About
inspire the children of North Iowa
With your support, we will bring to life more than 10,000 square feet of hands-on, experiential exhibits designed to inspire learning, creativity, and exploration.
Each experience will engage a wide range of learning styles, encouraging both gross and fine motor development, imaginative and dramatic play, problem-solving, and collaboration.
Visitors can look forward to an automotive-themed exhibit, complete with a hands-on mechanic shop where children can tinker, build, and discover early STEM concepts through play.
Plans also include a WonderLab for experimentation and discovery, an agriculture-focused exhibit, a construction-themed zone, a dramatic play cityscape, and many more interactive experiences designed to spark curiosity and imagination.
North Iowa Children’s Museum is a registered non-profit, 501(c)(3).
Our Mission
Ignite Imagination and Inspire Learning
The North Iowa Children’s Museum empowers children to explore, learn, and imagine through engaging hands-on exhibits and interactive programs that spark curiosity, foster creativity, and inspire a lifelong love of learning. In a vibrant, dynamic environment, we we nurture critical thinking, collaboration, and a sense of wonder, inviting every child to discover the world around them through the joy of play.
Our Vision
Building a Regional Learning destination
The nearest children’s museums are 95+ miles away, beyond practical reach for repeat visitation. NICM will fill a critical gap for underserved families and capture visitor demand, contributing to sustained economic growth for Clear Lake and surrounding communities.
The Resident Market Area includes approximately 205,800 residents within a 60-minute drive, including an estimated 32,000 children ages 0–12, NICM’s core audience. As an educational resource, NICM will serve not only families and caregivers, but also schools, homeschool networks, early childhood providers, and youth organizations