Minnesota has one of the most comprehensive EBT discount ecosystems in the Midwest. The Minnesota Zoo offers free admission to EBT cardholders and all their dependents through the Zoo Access Free to Explore program. The Science Museum of Minnesota charges just $3/person. All 26 Minnesota Historical Society sites offer a $4/adult discounted rate. The Guthrie Theater offers $5 tickets to EBT holders for select performances. And Minnesota’s Market Bucks program doubles SNAP produce spending at farmers markets statewide.
A Note on Minnesota’s SNAP Program
Minnesota’s SNAP program is administered by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), through county offices statewide. Your EBT card works at all participating venues. Present it with a valid Minnesota photo ID where required — several Minnesota venues specifically require a Minnesota ID alongside the EBT card. Your EBT balance cannot pay for admission.
Amazon Prime — Half Price for Minnesota SNAP Recipients
Minnesota SNAP recipients qualify for Amazon Prime at $6.99 per month.
Sign up here — upload your Minnesota EBT card or benefit letter. Free 30-day trial available. You can also use EBT on Amazon for groceries.
Minnesota Zoo — Free for All EBT Household Members
Minnesota Zoo (Apple Valley) — FREE admission for the EBT cardholder and all dependents through the Zoo Access Free to Explore program. This is one of the most generous zoo EBT programs in the country. To claim:
- Complete a reservation form at least one week in advance at mnzoo.org
- Purchase a parking pass (required separately)
- Bring proof of eligibility (MN EBT card, MN MHCP/Medicaid card, WIC card, or MN HeadStart Acceptance Letter) and proof of Minnesota address
The Minnesota Zoo is a 485-acre AZA-accredited zoo home to nearly 500 species, including Amur tigers, grizzly bears, komodo dragons, sea otters, and the acclaimed Tropics Trail indoor rainforest. Note: Minnesota EBT cardholders only — out-of-state EBT cards are not accepted for this program. Verify at mnzoo.org.
Twin Cities — Science, History, Art, and Theater
Science Museum of Minnesota (St. Paul) — $3 per person for up to four people with a valid EBT card. The Science Museum of Minnesota overlooks the Mississippi River and offers exhibits on human anatomy, physics, dinosaurs and fossils, and Minnesota’s natural history. Admission tiers: $3 for museum only; planetarium and special exhibits priced separately. Out-of-state EBT cards accepted. Verify at smm.org.
Minnesota Historical Society — All 26 Sites — $4 per adult, free for children under 18 at all 26 Minnesota Historical Society locations statewide, including:
- Minnesota History Center (St. Paul)
- Fort Snelling
- James J. Hill House (St. Paul)
- Charles Lindbergh House (Little Falls)
- Split Rock Lighthouse (Two Harbors)
- And 21 more locations statewide
To access this rate, present your EBT card with a Minnesota photo ID at any MHS ticket desk. Does not include parking, special exhibits, or additional program fees. Fill out the limited income form at mnhs.org before your first visit. All 26 sites participate.
Guthrie Theater (Minneapolis) — $5 tickets for select performances for adults 18+ enrolled in MN EBT, TANF, WIC, Section 8, SSDI, SSI, or other government benefit programs. Up to four tickets may be purchased per EBT card per performance. Available at the Guthrie box office — guthrietheater.org.
Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) — General admission is always free at Mia, making it one of the best free cultural destinations in Minnesota for all visitors including SNAP recipients. Special exhibitions may charge a fee.
Minnesota Children’s Museum (St. Paul) — Offers free and reduced-price memberships to families at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Contact the museum at mcm.org for application details.
Walker Art Center (Minneapolis) — Contact the museum at walkerart.org for current EBT or reduced-admission information.
Outside the Twin Cities
The Works Museum (Bloomington) — Gateway Program offering $6.50/person daily admission or a $25 family membership providing unlimited free admission for a year. Requires MN EBT or other qualifying benefits documentation. Verify at theworks.org.
Duluth Children’s Museum — Discounted Museums for All admission with a valid EBT card. Contact at duluthchildrensmuseum.org for current rates.
Lake Superior Zoo (Duluth) — Contact the zoo at lszoo.org to confirm current EBT discount availability.
Legacy of the Lakes Museum (Alexandria) — Free admission with a valid EBT card. Celebrates Minnesota lake life history. Contact lakesmuseum.org.
Market Bucks — Double SNAP at Farmers Markets
Minnesota’s Market Bucks program matches SNAP EBT spending dollar-for-dollar on fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets across the state — including the Minneapolis Farmers Market and St. Paul Farmers Market. Find participating markets at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture or contact your local market directly.
Summer EBT and School Meals
Minnesota participates in SUN Bucks, providing $120 per eligible child for summer groceries. See Summer EBT for full details. Free school meals: see free and reduced school lunch.
Phone, Internet, and Energy Assistance
Lifeline: Up to $9.25/month — lifelinesupport.org. Free internet: free internet with SNAP. LIHEAP: Minnesota winters are among the harshest in the continental US — contact 211 Minnesota. Free tablet: free tablet with food stamps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What discounts can I get with a Minnesota EBT card?
Free admission at the Minnesota Zoo (all household dependents, MN residents only), $3/person at the Science Museum of Minnesota, $4/adult at all 26 Minnesota Historical Society sites (free for under-18), $5 Guthrie Theater tickets, always-free admission at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, and a $25 annual family membership option at The Works Museum. Statewide: Market Bucks produce matching, SUN Bucks ($120/child), half-price Amazon Prime, Lifeline, and LIHEAP.
Is the Minnesota Zoo free with an EBT card?
Yes — free for the cardholder and all dependents through the Zoo Access Free to Explore program. Requires a reservation at least one week in advance, a parking pass, and a Minnesota EBT or Medicaid card (out-of-state cards not accepted). Reserve at mnzoo.org.
How much is the Science Museum of Minnesota with an EBT card?
$3 per person for up to four people. Out-of-state EBT cards accepted. Planetarium and special exhibits are priced separately. Located in St. Paul overlooking the Mississippi River.
How do I access the Minnesota Historical Society discount?
Present your EBT card with a Minnesota photo ID at any of the 26 MHS sites. Adults pay $4, children under 18 are free. Fill out the limited income form at mnhs.org. Does not include parking, special exhibits, or additional program fees.
Can I get $5 Guthrie Theater tickets with my Minnesota EBT card?
Yes — for select performances, adults 18+ enrolled in MN EBT or other qualifying government programs can purchase up to four $5 tickets per card. Available at the Guthrie box office. Check guthrietheater.org for eligible performances.
How do I get Amazon Prime at half price with my Minnesota EBT card?
Sign up here and upload your Minnesota EBT card or benefit letter. $6.99/month.
Bottom Line
Minnesota’s EBT discount landscape is exceptional — particularly the Minnesota Zoo’s free admission for all household dependents and the Guthrie Theater’s $5 tickets. The combination of cultural access (Science Museum, MHS’s 26 sites, the free Mia) with entertainment access (Guthrie) makes Minnesota one of the best states for EBT cultural perks.
Half-price Amazon Prime is available immediately. Sign up here. See grocery stores that take EBT and check your Minnesota SNAP balance anytime.
Last updated: 2026 | Minnesota SNAP is administered by the Department of Human Services (DHS). EBT card support: 1-888-997-2227 (24/7).