Happy New Year!
2023 was quite a year for WonderTrek, and there’s no slowing down in 2024! As we take a moment to reflect on the progress of the last twelve months, we’d like to share with you some of the exciting developments in the works.
DISCOVER WONDERTREK CHILDREN'S MUSEUM: YOUR NEW GATEWAY TO PLAY
After nearly ten years of intentional planning, WonderTrek Children’s Museum is ramping up for breaking ground on phase 1 of its 9-acre campus this coming summer. Nestled next to HWY 371 in a lush wooded area of Baxter, this prominent location is the perfect setting for Lakes Country's new gateway to play.
A WONDER-FILLED CAMPUS FOR UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES
WonderTrek isn’t just a museum; it's a 30,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility, featuring 17,000 square feet of interactive exhibits. Designed for both indoor and outdoor activities, special events, and with a welcoming cafe, it offers all-ages outdoor recreation connected to the extensive regional trail network and park systems. This makes WonderTrek an irresistible destination for families, taking the concept of a “family outing” to a whole new level.
COMING SOON! WONDERTREK'S OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
With the incredible support of our community, we're thrilled to share that Phase 1 of the WonderTrek campus, anticipated to open in the summer of 2025, will feature WonderTrek's Outdoor Adventure including:
WonderTrek’s Adventure Outfitters Studio: A 2,500-square-foot facility for daily programs, events, and accessible recreation outfitting.
Five acres of year-round outdoor exhibits and nature play areas.
Accessible outdoor recreation activities for all ages, toddler’s first sledding,
adaptive kayaking, family-friendly snow-shoeing, and so much more.
Educational programs on safety, conservation, and sustainability.
Direct access to the region’s extensive trail system.
The work of Phase 1 also includes completing most site and infrastructure improvements, while also completing the design development of Phase 2, WonderTrek's 30,000-square-foot state-of-the-art museum facility. The capital campaign to construct and operate phase 2 is ongoing.
EXPERIENCE THE JOY OF FREE CHOICE PLAY
Having already reached over 20,000 participants through our WonderTrek on Wheels mobile programming, we've seen the immense benefits of giving children the time and space for free-choice play and connecting with nature. Sadly, today too many children are growing up without developing their sense of agency and self-reliance through the natural benefits of everyday play. At WonderTrek, we believe maximizing the benefits of free-choice play and playing outside, will lead to more self-determination, resilience, creativity, problem-solving, and other necessary life skills.
THANK YOU TO WONDERTREK’S VISIONARY SUPPORTERS
As we prepare to break ground on Phase 1, WonderTrek’s Outdoor Adventure, we extend our immense gratitude to WonderTrek’s visionary early supporters, Sourcewell, and WonderTrek’s Cornerstone Founders: Andy Anderson and Nor-Son, Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union, Essentia Health, Riverwood Bank, Happy Dancing Turtle, and CTC.
These early investments serve as a challenge to keep the momentum going until the capital campaign is completed and the full vision is reached. While completing Phase 1 is a big step forward, it represents about a quarter of the total WonderTrek experience and a quarter of the capital campaign goal. Their challenge is an invitation to join us in this exciting journey.
YOUR INVITATION TO EXPLORE, DISCOVER AND CONTRIBUTE
The vision for WonderTrek encompasses more than a museum; it's a vibrant hub of adventure, learning, and connection, promising memorable experiences for every visitor, ultimately strengthening the fabric of our region. Contributing to WonderTrek is a positive investment in creating the world we know our children deserve and a region more families are excited to call home.
