The Northwoods Children’s Museum is getting a fresh, new look this summer!
The dream of a children’s museum was realized in 1998 when it opened at 346 Division Street, Eagle River in a building, circa 1972, then owned by the Vilas County News Review. For over two and a half decades and counting, the NCM has cultivated children’s imaginations. Today, many of our original guests take their own children to the museum to experience our 26 interactive exhibits, STEAM programming, and special events. Now, our aging building is in need of repair and improvements to continue serving these future generations.
Last year, with the generous support of donors and volunteers, we were able to stretch our modest budget to replace our roof, air conditioning units and water heater, update our fire detection system, and spruce up our outdoor garden exhibit. We also made long-overdue improvements to our technology with a new camera/security system, new laptops, a new phone system, and a new point-of-sale system.
But we’re not done yet! The Northwoods Children’s Museum is thrilled to announce major exterior improvements to our building this summer, ensuring the museum remains a vibrant and essential community resource. This project will involve the installation of new doors, windows, siding, and a vestibule-style entrance to improve energy efficiency and enhance the overall appearance of the building. Additionally, the electrical panels will be updated, ensuring the museum's systems are up to date. The museum selected KSW Construction, a local builder based in Rhinelander, to oversee the exterior improvements. The project is scheduled to be completed in June.
Looking ahead, the museum plans to launch the second phase of renovations which will expand the museum’s interior to enlarge the space available for exploration and discovery, ensuring that every visit to the museum is filled with endless opportunities to learn and play.
Our vision can only become a reality with the support of our community. In 2024, NCM launched the Power of Play campaign, a fundraising effort aimed at facilities improvements. Your pledge to the Power of Play campaign will ensure that this beloved institution continues to provide a safe and enriching environment for children in the Northwoods for many years to come. For more information about the Power of Play campaign or to make a donation, please visit the museum’s website or contact Danielle Larsen, Executive Director at (715) 479-4623. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, donations to the Northwoods Children’s Museum are tax-deductible.
Thank you for entrusting your children to us for 27 years and counting. We’re so grateful for our strong community support and we’re proud to be a valuable resource to the families of the Northwoods.
