REM5 Virtual Reality Laboratory is located in the St. Louis Park neighborhood of the Twin Cities metro area, just a few minutes west of downtown Minneapolis.
More Than Just Gaming — A Social VR Experience
REM5 is not your typical arcade. It was founded in 2017 with a clear vision: to make virtual reality a social, welcoming experience for everyone. The space operates much like a bowling alley — instead of renting a lane, guests rent a semi-private VR Pod for their group. Each Pod comes with a high-end VR headset, a curated selection of world-class games and experiences, and a dedicated concierge who guides visitors through every step of their journey. Whether you are trying VR for the first time or you are a seasoned enthusiast, the staff makes sure everyone feels comfortable and engaged. The atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious. The warehouse-style space has been thoughtfully renovated to feel inviting rather than clinical. Guests can enjoy made-in-house food and drinks — including craft beer and wine — right at their Pod, turning a simple gaming session into a full evening out with friends or family.
What You Can Do Inside the Pods
Each Pod accommodates groups of two to five people and features a single VR headset that users can take turns with. The experience library is broad and carefully chosen: adrenaline-pumping action games, mind-bending puzzles, creative sandbox worlds, and immersive simulations that transport you anywhere from the ocean floor to the top of a skyscraper. Popular titles include Beat Saber (a rhythm game often described as a modern Dance Dance Revolution), Fruit Ninja, Ragnarock, and even a plank-walking experience that challenges your fear of heights. For those who are unsure about VR, REM5 offers a free demo to help ease any concerns about motion sickness or vertigo. The equipment is top-of-the-line, with headsets that cost close to $5,000 each, ensuring a smooth and visually stunning experience.
Beyond Entertainment — Learning, Empathy, and Team Building
REM5 has a lesser-known but equally important side: its impact-driven arm, REM5 For Good. During daytime hours, the same VR equipment used for gaming is repurposed for education and empathy-building programs. Local school groups come in for virtual field trips — exploring ancient civilizations, the solar system, or the human body in ways a textbook never could. Corporate teams use the space for leadership training and collaborative problem-solving exercises in a fully immersive environment. There are also empathy simulations that allow participants to experience what it is like to be homeless, to be a woman in a male-dominated meeting, or to navigate the world as a transgender person. These programs have been used by businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations to foster understanding and connection in a deeply memorable way.
A Place for Celebrations and Gatherings
REM5 has earned a strong reputation as a venue for birthdays, corporate events, team-building outings, date nights, and family reunions. The Star Tribune named it Minnesota’s Best in categories including Date Night Spot, Family Fun Center, Children’s Birthday Venue, and Corporate Event/Activity. The space can accommodate groups of up to 150 people for private events, with a 6,000-square-foot exhibit area and full catering options available. The staff
— many of whom come from backgrounds in hospitality, tech, and education — are known for being friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about helping guests have a great time. Whether it is a child’s Minecraft-themed birthday party or a company holiday gathering, the team works closely with organizers to tailor the experience.
Food, Drinks, and Lounging
One of the things that sets REM5 apart is its full food and beverage program. The kitchen turns out made-to-order pizzas, shareable dishes, and other comfort foods, all prepared in-house. The drink menu includes local craft beer, wine, seltzers, and soft drinks. Guests can order food and beverages directly to their Pod, so there is no need to step away from the fun. The space also features a lounge area where visitors can relax before or after their session, making it easy to extend the evening into a full social outing.n to be in St. Louis Park, MN. Step into a international of infinite possibilities and permit your imagination run wild at REM5.
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