IGNITE
WONDER, CREATIVITY,
LEARNING, AND FUN!
Plan ahead! Tickets are timed entry and purchased online.
FirstName
LastNameEXPLORE OUR EXHIBITS
Our interactive exhibits let children explore and learn at their own pace. In the process, they build important life skills like critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, persistence, communication, and so much more.
CLIMBER TO THE CLOUDS
Up, up, and away! Our spectacular climber allows children to ascend more than 30 feet above ground to take in spectacular city views and explore massive clouds as they reach for the sky!
Along the way, climbers can learn about weather concepts by creating thunder, controlling the wind, racing kites through the clouds and more. Younger climbers, and those who feel more comfortable staying close to the ground, will enjoy our miniature climbing structure and toddler-friendly slide. An enclosed ADA-accessible balcony on the second floor ensures all visitors can join in on the fun. This is the perfect space for kids (and their caregivers) to get moving and safely challenge themselves. Note: socks required!
Sponsored by Coborn Family Foundation
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Roleplaying activities include shopping at the local farmer’s market; performing onstage at an amphitheater (or controlling the sound and light board backstage); leaving their artistic mark on an interactive art wall; sorting letters and packages from around the world at the local post office; or cooking a meal at our Global Café, where the menu features cuisine from the cultures that make up our community. Every space and imaginative activity in Community Connections reminds kids and adults, alike, how similar and truly connected we all are.
Exhibit sponsorship available. Contact Kelly Doss at kelly.doss@greatrivercm.org for more information.
GREAT EXPLORATIONS
Great Explorations is a space designed to engage our littlest learners, ages 0 to 3.
Every bright and colorful component of this enclosed space stimulates a young one’s senses as they explore the worlds of light, sound, touch, and movement. A miniature neighborhood uncovers something new around every corner, including activity boxes; a play kitchen; stuffed animals; a small walking bridge; and “busy boards” with sliders, spinners, and gears. Caretakers can join their toddlers in the thrill of discovery, while learning more about their child’s development.
Sponsored by John & Cherie McDowall
GREAT BIG RIVER
Our museum wouldn’t be complete without celebrating the mighty river that inspired our name.
In this space, a massive water table invites kids to learn about the Mississippi River through local stories and interactive play as it winds through cities and gives life to everything in its path. From racing boats and building dams to caring for wildlife and powering a turbine that lights up our city, kids discover the power of water, how it affects our lives, and why we must all do our part to keep our waters clean. This captivating space will bring discovery and delight to water lovers of all ages.
Sponsored by Barbara & Rollie Anderson
EVERYDAY ENGINEERING
Engineering is all around us, from the buildings we live in and the roads we drive on to the electricity that powers our devices.
Discover the principles and concepts behind engineering through simple play and accessible activities designed to entertain and challenge a wide range of ages. Young engineers can experiment with cause and effect by exploring our construction zone, magnetic gear wall, interactive pulley station, colorful light wall, mesmerizing air tubes, and more. Even caregivers will find many of these activities engaging, so don’t be surprised to find yourself joining in on the fun and discovery!
Sponsered by Tom & Joyce Schlough
HEADWATERS
Kids can immerse themselves in the beauty and calm of places away from the bustle of city life. And what better place to explore than the headwaters of the Mississippi River! A constantly changing day/night cycle—with sunrises and sunsets, twinkling stars, and all the sounds of the Northwoods—creates the perfect space for roleplaying outdoor adventures. Kids can canoe, fish, and explore during the day and, as night falls, explore indigenous storytelling by the campfire, learn about Dakota, Ojibwe, and Greek constellations, or play with flashlights and shadow puppets in the tent. As the sun rises and birdsong brings the woods to life, the adventures begin again!
Sponsored by Cross Works Foundation
TINKER WORKSHOP
There’s lots to do, imagine, and explore throughout the museum, but for kids who love to create with their hands, there’s no better place than the Tinker Workshop.
This rustic-framed work space fuels inspiration for crafting, painting, building, printmaking, and more. No workshop is complete without the proper supplies, tools, and work spaces. You’ll find them all among stocked tool cabinets and large workbenches with stools, inviting families to settle in and tinker. Many of the tools require adult supervision, so caregivers will need to be present. When kids complete their creations, they can display their handiwork in large open shelves that greet visitors walking by.
Sponsored by SCR, Inc.
OXBOW OUTDOOR EXHIBIT
Large-scale interactives invite visitors to play on their own or with each other through the mediums of light, sound, and touch. Cross over our imaginary river by bridge or stepping stones; explore talking tubes, musical flowers, and lily pad cymbals; dig in the sandbox; or make your own fun in our open green play space. Parents can take a break on one of the picnic tables or benches. An oversized sun shade gives guests a place to cool off.
Exhibit sponsorship available. Contact Kelly Doss at kelly.doss@greatrivercm.org for more information.
MEET YOUR
NEIGHBOR STATIONS
Throughout the museum, guests will find Meet Your Neighbor stations that offer interactive activities and insight from people in our community on a host of topics related to each exhibit. These learning opportunities ignite discovery through play and community connection. Here are just a few of the neighbors you’ll meet in the museum.
Jon
Foreston
Zendyah
St. Cloud
Della
St. Cloud
Minh & Lyoto
Sartell
Brette
St. Cloud
Jonah
St. Cloud
Jennifer
Cold Spring
