress and an original carriage from The Wizard of Oz. The interactive Children's Discovery Museum shares the site. The original ruby slippers have not been on display here since 2005.

  • #wizard of oz
  • #celebrity museum
  • #birthplace home
  • #film history

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Judy Garland Museum, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

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    Family Favorite

    Paul Bunyan Land

    $25–$50

    A Brainerd amusement park and pioneer village home to a 26-foot talking Paul Bunyan statue.

    64 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

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    North Shore Scenic Railroad

    $25–$50

    Heritage train excursions along Lake Superior between Duluth and Two Harbors, Minnesota.

    73 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

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    Great Lakes Aquarium

    Under $25

    A freshwater aquarium on Duluth's harbor featuring over 250 species from the Great Lakes region.

    74 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Museums
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    Glensheen Mansion

    $25–$50

    A 39-room Jacobean Revival lakeside estate in Duluth, open for tours since 1979.

    75 mi awayMore like this

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    ArtReach St. Croix

    Free

    Community arts nonprofit and gallery space in Stillwater, showcasing rotating exhibits by regional artists.

    152 mi awayMore like this

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    Bell Museum

    Under $25

    Minnesota's natural history museum: beloved restored wildlife dioramas, hands-on labs, and a state-of-the-art digital planetarium.

    154 mi awayMore like this