Plan Your Visit

Get ready to play, explore, and discover

coming soon

When will WonderTrek open?

WonderTrek Children’s Museum is currently under construction and is anticipated to open in Fall 2026. Follow our construction updates by subscribing to our newsletter or following us on social media for the latest milestones.

Our nine-acre outdoor adventure museum is designed to inspire exploration, creativity, and connection with nature.

Where is WonderTrek located?

WonderTrek Children’s Museum is located in Baxter, Minnesota, just west of highway 371 and south of County RD 48. The address is 12170 Ironwood Drive, Baxter, MN 56425.

What are your hours?

Upon opening, WonderTrek will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with extended hours on Fridays until 7:00 p.m. WonderTrek will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Hours may vary seasonally or for special events, so please check our website before your visit.

Is the museum indoors or outdoors?

WonderTrek is currently an outdoor children’s museum featuring nearly nine acres of adventure play experiences, along with the Adventure Outfitter’s Studio, which serves as our welcome center, restrooms, family amenities, and programming space and Workshop.

Future phases will continue expanding the museum experience.

get ready to play

What should we wear?

Dress for adventure! WonderTrek is an outdoor museum, so be sure to check the forecast and dress for the weather.

We recommend:

  • Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing
  • Closed-toe shoes with good traction
  • Layers, as Minnesota weather can change throughout the day

Be prepared to climb, build, splash, dig, create, and get a little messy!

Forgot your rain gear? We’ve got you covered! Thanks to support from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ No Child Left Inside Grant, WonderTrek offers complimentary rain gear and winter gear for families who need it, available on a first-come, first-served basis.

more details

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should we plan to stay?

Most families spend between two and four hours exploring. Because WonderTrek is designed as an open-ended play environment, every visit is different. Families can choose the length of their adventure to fit their own schedule throughout the year.

What happens if it rains?

WonderTrek was designed with the belief that children benefit from playing outdoors in many different weather conditions.

A little rain doesn’t stop the adventure!

Thanks to support from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ No Child Left Inside Grant, WonderTrek offers complimentary rain gear and winter gear for families who may not have the appropriate clothing with them.

When conditions are safe, children are encouraged to continue exploring, discovering, and playing outdoors.

Only severe weather, such as lightning, dangerous winds, or other unsafe conditions, will require temporary closure of outdoor exhibits.

What about winter?

Winter is part of the adventure at WonderTrek.

Snow, ice, and changing seasons create entirely new opportunities for exploration and imaginative play. Families are encouraged to embrace all four seasons.

Need an extra layer?

WonderTrek provides complimentary winter gear through the No Child Left Inside Grant so more children can safely experience outdoor play regardless of the weather.

Will my child get dirty?

Probably—and that’s part of the fun!
WonderTrek embraces nature play, which means children may encounter mud, water, sand, leaves, sticks, and other natural materials.
To help families clean up before heading home, washing stations are conveniently located at the Adventure Outfitter’s Studio.
We recommend bringing a towel and an extra change of clothes if your child enjoys jumping into every adventure.

Why is WonderTrek primarily outdoors?

Research consistently shows that children thrive when they spend time outdoors. Nature play encourages creativity, confidence, resilience, physical activity, problem-solving, and social development in ways traditional indoor environments often cannot.

WonderTrek was intentionally designed to reconnect children with nature through adventurous, hands-on experiences that change with the seasons. Every visit offers something new to discover, whether it’s splashing in the stream, climbing through the treehouse, building with natural materials, or exploring a snowy winter landscape.

We believe there is no such thing as “bad weather”—only opportunities for new adventures. With complimentary rain and winter gear available for families who need it and convenient washing stations on-site, we’re making it easier for every child to experience the joy of outdoor play, all year long.  

Is the museum accessible?

WonderTrek is committed to creating inclusive play experiences for visitors of all abilities. Our parking area, check-in, Adventure Outfitter’s Studio, family restrooms, Clean-Up Stations, and Children’s Gardens are ADA accessible. Accessible pathways and a variety of play experiences are designed to welcome children with diverse abilities, needs, and interests. 

Is there food available?

Food options will be announced closer to opening. Families are welcome to bring water bottles, and additional policies regarding outside food and picnic areas will be shared before opening.

Can I bring a stroller?

Yes.

Many of our primary pathways are designed to accommodate strollers and mobility devices.

Are pets allowed?

To help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests, only service animals trained to perform specific tasks for a person with a disability, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), are permitted inside WonderTrek. Emotional support, therapy, comfort, or companion animals are not permitted.

How much is admission?

General Admission (Ages 1+) is $11.

WonderTrek also offers an Access for All Admission for $5 for families participating in SNAP or WIC. Proof of participation is required at check-in.

If you plan to visit more than a few times each year, a membership quickly becomes the best value.

What is Access for All Admission?

WonderTrek believes every child deserves the opportunity to play, learn, and explore.

Families participating in SNAP or WIC are eligible for reduced admission of $5 per person with proof of participation at check-in.

What memberships do you offer?

WonderTrek offers three membership options designed to meet the needs of local families, seasonal residents, and families who love to explore children’s museums wherever they travel.

Family Membership — $160/year

Perfect for local families who plan to visit often.

Includes:

  • Unlimited admission for four named household members
  • Discounts on select programs and special events
  • Early registration opportunities
  • Member-exclusive communications

Additional household members may be added for $30 per person.

Summer Membership — $120

Designed for cabin owners, seasonal residents, campers, vacationing families, and grandparents spending the summer in the Brainerd Lakes Area.

Includes:

  • Unlimited admission from Memorial Day through Labor Day
  • Four named household members
  • Member discounts during the summer season

If your family visits WonderTrek regularly during the summer but won’t be here year-round, this membership offers the perfect seasonal option.

Passport Membership — Coming in the Future

WonderTrek anticipates offering a Passport Membership after the museum opens and becomes eligible to participate in the Association of Children’s Museums Reciprocal Network. The launch timeline and final membership details will be announced once participation is confirmed.

When available, this membership is expected to include everything in the Family Membership, plus reciprocal admission benefits at participating children’s museums.*

*Benefits, restrictions, and admission discounts vary by participating museum. Passport Membership availability and pricing are subject to change.

Which membership is right for my family?

Family Membership
 Best for local families who plan to visit WonderTrek throughout the year.

Summer Membership
 Best for seasonal residents, cabin owners, vacationing families, and grandparents who spend summers in the Brainerd Lakes Area.

Passport Membership
 Best for families who travel often and want reciprocal admission benefits at participating children’s museums across North America.

How many people can be included on a membership?

Absolutely.

Many grandparents choose to give the gift of adventure through a WonderTrek membership, creating opportunities to make memories together all year long.

Can grandparents purchase a membership?

Absolutely.

Many grandparents choose to give the gift of adventure through a WonderTrek membership, creating opportunities to make memories together all year long.

Can I purchase a membership as a gift?

Yes!

Gift memberships are available and make wonderful birthday, holiday, or grandparent gifts.

What birthday packages do you offer?

Expedition Birthday Package

  • $300
  • Admission for up to 20 guests
  • Two-hour Play Pavilion reservation
  • WonderTrek T-shirt for the birthday child

Adventure Birthday Package

  • $500
  • Admission for up to 20 guests
  • Two-hour Play Pavilion reservation
  • 60–90 minute facilitated adventure
  • WonderTrek T-shirt for the birthday child

Additional guests may be added for $8 per person.

Can I bring my own food and cake?

Yes.

Families are welcome to bring birthday treats. Additional guidelines will be provided with your reservation.

What is WonderTrek on Wheels?

WonderTrek on Wheels brings hands-on adventure directly to schools, libraries, businesses, parks, festivals, and community events throughout Central Minnesota, primarily servicing Crow Wing, Cass, Morrison, Wadena, and Todd counties.

How much does it cost?

Pricing varies based on the type of organization, program length, location, and travel requirements.

Schools, Nonprofits and Government Agencies
 [Insert applicable policy pricing and details.]

Private Parties and Other Bookings
 [Insert applicable policy pricing and details.]

Additional travel fees may apply outside WonderTrek’s five-county service area. Contact us for availability and a customized booking estimate.

How far do you travel?

WonderTrek regularly serves communities throughout Central Minnesota and beyond. Additional travel fees apply outside our primary five-county service area.

How much are school field trips?

Current projected pricing:

Student Admission — $5

One complimentary chaperone for every five students

Additional Chaperones — $5

Facilitated Adventure Program — $100 per classroom

Are your programs educational?

Absolutely! WonderTrek field trips use hands-on outdoor play to foster curiosity, creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Facilitated programs are designed to support Minnesota Academic Standards and reinforce age-appropriate learning in areas such as science, environmental education, engineering, and social-emotional development.

Teachers will receive information about the standards and learning objectives connected to their selected program when booking.

Why should I donate?

WonderTrek Children’s Museum is a nonprofit built by the community, for the community.

Every donation helps create extraordinary opportunities for children to discover, explore, imagine, and grow through play.

Are donations tax deductible?

Yes.

WonderTrek Children’s Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Can I sponsor an exhibit or leave a legacy?

Yes.

Individuals, families, and businesses can support WonderTrek through exhibit sponsorships, engraved pavers, benches, naming opportunities, and legacy gifts.

Endless Wonder

Become a Member

Join the WonderTrek community! Memberships provide unlimited visits throughout the year, making it easy to play, explore, and discover again and again.

“So exciting to see this new museum come to life

We love the community events and Studio Explorations!” 

– Mary

“I’ve been able to attend and observe at several of WonderTrek’s Studio Explorations.

Each time, I saw children across a range of ages discover something fascinating to explore, sometimes giant blue blocks, colorful scarves, balls, or wobbly worlds. This kind of play—child-directed, social, physical, and joyful—is not only fun, but also critical to children’s well-being.”

– Jeanne

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!

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Funds raised towards our phase 1 goal