60 EBT Discounts in MN You Can’t Afford to Miss

There are some truly incredible EBT discounts in MN! From Amazon Prime to museum admission, there are a ton of opportunities for you to save money and get free stuff with your benefits card!

In this article, we’re going to start with the nationwide programs and then hone in on the local deals in your area.

Statewide EBT Discounts

No matter where you live in Minnesota, you should be able to take advantage of these incredible EBT discounts. These are available regardless of location.

Amazon Prime

You can score more than 50% off your Amazon Prime membership when you upload proof that you participate in SNAP, Medicaid, or another qualifying government program. Uploading your EBT award letter is a quick and easy way to claim this benefit.

You just need to go to this page on the Amazon website and then upload your letter. You can claim the discount even if you already use Amazon Prime!

Cell Phones

If you get SNAP benefits, then you may also qualify for the Lifeline Program. This program can provide one free cell phone service line to your household. In some cases, you may even be able to get a free smartphone as well!

There are dozens, if not hundreds, of different Lifeline providers across the United States. All of the plans are different and some are definitely better than others. Choose your Lifeline plan here.

Grocery Discounts

Did you know there are programs like Double Up Food Bucks and Add Milk that help SNAP shoppers get free groceries when they shop with EBT? The only catch is that you have to shop at certain places to get those discounts.

In fact, when it comes to EBT discounts in MN, my absolute favorite is Market Bucks. This program will literally triple the value of your EBT benefits in some cases! Learn about Market Bucks.

Free Internet

If you get SNAP, you may qualify for discounted internet too! That’s because many ISPs offer special pricing for low income customers, and many of their programs cost $20 per month or less. This is one of the most impactful EBT discounts in MN, in my opinion.

All of the plans have different requirements. Pick a low income internet plan for more information.

YMCA Memberships

Many YMCA organizations and community recreation centers offer low income discounts. These may be free memberships or sliding-scale fees depending on your income.

However, the pricing for this varies widely between locations. You’ll need to contact your local community center for more information about their low income scholarships and pricing.

Get More from Your EBT

I’ve been researching and updating this article for almost 10 years now. During those years, I’ve identified several things that people don’t know or don’t understand about their benefits.

• You can buy fruit trees and plants. It’s true! You can buy produce-bearing plants, seeds and fruit trees with EBT. You just need to shop at the right retailers. Here’s how to buy plants with EBT.
• You can shop directly from farms. Many farmer’s markets, farm stands, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs and even you-pick fields can accept EBT benefits now – and some will even double or triple the value of your benefits!
• You can get cash back rewards by using rewarded shopping apps like Ibotta or Swagbucks. One of our readers earned an additional $437.84 in cash just by shopping with her food stamps card!
• You can use your MN EBT card in other states! Not only can you shop in other states, you may be able to get EBT discounts there as well! Check our EBT discount lists and look for green titles to see which museums give discounts with out-of-state cards.

Local EBT Discounts in MN

Many museums and venues offer discounts for low income families. If you have an MN EBT card, you could get free or discounted admission to some really incredible places!

Here’s what you need to know:

• Some venues accept out-of-state EBT cards. We’ve used green titles so you can easily identify which museums accept out-of-state EBT cards!
• You cannot pay for admission with EBT. You will show the EBT card to receive the discount but you will need to pay the remaining admission price, if any, in cash or with a credit/debit card.
• There are limits on how many discounted tickets you can buy. It’s usually four tickets (one for you and three for guests), but some venues have higher limits.

Around the State

Minnesota Historical Society (26 sites)

All 26 Minnesota Historical Society locations offer a limited income program. You just need to fill out this form and then bring your EBT card to get the discounted rate, which is $4 per adult. Minors under 18 are free.

Their locations include:

• Alexander Ramsey House
• Birch Coulee Battlefield
• Charles A. Lindbergh Historic Site
• Comstock House
• Folsom House
• Forest History Center
• Fort Ridgely
• Harkin Store
• Historic Forestville
• Historic Fort Snelling
• James J Hill House
• Jeffers Petroglyphs
• Lac qui Parle Mission
• Lower Sioux Agency
• Marine Mill
• Mill City Museum
• Mille Lacs Indian Museum & Trading Post
• Minnehaha Depot
• Minnesota History Center & Gale Family Library
• Minnesota State Capitol
• Oliver Kelley Farm
• Sibley Historic Site
• Snake River Fur Post
• Split Rock Lighthouse
• Traverse des Sioux
• WW Mayo House

Albert Lei

Freeborn County Historical Museum, Library & Village

Explore history in a magnificent way at the Freeborn County Historical Museum, Library and Village. The museum has a changing gallery of exhibits, the village includes an array of historic buildings and more.

This museum has a discounted EBT rate of $5 or less per person with an EBT card.

Alexandria

Legacy of the Lakes Museum

Minnesota lake life is worth celebrating! The Legacy of the Lakes Museum and Garden preserves the memories and experiences of lake life. Formerly known as the Minnesota Lakes Maritime Museum, this venue includes boats, activities, gardens and more. You can visit free with an EBT card.

Apple Valley

Minnesota Zoo

If you have a Minnesota EBT card, you can receive FREE admission through the Zoo Access Program called Free to Explore! This discount is valid for the eligible individual and all of their dependents.

In order to claim your free tickets, you must fill out a reservation form at least one week in advance of your visit. You must also purchase a parking pass.

When you arrive, you will need to provide proof of eligibility and proof of address. Proof can include an MN EBT card, MN MHCP card, WIC card or MN HeadStart Acceptance Letter.

Bemidji

Beltrami County Historical Society

The Beltrami County History Society showcases the history of the land, the people and their stories. Bring your EBT card for FREE admission!

Headwaters Science Center

This hidden gem in Northern Minnesota provides hands-on science and technology exhibits and programming for Minnesota residents of all ages. Check out their Pint-Sized Science program, Science Club and browse their exhibits!

As a Museums for All partner, this location charges $5 or less per person. I’m still awaiting a reply with exact admission details.

Bloomington

Works Museum

The Works Museum offers a Gateway Program that provides discounts to low income families. To be eligible, you need to receive MN EBT or benefits from another qualifying program.

Once you prove that you qualify, you can choose to pay either $6.50 per person for daily admission or purchase a $25 family membership that will give your family free admission for an entire year!

Duluth

Duluth Children’s Museum

Learn through play at the Duluth Children’s Museum! That’s why they feature so many fun interactive STEM exhibits! Caregivers are encouraged to play with their children. The museum website says, “Museum time is family time.”

Duluth Children’s Museum provides an EBT discount of just $3 for up to 5 people! You can also apply for their Discovery for All program which gives free admission to families who are facing financial hardship.

Glensheen Mansion

Explore Glensheen Mansion and all 12 acres of the picturesque lakeside estate for a steep discount! Instead of the usual $20 per person, guests with EBT cards can enjoy the self-guided tour for just $3 per person!

Great Lakes Aquarium

The Great Lakes Aquarium offers discounted admission rates for low income households! Present your current MN EBT card or Medical Assistance card, along with a valid ID. All children and adults in your party will be admitted under the same discounted rate.

The rate is $6 for adults and $4 for children. Children 2 and under are always free. You can also get 50% off their membership rates!

Lake Superior Zoo

If you have an EBT card, you may be eligible for the Lake Superior Zoo’s Zoo for All program! This program provides free admission for an entire year for up to two adults and their children.

They also offer a discounted rate of $5 per person through their EBT discount program. It appears this program is available to EBT cardholders from all states.

Hopkins

Stages Theatre Company

Low income families can receive free or low-cost tickets, bus subsidies and tuition assistance through the Stages Theatre Company’s Open Door Program. You can also attend multiple pay-what-you-can performances each year!

Mankato

Blue Earth County Historical Society

Explore local history at a discount! The Blue Earth County Historical Society charges $5 or less per person to guests who bring their EBT cards.

Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota

The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota ignites curiosity and creativity in young minds with playful exhibits that spark imagination. Kids can climb a giant tree fort, experiment in a vertical wind tunnel, and explore a recreated quarry that reflects the area’s history. This museum offers a fun, hands-on environment for children to learn, grow, and discover the unique aspects of southern Minnesota.

Through the Access for All program, low income families can visit for just $3 per person (up to five guests) with an EBT card. If you want to visit often, you may be able to get a Gateway to Play Scholarship that provides a free or low-cost annual membership.

Minneapolis

American Swedish Institute

The American Swedish Institute is a place for all people to share experiences around the culture, migration, environment and arts of Sweden.

They offer free admission for people who are involved in:

• TANF
• MFIP (MN Family Investment Program)
• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, aka Food Stamps)
• MFAP (MN Food Assistance Program)
• WIC (Women, Infants and Children)
• MN Headstart
• General Assistance
• Medical Assistance
• MinnesotaCare
• Supplemental Security Income
• Social Security Disability Income
• RCA (Refugee Cash Assistance)
• Section 8
• Free/Reduced Price Student Meals

Bakken Museum

The Bakken Museum offers their limited income discount to more than just food stamps users! You can qualify for $1 admission if you receive TANF, MFIP, WIC, General Assistance, Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare, SSI, Social Security Disability Benefits, SNAP, Section 8, or Free/Reduced Price School Meals.

You will need to provide proof of participation in one of those programs in order to receive the discount.

Children’s Theatre Company

Each season, the Children’s Theatre Company provides financial assistance to over 1,000 low income families who would not otherwise be able to attend their performances, classes and camps. Their program, known as the ACT Pass, provides up to six tickets per household at $5 each. Once your application for the ACT Pass program is approved, it lasts for two years. Visit the Children’s Theatre Company website for more information and an online application.

The ACT Pass program also provides Theatre Arts Training scholarships of up to 80% off tuition.

Guthrie Theater

The Guthrie Theater offers Gateway Tickets for low income patrons. These tickets cost just $5 each and are available to adults (age 18+) who are enrolled in MN EBT, TANF, WIC, Section 8, SSDI, SSI or other government benefits programs. Up to four tickets may be purchased for select performances.

Museum of Russian Art

The Museum for Russian Art provides FREE admission to anyone who receives TANF, MFIP, SNAP/EBT, WIC, MFAP, MN Head Start, General Assistance, Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare, Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability Benefits, Food Stamps, RCA / Refugee Cash Assistance, Section 8 or Free/Reduced Price School Meals.

Transit Assistance Program

The Transit Assistance Program is one of the most helpful EBT discounts in MN, especially if you’re having a hard time getting around. This helps low-income residents of Minneapolis and the surrounding area. Through this program, you will pay just $1 for transit fare for the rest of the year! You can qualify by bringing your MN EBT card or one of these other documents to the SouthWest Transit Station or MetroTransit Service Center.

Walker Art Center

The Walker Art Center focuses on sharing the creative expression of artists. They include visual, performing and media arts. Through the Museums for All program, the Walker Art Center is offering free admission to adults with an EBT card. Children under 18 are free.

Plymouth

Three Rivers Park District

The Three Rivers Park District offers Recreation Pass Plus cards to low income households in Hennepin or Scott counties. This pass provides FREE equipment rentals, discounts on programs and free recreation passes! Apply for the pass online.

You qualify for this card if you live in either Hennepin County or Scott county AND you are enrolled in one of the following programs;

• DWP (Diversionary Work Program)
• EBT (Food Stamps)
• EMA (Emergency Medical Assistance)
• Free and Reduced School Lunch Program
• GA (General Assistance)
• HCEAP (Hennepin County Emergency Assistance Program)
• MA (Medical Assistance or Minnesota Care)
• MFIP (Minnesota Family Investment Act)
• MSA (Minnesota Supplemental Aid)
• RCA (Refuge Cash Assistance)
• SSI
• WIC (Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children)

Rochester

History Center of Olmsted County

The History Center of Olmsted County offers FREE admission for up to four people per EBT card.

Rochester Art Center

The Rochester Art Center features a variety of contemporary art exhibitions by artists from the local, regional and national area. As a Museums for All member, this location offers an EBT discount of $5 per person.

SPARK Children’s Museums of Rochester

“Playtime is the rocket fuel of development.” Interact with the exhibits, ask questions and let your imagination run wild. Through their Play for All program, you can get admission for $6 per person with your EBT card. You have to purchase your discounted tickets in person, so make sure to bring your card with you!

St. Paul

Bell Museum

The Bell Museum at University of Minnesota offers several discounts for low income households. They offer FREE Explore passes for qualifying guests, as well as discounted planetarium shows ($4 for adults, $3 for children).

Curiosity memberships are also available for eligible low income households. These memberships are $15 per year. During the year, you’ll get unlimited admission to the museum and discounted $2 planetarium tickets. In order to be eligible, you must at least 18 years old and enrolled in one of these programs:

• MN EBT
• Free/Reduced Price Student Meals
• GA (General Assistance)
• MA (Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare)
• MFIP
• Section 8
• SSI
• SSDI
• TANF
• WIC

Minnesota Children’s Museum

MCM offers two distinct EBT discounts in MN. First, the All Play Tickets allow low income families to purchase up to six tickets for just $3 each.

Alternatively, local low income families may qualify for a $39 per year All Play Scholarship Membership. This membership provides unlimited admission for a year, plus one free flex guest per visit and a 10% discount at the café and store.

Science Museum of Minnesota

Low income guests can receive discounted admission to the Science Museum of Minnesota through their Great Tix program! These tickets cost $3 for museum admission and $3 for Omnitheater admission. Visitors have the option to select the GreatTix price on the drop-down menu when booking tickets on the website, or call 651-221-9444 to make a reservation at the GreatTix price.

This program isn’t limited to people who are receiving MN EBT. In fact, the Science Museum is very generous. You can receive these lower rates if you can prove that you receive:

• Free/Reduced Price Student Meals
• GA (General Assistance)
• MA (Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare)
• MFIP
• Section 8
• SSI
• SSDI
• TANF
• WIC

Please bring your EBT card or verification paperwork and valid Minnesota photo ID to receive these discounted admission rates.

Saint Peter

Nicolett County Historical Society

The Nicolett County Historical Society operates many different venues that celebrate the rich history of this region, including the E St. Julien Cox House, the Traverse Des Sioux and the Treaty Site History Center. With an EBT card, you can bring up to three additional guests to visit these sites for free.

Winona

Kashubian Cultural Institute & Polish Museum

The Kashubian Cultural organization in Minnesota celebrates the heritage and traditions of the Kashubian people, a Slavic ethnic group from the Pomeranian region of northern Poland. This cultural center focuses on preserving and promoting Kashubian history, language, and customs.

Visitors can expect to find a variety of cultural exhibits, events, and educational programs that highlight the unique aspects of Kashubian culture. Admission is just $3 with an EBT card!

Relief Recap

You can get much more out of your benefits when you know about all the EBT discounts in MN! From Amazon Prime to zoo admission, your benefits card can help you do so much more than just buy groceries. Make sure to bookmark this page and check back often, because we’re constantly updating it with new things we find!