Keller and board president Karen Rasmusson and Liz Weeks, education and outreach director, said they are aware that fundraising for a brand new building might be a challenge during the current times, but it would be more affordable to remodel an existing building.

The women said they have been looking at three to five different buildings in Minot but they aren’t ready to name which locations are being considered because the owners have asked for that to remain silent. They also still haven’t ruled out the original location they had considered on North Hill and would welcome other suggestions for possible museum locations. Other children’s museums around the country are in remodeled buildings. For instance, a children’s museum in LaCrosse, Wis. was an old furniture store that was donated to the organization there, the women said.

The women said they are hoping for a donated building or perhaps a building at a reduced price. Magic City Discovery Center is a 501c3 organization, so donations are tax deductible.

They said a location that is 20 to 25 thousand square feet would be ideal. The exhibit area is about 12,000 square feet.

Submitted Photo According to information provided by the Magic City Discovery Center, “Central to the space will be the MAGIC CLIMBER, a 30-foot high one-of-a-kind structure that embodies “Slices of North Dakota.” Visitors will climb from earth to sky, from prairie dog burrows to an oil derrick and train trestle, rising through the clouds to reach a wire frame B-52 airplane where they can imagine flying over the Minot community. Visitors of all ages will delight in traversing this unique interactive climber, filled with a sense of adventure and risk-taking, as they explore features of Minot and North Dakota from a whole new perspective!”

They plan to make a final decision about a location by the end of the summer.

They are also still submitting grant applications and fundraising for the museum while they explore alternative locations.

They said exhibits for the museum are 90 percent ready and are funded. All of the exhibits will be fabricated and ready to fill the new space in whatever location is chosen.

According to Keller, the Magic City Discovery Center will provide children and their families, as well as educators and their students, with stimulating, safe environments for self-directed, unstructured play and exploration, while focusing on STEAM concepts and the North Dakota educational standards.

While they are waiting for the new museum, the Magic City Discovery Center offers educational outreach opportunities. The new space will allow them to offer activities year round.

When it was set up in its old, temporary location at the Dakota Air Museum in Minot, the museum was a popular spot for kids.

The women said the state has no other children’s museum and one is greatly needed.

“We can’t thank our ambassadors and partners enough. We have been truly blessed to have the full support of the Minot Park District, Minot Area Community Foundation, City of Minot, Scheels, Ackerman-Estvold and so many others. We would not be in such a great position without the amazing support from our community” said Rasmussen.

For more information about the Magic City Discovery Center, call Wendy Keller at 858-7529, or for the latest on the campaign and exhibit designs, go to: www.magiccitydiscoverycenter.com.