Explore, Play, Wonder, Repeat.

Welcome to wondertrek children’s museum

 

Explore & sponsor our upcoming exhibits

Enjoy Outdoor play & Exploration

Ready for WonderTrek?!

WonderTrek’s Outdoor Adventure is becoming a reality! We need your help to bring it to life. Thanks to generous donors and grants, we’ve raised over $6 million—but we’re in the final push for $1 million that will keep kids exploring and playing until the sun goes down – and sometimes later!  The Outdoor Adventure will feature:

Immersive Nature Play Environments

Interactive Outdoor Exhibits and Indoor Workshop

Exhilarating Recreation Spaces

Every donation counts! Join us to create a place where kids can play, explore, and discover wonder every day.
Sponsor an exhibit
Donate Today
WonderTrek Site Map

Sponsorship Spotlight

Honoring the Legacy of Robert and Rachel Nystrom

At WonderTrek, we are continually inspired by the people who make the Brainerd Lakes Area such a remarkable place to live, work, and play. Today, we are honored to highlight a story rooted in community, legacy, and the power of outdoor exploration in our Sponsorship Spotlight on Bob Nystrom, a long-time local resident who has chosen to shape the future of play for generations to come.

Bob grew up here in the Brainerd Lakes Area, where his childhood was filled with outdoor adventures wandering in  wooded trails with friends, discovering new paths, and learning firsthand from the natural world around him. The Lakes Area was his playground, and its beauty and open spaces helped nurture his sense of wonder.

Years later, Bob and his wife, Rachel, built their life together in this same community they both loved. Their family grew up surrounded by the lakes, forests, and unique charm of this region. Today, their children and grandchildren continue to create memories here carrying forward a legacy of connection to the outdoors.

To honor that legacy, Bob has chosen to sponsor one of WonderTrek’s signature outdoor experiences:

The Robert and Rachel Nystrom Trail Hub and Adventure Trails

WonderTrek Site Map
Hear Bob's Story in his own words
“This is about community. It’s about legacy.” — Bob Nystrom

This exhibit reflects everything they cherished: nature, movement, imagination, and the freedom to explore. From the Trail Hub, families choose their direction, following ramps, bridges, and boardwalks that lead to endless discovery across the WonderTrek campus.

Bob believes deeply in what WonderTrek will bring to Central Minnesota. He sees it not only as a museum, but as a community anchor, a place where kids can explore, families can connect, and memories can be built for generations.

“I want every child in this region to have the chance I had — a childhood full of wonder, discovery, and outdoor play.” — Bob Nystrom

This exhibit reflects everything they cherished: nature, movement, imagination, and the freedom to explore. From the Trail Hub, families choose their direction, following ramps, bridges, and boardwalks that lead to endless discovery across the WonderTrek campus.

Bob believes deeply in what WonderTrek will bring to Central Minnesota. He sees it not only as a museum, but as a community anchor, a place where kids can explore, families can connect, and memories can be built for generations.

And he wants your help to make it happen.

As a Lakes Proud community, we have an opportunity to build something extraordinary together. There are many ways to be part of this exciting moment from supporting exhibits and naming opportunities to purchasing a brick or paver that leaves a lasting family legacy on the WonderTrek campus.

Whether your contribution is large or small, your support helps bring this museum one step closer to opening its doors creating a vibrant, playful, nature-connected destination for families across Central Minnesota.

Sponsor an exhibit
Donate Today

Join the adventure

The Wonder of Learning Starts Here

WonderTrek’s interactive exhibits, events, and programs spark curiosity and foster a love of learning. Our region is one of the last in MN without its own children’s museum, but together we can create a year-round destination blending hands-on learning and endless fun for all!

Plan Your Adventure

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Sign-up for Our Newsletter!

Stay up-to-date on everything happening at WonderTrek with our email newsletter! Get exclusive program and event information straight to your inbox. Sign up and join our community of curious explorers!

WonderTrek Inquiry: Exploring Risk in Play

What We’re Asking and Why Through our ongoing Online Risk Series, we’re asking families, caregivers, and educators how they define “safe enough” and how that varies across different settings, ages, abilities, and experiences. We want to understand how comfort levels...

Celebrating Local Generosity: Cosmetic & Family Dentistry Sparks Adventure!

This giving season, we’re celebrating the power of local generosity and the difference it makes for children and families across our region. We’re thrilled to recognize Cosmetic and Family Dentistry for sponsoring WonderTrek’s Outfitter Station, the heart of...

WonderTrek Blog

Stories, Updates & Exploration

Dive into the latest stories, exciting news articles, and behind-the-scenes sneak peeks! Our blog is the perfect place to discover new exhibits, upcoming events, and playful inspiration for families. Stay connected and explore all the wonder we’re creating at WonderTrek!

Explore our blog

Where fun and learning come to play

Join us for Upcoming Events

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Today

List of events in Photo View

Adventure to-go

WonderTrek on Wheels

WonderTrek on Wheels brings play and learning to North Central Minnesota! From parks to classrooms, festivals to events, we deliver hands-on fun, creativity, and unforgettable adventures for all.

Where will we be next?

“As a family, we love spending time at WonderTrek Children’s Museum.

We have been to their studio play labs on the weekends and have engaged with them at different community events. All three of my kids, ages 2, 6, & 8, get so excited on days we come to WonderTrek and wonder what adventures they’ll have because there’s always something new along with the familiar.”

– Shannon

“The environment is so different that it really gets your kiddos thinking in such a creative way.

We had a lot of fun exploring and making friends. My son became more and more confident the more he played and overcame new obstacles. We have also attended a couple of their outdoor events during the summer/fall. The kiddos are always so excited to explore what they have to offer! Thank you for all the work you guys put in to make this available in our community.”

– Amber

We’re ready for you

After ten years of dreaming up a children’s museum like no other, we’re gearing up to open WonderTrek’s Outdoor Adventure in early 2026.

But first, we need you. More than $6,000,000 has been raised thanks to visionary donors and lots of grant writing. Now, we’re in the final push and WonderTrek needs everyone who cares for kids and the vitality of our region to join the campaign. With $1 million to go, every donation counts!

I'm ready to help

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Funds raised towards our phase 1 goal