Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheila Boldt.
Hi Sheila, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started working with WonderTrek in February 2023 as a contractor doing grant writing, and by October 2024, I was hired part-time before stepping into the full-time role of External Relations Manager in 2025. I was introduced to Peter Olson, the Museum Project Director, by Tim Terrill (The Mississippi Headwaters Board), who knew my passion for children’s education, the outdoors, native plant restoration, and my background in grant writing and marketing would be a good fit. What drew me in is that WonderTrek’s story is really a community story—it began back in 2015 with Sourcewell’s vision, and over the years it’s grown through grants, mobile programs, and strong partnerships. Thanks to the cornerstone founders and a $5 million commitment from Sourcewell, the project is finally becoming a reality. It’s inspiring to be a part of this journey, officially breaking ground this year, launching our capital campaign, and having already reached more than 50,000 people through our mobile programs. Now we’re on track to open our Outdoor Adventure campus in 2026, and I’m so proud to be part of bringing this to life for our region’s children and families, including my own six, four, and two-year-olds!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Fundraising and finding the right site for the museum took a lot of persistence and collaboration, and one of the biggest hurdles has been the lack of grant opportunities for capital projects, like building the exhibits. But those challenges have really shaped us—they’ve pushed us to be more creative, build deeper relationships with our community, and prove that we can adapt and keep moving toward our vision.
One unique aspect of our children’s museum is called WonderTrek Inquiry (WTI), in which the project team and staff (a special thanks to Emilee!) have observed children attending specific programs and events, or by surveying parents. This data is then put toward building our current and future programs and exhibits from the ground up, based on local data and research. It’s a time-consuming step in the process, but it is proving worthwhile data used in the museum’s design and mobile programming.
As you know, we’re big fans of WonderTrek Children’s Museum. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
WonderTrek Children’s Museum is all about the power of PLAY! Our talented leadership and program staff (Aimee, Jackie, Ashley, Vanessa, Mae, and Katie) create hands-on, interactive learning experiences designed for children, with the belief that play is not just fun but essential for growth, creativity, and connection. What makes WonderTrek unique is that we serve a broad, mostly rural region of Minnesota—so from the very beginning, we’ve gone beyond four walls by offering mobile programs and pop-up exhibits that bring WonderTrek directly into schools, libraries, and community spaces. Known for being collaborative, responsive, and innovative—meeting families where they are and ensuring access for all. Brand-wise, we’re proud that “WonderTrek” has already become a name families recognize and trust, even before our permanent campus opens in Baxter! The Outdoor Adventure space, now under development, will offer “nine acres of fenced-in freedom” to include nature-based play and exploration. Over the next year or so, Phase 1 will gradually expand exhibits and programming that spark curiosity and imagination. We want people to know that WonderTrek isn’t just a museum—it’s a movement to inspire lifelong learning through play, rooted right here in our community and, in turn, improve mental health.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
There are so many community members, politicians, organizations, and partners who deserve credit for where the museum is today. From the very beginning, Sourcewell’s leadership played a pivotal role in dreaming big and providing the seed funding that allowed WonderTrek to take root. Our board members, Dr. Paul Drange, Chuck Albrecht, Matt Kilian, Laine Larson, Melissa McKay Quinn Swanson, Shannon Wheeler, and ex officio, staff (esp. the Museum Project Director, Peter!), and volunteers have been tireless champions, giving their time, expertise, and passion to keep the project moving forward. And I’m personally so proud of how our community has stepped up to support us—officially kicking off donations in all three of our giving tiers: naming, sponsorship, and engraving. From business sponsorships to gifts made in memory of loved ones, every contribution matters. People can be part of this effort in so many ways—from an engraved brick at $250 to sponsoring an entire exhibit for $2.5 million—and the response has been inspiring. It shows that our community truly believes our children deserve this exciting space, and together we’re making it happen.
This all goes to show you, by just one individual sharing a story of inspiration 10 years ago, others are led to be part of an impactful movement, bringing the joy of PLAY! to all in Central Minnesota, kids and adults alike. I personally look forward to growing my professional career with WonderTrek Children’s Museum to better the community I grew up in, and hope that you will be inspired to join our movement in “Bringing Back Everyday PLAY!” as well. Our team at WonderTrek appreciates your magazine and others sharing this story, because at the end of the day, it’s your connections that ultimately build WonderTrek.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wondertrekmuseum.org/exhibits/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wondertrekchildrensmuseum/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WonderTrekChildrensMuseum/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WonderTrekMuseum
- Other: https://wondertrekmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/8_18_25_Sponsorship-Catalog-2025-Phase-1.pdf
