Exploration begins at new central Minnesota children's museum

The joyous sound of children at play filled the air Thursday as the WonderTrek Children’s Museum officially opened its doors in Baxter, Minnesota. A decade of dreaming and dedicated effort culminated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony, where youngsters immediately dove into unstructured play, crafting mud pies and exploring the natural world – a testament to the museum’s core philosophy. This new facility promises a unique and valuable resource for families in the Brainerd lakes area, offering a space for children to learn through discovery and imaginative engagement.

The official opening took place on Thursday, November 5, 2026, with Peter Olson, executive director of the museum, leading the festivities. “Let’s play!” he declared, releasing a wave of eager children to explore the initial exhibits. These include a mud pie station and the Robert and Rachel Nystrom Trail system, designed to encourage children to build and create using natural materials. The museum’s approach prioritizes free play, recognizing its vital role in a child's development. Families in the Brainerd Lakes Area will find a welcome addition to the area’s recreational offerings.

“From the very beginning, children have been at the very heart of shaping WonderTrek,” Olson stated before cutting the ribbon. The museum’s design reflects this commitment, with exhibits and activities specifically tailored to engage children of all ages. Shannon Wheeler, a board member and long-time visionary for the project, emphasized the museum’s dedication to observing and adapting to children's needs. “We’re always investigating, observing, watching children to learn from them to know how to tweak the environment and what’s offered,” she explained, highlighting the iterative process of creating a truly child-centered space. Her own children, ages 12, 10, 6, and 3, are sure to benefit from the new facility.

The Vision Behind WonderTrek

The concept for WonderTrek didn't emerge from a vacuum. It began in 2015 when Chad Coauette, CEO of Sourcewell, read a magazine article about the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota in Mankato. Intrigued by the possibility of replicating that success in the Brainerd lakes area, he shared the idea with his colleagues. “There’s a saying that says, ‘If you have a vision and nobody else sees it, that is not a vision; that’s a hallucination,’” Coauette recalled, acknowledging the initial challenge of garnering support for the ambitious project. Fortunately, he found allies within the Sourcewell Board who embraced his vision and were willing to invest in its realization.

The Sourcewell Board’s initial $5 million investment proved crucial, providing the foundation for what has become a thriving community project. This initial investment served as a catalyst, attracting further support and enabling the museum to expand its scope and impact. Sourcewell is a government purchasing organization that supports public agencies by providing access to best-value goods and services. The board's commitment to this project demonstrates their dedication to enriching the lives of children in the region.

Financial Needs and Future Expansion

While the grand opening marks a significant milestone, WonderTrek is not yet complete. Approximately $400,000 remains needed to finalize the first phase of development. This includes the construction of a 36-foot-tall treehouse with six levels and a play pavilion designed to function as an outdoor classroom. The treehouse promises to be a major draw, offering children a unique perspective and a stimulating play environment. The outdoor classroom will provide opportunities for hands-on learning and engagement with nature. Families interested in supporting WonderTrek can find more information at wondertrekmuseum.org/donate.

The museum’s 9-acre campus offers virtually limitless potential for future expansion. “With a 9-acre campus, there really is no end to the possibilities of what we can keep adding as long as the community keeps showing up with their support,” Olson noted, emphasizing the importance of continued community involvement. Donations and sponsorships are actively being sought to bring these exciting additions to life and ensure the museum's long-term sustainability.

Community Reaction

The opening day was filled with excitement and gratitude from families and community members alike. Seeing the museum come to fruition after years of planning was particularly meaningful for those involved in its creation. Shannon Wheeler, whose children were among the first to experience the new facility, expressed her awe at the scale of the accomplishment. “I knew it would happen, but I didn’t envision it happening on this level right away,” she said. “To be opening our doors to this beautiful site, and the facilities and the exhibits that we’re able to do right now blows my mind.”

The atmosphere was one of shared joy and a sense of community pride. The presence of founders, fundraisers, volunteers, and, most importantly, children, underscored the collaborative effort that brought WonderTrek to life. The City of Baxter has been a strong supporter of the project and welcomes visitors to explore this new community asset.

A Dream Realized

For Chad Coauette, the opening day represented more than just the unveiling of a new museum; it was the realization of a long-held dream. His initial spark of inspiration, ignited by a magazine article, had blossomed into a tangible reality through the dedication and collaboration of countless individuals. The success of WonderTrek serves as a powerful reminder that even seemingly ambitious visions can be achieved with perseverance and community support.

Lance’s Take

What’s remarkable about WonderTrek isn’t just the impressive facilities, but the intentionality behind its design. In a world increasingly dominated by screens and structured activities, this museum champions the power of unstructured play – something I believe is essential for children's development and their ability to navigate life’s challenges with creativity and resilience. It’s a place where kids can truly be kids, exploring, inventing, and learning through experience. The commitment to observing and adapting to children's needs speaks volumes about the dedication of the team behind WonderTrek, ensuring that it remains a vital resource for families for years to come.

It’s also encouraging to see the role that organizations like Sourcewell play in supporting community initiatives. Their initial investment demonstrates a commitment to the well-being of the region’s children and families. The question now is how the community will sustain this momentum and ensure that WonderTrek continues to thrive. Supporting local organizations, volunteering time, and encouraging children to engage in these types of experiences are all ways we can contribute to its success.

Resources and Contact Information

For those interested in learning more about WonderTrek Children’s Museum, visiting, donating, or volunteering, the following resources are available:

• Website: wondertrekmuseum.org
• Donation Page: wondertrekmuseum.org/donate
• Address: 12170 Ironwood Drive, Baxter, MN
• Brainerd Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce: brainerdlakesarea.com

What’s Next

The opening of WonderTrek Children’s Museum marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Brainerd lakes area. With the first phase complete, attention will turn to securing the remaining $400,000 needed to realize the full vision for the museum, including the treehouse and outdoor classroom. The team will continue to refine exhibits and activities based on feedback from children and families, ensuring that WonderTrek remains a dynamic and engaging learning environment. As the museum grows and evolves, it promises to be a source of joy, discovery, and connection for generations to come.

The success of WonderTrek Children’s Museum is a testament to the power of community collaboration and the enduring importance of providing children with opportunities for imaginative play and exploration. It serves as a shining example of what can be achieved when people share a common vision and work together to build a brighter future for our children.