This season will undoubtedly be an adjustment – for visitors and staff. We are hoping that by providing this information on what to expect during a visit to the Museum, we can continue to offer the safe, informative and inspirational experience that visitors have come to expect.
If you do not see your question answered below, please let us know so we can add it!
Why is your phone always busy?
The Museum has one phone line and usually one staff member available to answer. We’ve had a lot of calls requesting information or a reservation, tying up the line. We apologize for the inconvenience. However, for faster service, please read the following information and/or reserve your tour online.
When are you open?
We are “open” for business operations daily. However, public tours require advanced reservations. We regret we cannot accommodate walk-ins for tours or shopping (see below for shopping).
What will the hours be?
At this time, one-hour time slots are available daily:
- 9am
- 10am
- 11am
- CLOSED 12-1pm
- 1pm
- 2pm
- 3pm
- 4pm
Those interested in visiting “same-day” may need to call for availability. Longer time slots or before/after hours slots may be arranged by phone depending on staffing availability at no extra charge.
Reservations also apply to those who would like to shop in our Gift Shop (free of charge) due to a 10 person limit, so please call us or email info@rootbeerlady.com
This new system has already evolved a bit and will likely change more as time goes on so that we can collect feedback and make improvements as necessary. Please understand that our current situation is not desirable on our part compared to how we’ve historically operated but we are looking forward to welcoming you back to the Museum and hope that you will work with us to help make this new visitation plan work.
How do people make reservations?
Online reservations may be made by clicking the “Get Admissions” button found in the lower left corner of our website (all pages). For those who do not have easy access to the internet, no cell service or are not comfortable using online payment options, we are happy to walk visitors through the process on our end. However, pre-payment is part of the process.
How many people can visit at one time?
We are able to accommodate up to 10 visitors on-site at one time.
Will guided tours be available?
Unfortunately, no. We do not have appropriate space indoors for physically distanced guided tours. However, staff will provide an introduction to Dorothy/Museum exhibits at check-in for each reservation.
What tour guides/resources are available?
The Dorothy Molter Museum’s virtual tour can be accessed on a web browser or via a free downloadable app for Android and iPhone. This app can be used during your visit as an alternate tour guide with imagery and an audio option to listen while you explore! More information.
A single page, double-sided, laminated Visitor’s Guide will be available for use that includes a map of the grounds and a description of what is available to explore while on-site. Sanitized after each use.
Do I have to wear a mask?
Yes. Staff and visitors (over the age of two years) are required to wear a mask covering their nose and mouth while on-site. Disposable masks are available for $1.00 in the Gift Shop as well as reusable/washable cotton or poly KWITCHURBELIAKIN masks. Read our Visitor Face Mask Policy.
For guests with a medical exemption for a face mask, a face shield is an acceptable alternative and must be worn at all times.
The Museum’s Visitor Face Mask Policy is available by request and does allow for case-by-case considerations for specific situations but does require advanced contact by phone prior to reserving a visit. Visitors are not allowed to reserve a visit and then request accommodation upon arrival.
Due to the potential threat to the health of staff and other visitors, there are no other exceptions to this policy.
If you are deaf or hard of hearing and prefer to see staff faces, please contact us prior to reserving your visit. We have see-through masks on-order to accommodate lip-reading.
The State of Minnesota does have a mask mandate for public and indoor spaces.
What other requirements are there for visitors?
- Visitors are required to use the hand-sanitizer upon entering the Interpretive Center (each time)
- Alternative: bathroom sink available for hand-washing
- Visitors must physically distance from other visitor groups while on-site
- Adherence to all directional and instructional signage
- Only touching retail merchandise if there is an intent to purchase
- As usual, avoid touching historic objects and other collection items
How will we communicate these expectations to our visitors?
This information will be clearly communicated during the online (and phone) registration process including confirmation materials, online here in our blog, and via signage upon arriving at and throughout the Museum.
What has the Museum done to ensure visitor safety?
- Implemented a Covid-19 Preparedness Operations Plan (based on State requirements)
- Installed physical barriers between staff and visitors in the Interpretive Center and Gift Shop
- Adapted its Visitor’s Guides for proper disinfection after each use
- Implemented a one-way entrance/exit system
- May be altered for those with physical mobility limitations
- Implemented cleaning & disinfecting protocols
- High-touch areas and bathroom wiped down regularly
- Every 4 hours
- At the end of the day
What if all I want to do is shop and/or pick up some root beer?
Give us a call and let’s chat. We would love to have you stop in but we are limited to 10 visitors on-site at a time right now so we will need to factor your visit to our Gift Shop into that number if you’d like to peruse our selection. For root beer, we can take your order on the phone and have it ready outside for pick-up or, you may also shop online here and select “curbside” for shipping options. We’ll then contact you for pick-up. But, yes, we do have more items in our gift shop than what is online so let us work with you to make a visit to the shop!
Can businesses still purchase/pick-up wholesale root beer?
Yes. We are always available for wholesale purchases of Dorothy’s Isle of Pines Root Beer. However, we now need to arrange for curb-side pick-up so advanced notice is appreciated – at least 15-20 minutes’ notice is great.
What else should I be aware of?
We are bracing for what will be a challenging year and do have concerns about our ability to generate the revenue that carries the organization through the entire fiscal year. Here are some of the challenges we are facing and ask for your patience, understanding and cooperation:
- We are unable to offer weekly/monthly public programs or events
- We are unaware if we’ll be able to offer private classes for groups of 10 or fewer
- We are unable to hire additional seasonal staff due to the uncertainty of work available
- Our 12-1pm closure is to ensure all Covid-19 disinfecting protocols are adhered to and allow staff a lunch break
- We are limiting retail merchandise inventory purchases to best-sellers and online favorites, which also financially impacts our vendors