Where Can You Not Carry a Gun in Minnesota? Schools, Courts, Posted Property—Complete Restrictions Guide 2026
Minnesota law prohibits firearms in specific locations even with a valid Permit to Carry: schools and educational facilities, courthouse complexes, state correctional facilities and hospitals, childcare centers, private establishments with posted restrictions, and certain government buildings. Understanding these restrictions is critical—violations can result in felony charges, substantial fines, and permanent loss of firearm rights.
How Minnesota’s Gun Carry Restrictions Work
State-Level Prohibited Locations
Under Minn. Stat. § 609.66, subdivision 1d, carrying firearms on public or private elementary, middle, or secondary school buildings and grounds is strictly prohibited. This prohibition applies regardless of whether you hold a Permit to Carry and extends to any portion of a building or facility under temporary, exclusive control of a school where signs are posted.
Public colleges and universities may establish policies restricting the carrying of weapons on their premises by employees and students while on campus. However, educational institutions cannot prohibit lawful carry or possession of firearms in parking facilities under Minn. Stat. § 624.714, subdivision 18.
Minn. Stat. § 609.66, subdivision 1g makes it a felony to possess dangerous weapons, ammunition, or explosives within any courthouse complex or any state building within the Capitol Area described in chapter 15B (except the National Guard Armory). Penalties include up to five years imprisonment or fines up to $10,000.
Courthouse Complexes and Judicial Orders
The term “courthouse complex” under Minnesota law is not precisely defined in statute, creating uncertainty about which buildings fall under the prohibition. In practice, this has been interpreted to cover any contiguous areas under the same roof as the courthouse, including adjoining county departments and libraries.
Critically, judges in the majority of Minnesota judicial districts have issued court orders banning firearm carry in their courts beyond what Minn. Stat. § 609.66 requires. These judicial orders cover entire courthouse complexes, not just courtrooms. Violating these court orders results in contempt of court charges even if you properly notified the sheriff about your permit status.
For example, the 4th Judicial District (including Hennepin County and Minneapolis) has comprehensive court orders prohibiting firearms throughout courthouse buildings. While someone who gave proper notification can only be charged with contempt rather than felony violations under § 609.66, you should expect to be stopped, searched, and expelled from buildings if discovered carrying.
Private Property and Posted Establishments
Under Minn. Stat. § 624.714, subdivision 17, private establishment operators can make “reasonable requests” that firearms not be brought into their premises. A “reasonable request” requires one of two methods: posting a prominently displayed sign at every entrance containing specific statutory language: “(INDICATE IDENTITY OF OPERATOR) BANS GUNS IN THESE PREMISES,” or personally informing individuals that guns are prohibited and demanding compliance.
These signs must be conspicuous and positioned at every entrance with the bottom of the sign four to six feet above the floor and within four feet laterally of each entrance. If a private business uses proper signage or makes a verbal request, you must comply or face misdemeanor trespass charges.
However, operators cannot prohibit lawful firearm possession in parking facilities or parking areas under Minnesota law. Landlords also cannot restrict lawful carry or possession of firearms by tenants or their guests.
Additional Restricted Locations
Minnesota law prohibits firearms in several other locations: state correctional facilities and state hospitals under Minn. Stat. § 243.55, subdivision 1, any jail, lockup, or correctional facility, and childcare centers licensed under Minnesota regulations.
Employers, whether public or private, may establish policies restricting carry or possession of firearms by employees while acting in the course and scope of employment under Minn. Stat. § 624.714, subdivision 18(a). However, employers cannot prohibit lawful firearm possession in parking facilities or parking areas.
Federal Restrictions That Apply in Minnesota
Gun-Free School Zones Act
The federal Gun-Free School Zones Act (18 U.S.C. § 922(q)) generally prohibits possessing firearms in school zones, defined as within 1,000 feet of school grounds. However, this federal prohibition includes an exception for individuals licensed by the state to possess or carry firearms.
If you hold a valid Minnesota Permit to Carry, you’re exempt from federal Gun-Free School Zone restrictions outside school property itself. Minnesota state law still prohibits carry on actual school buildings and grounds regardless of your permit status.
Federal Facilities
Federal law prohibits firearms in federal facilities—buildings or portions owned or leased by the federal government where federal employees regularly perform duties. This includes federal courthouses, post offices, Social Security offices, and other federal buildings regardless of Minnesota permit status.
Public entities leasing space in federal facilities that prohibit firearms may be obligated to comply with federal restrictions. Understanding these federal limitations helps you avoid serious federal charges that carry harsher penalties than state violations.
What People Get Wrong About Minnesota Gun Restrictions
Myth: A Permit to Carry Allows You to Carry Anywhere
The most dangerous misconception is that a Minnesota Permit to Carry grants unlimited authority to carry firearms everywhere. Minnesota law creates numerous prohibited locations where even permit holders cannot legally carry firearms, including schools, courthouses, and properly posted private establishments.
Violating these restrictions results in criminal charges ranging from petty misdemeanors to felonies depending on the specific violation. Courthouse violations under Minn. Stat. § 609.66, subdivision 1g are felonies punishable by up to five years imprisonment regardless of permit status.
Myth: Posted Signs Don’t Have Legal Force
Some firearm owners mistakenly believe private property signs banning guns are merely suggestions without legal consequences. Minnesota law is clear: Minn. Stat. § 624.714, subdivision 17 gives posted restrictions legal force, making violations misdemeanor trespass offenses.
The signs must use specific statutory language and meet posting requirements, but properly posted restrictions carry legal weight. First-time violations result in fines up to $25 for refusing to leave when requested, though firearms are not subject to forfeiture.
Myth: Keeping a Gun in Your Car Bypasses All Restrictions
Parking lot exemptions under Minnesota law create confusion. While employers and private establishments cannot prohibit firearms in parking facilities, this doesn’t extend to all prohibited locations. You cannot store firearms in vehicles at schools, courthouses, or other statutorily banned locations.
The parking exemption protects firearm storage at private businesses and workplaces that ban guns inside buildings, allowing employees and patrons to secure firearms in vehicles. It doesn’t override statutory prohibitions at schools, courthouses, or government facilities.
What to Do If You Carry Firearms in Minnesota
Understanding and Identifying Prohibited Locations
Before carrying in any location, verify whether Minnesota or federal law prohibits firearms there. Schools are easily identifiable, but courthouse complexes may include buildings you wouldn’t expect—county offices, libraries, and administrative buildings attached to courthouses.
Research which judicial districts have court orders banning firearms beyond statutory requirements. Contact your county sheriff or consult courthouse websites for information about judicial orders affecting courthouse complexes.
When entering private businesses, look for properly posted signage at entrances. Remember that signs must use specific statutory language: “(OPERATOR NAME) BANS GUNS IN THESE PREMISES” to have legal effect under Minn. Stat. § 624.714, subdivision 17.
Securing Firearms When Entering Restricted Areas
When you need to enter prohibited locations, secure your firearm properly before approaching. Lock firearms in your vehicle’s trunk or a secure gun safe in prohibited location parking lots where storage is permitted.
Never attempt to carry past checkpoint security at courthouses or government buildings. Even accidental carry into prohibited locations can result in arrest, criminal charges, and permanent firearm rights restrictions.
If you discover you’re carrying in a prohibited location, immediately and safely secure your weapon if possible, discreetly leave the premises, and contact an attorney before speaking with law enforcement about the incident.
When to Consult an Attorney
Consult with a qualified Minnesota firearms attorney if you face criminal charges for carrying in prohibited locations, receive citations for violating posted restrictions, have questions about specific locations and whether carry is permitted, operate a business and need guidance on posting requirements, or work as an employer establishing firearm policies for employees.
Criminal defense attorneys experienced in Minnesota gun laws understand the nuances of carry restrictions, judicial orders, and potential defenses available if you’re charged with violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I carry a gun in Minnesota schools?
No. Minn. Stat. § 609.66, subdivision 1d prohibits carrying firearms on public or private elementary, middle, or secondary school buildings and grounds regardless of permit status. Public colleges may restrict carry by students and employees on campus but cannot prohibit storage in parking lots. Violations can result in criminal charges and permanent firearm rights loss.
Are guns allowed in Minnesota courthouses?
No. Minn. Stat. § 609.66, subdivision 1g makes possessing dangerous weapons within courthouse complexes a felony punishable by up to five years imprisonment or $10,000 fines. Additionally, judges in most Minnesota judicial districts have issued court orders broadly banning firearms in courthouse buildings beyond statutory requirements. Violating these judicial orders results in contempt charges.
Do businesses have to post signs to prohibit guns?
Yes, for the prohibition to have legal force under Minn. Stat. § 624.714, subdivision 17. Private establishments must either post conspicuous signs at every entrance using specific statutory language (“(OPERATOR NAME) BANS GUNS IN THESE PREMISES”) or personally inform individuals and demand compliance. Without proper notice, businesses cannot legally enforce firearm prohibitions, though they can still request individuals leave their property.
Can I carry a gun in my car in restricted areas?
It depends on the specific location. Employers and private establishments cannot prohibit firearm storage in parking facilities under Minn. Stat. § 624.714, subdivision 18. However, you cannot store firearms in vehicles at schools, courthouses, or other statutorily prohibited locations where the prohibition extends to all possession including vehicle storage. Always verify location-specific restrictions before assuming parking lot storage is permitted.
What happens if I accidentally carry into a prohibited location?
You can still face criminal charges even if the violation was accidental. Courthouse violations under Minn. Stat. § 609.66, subdivision 1g are felonies regardless of intent. For private establishments with posted restrictions, first-time violations of failing to leave when requested are petty misdemeanors with maximum $25 fines. Consult immediately with a criminal defense attorney experienced in firearm laws if charged with carrying in prohibited locations.
Are there federal restrictions on gun carry in Minnesota?
Yes. The federal Gun-Free School Zones Act (18 U.S.C. § 922(q)) prohibits firearms within 1,000 feet of schools, though permit holders are exempt outside actual school property. Federal law prohibits firearms in all federal facilities including post offices, federal courthouses, and Social Security offices. These federal restrictions apply regardless of Minnesota permit status and carry federal criminal penalties separate from state law violations.
Last Updated: January 24, 2026
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Minnesota’s firearm carry restrictions and is not legal advice. Consult with a qualified Minnesota firearms attorney for guidance regarding specific carry situations or criminal charges.
Know where you cannot legally carry firearms in Minnesota. Violating carry restrictions can result in felony charges and permanent loss of gun rights. When in doubt, secure your firearm or consult an attorney before entering questionable locations.
Stay informed, stay protected. — AllAboutLawyer.com
Sources:
- Minnesota Statutes § 624.714 (Permits to Carry Pistols and Location Restrictions)
- Minnesota Statutes § 609.66 (Dangerous Weapons)
- Minnesota Statutes § 609.605 (Trespass)
- Minnesota Statutes § 243.55 (Correctional Facilities)
- 18 U.S.C. § 922(q) (Federal Gun-Free School Zones Act)
- Minnesota Department of Public Safety Permit to Carry Resources
- Minnesota Counties Intergovernmental Trust firearms guidance
- Minnesota court orders on courthouse firearm restrictions
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About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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