One-of-a-kind Museum on the Shores of Lake Calhoun

By Homesmsp @HomesMSP

Lake Calhoun is the largest of the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes, and a popular destination for walkers, joggers, bikers and joy riders... a great place to see the city skyline, people watch and enjoy the elegant homes surrounding the lake.

The West Calhoun neighborhood of Minneapolis is home of the Minikahda Club, the oldest country club west of the Mississippi River.

It is also home of the only museum and library in the world dedicated primarily to medical electricity... the Bakken Museum, located in West Winds mansion on the west shore of Lake Calhoun.

Named for Earl Bakken, developer of the first pacemaker and co-founder of Medtronic, Bakken started collecting old electric medical machines and books in 1969. When he outgrew storage space, he purchased the West Winds mansion on the west shore of Lake Calhoun in 1976... where it has continued to grow as an educational destination for both scholars and young people.

The Bakken still has the feel of a fascinating old mansion, the perfect setting for 'Dr. Frankenstein's Laboratory' with a 12-minute multi-media show that brings Dr. Frankenstein's monster to life.

Today educational programming plays a prominent role in the museum. Their school and youth programs include extensive outreach, field trip and science theater programs... Lego robotics, Inventor's Club and summer science camps.

The building fits in so well with its neighbors that you might not even realize it is a museum as you pass by on your journey around the lake.

Current average home price in this neighborhood is $457,889... see homes currently for sale around Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis.

Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results - Minneapolis Realtor