Our exhibits
Play is the best way to learn, and at the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota, we know play. Here at the CMSM, each exhibit is intentionally designed as a robust educational resource that contributes to the well-being of children and the community. Our exhibits are created with an understanding of children’s development and based on local settings and landmarks with play potential for children, their parents, grandparents, caregivers, and teachers to explore, think, discover, learn, and enjoy.
Exhibit Open June-September
The Butterfly House at the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota expands nature-based play with a seasonal exhibit where children and families can enjoy the beauty of native butterflies in their natural environment.
Cecil's Imagineering Loft
Up in the Mezzanine, Cecil’s Imagineering Loft provides a variety of programs for hands-on play and learning all around the world of STEAM. Just right for school-aged children (and grown-ups!).
Dakota Language and Culture
In the spirit of recognizing our region’s first people, the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota features a thread of Dakota experiences in its exhibits, programs and facility.
Dotson Back 40
The Dotson Back Forty has the overgrown and brushy feel of a field that adults have forgotten and children have made their own.
Grow It Gallery
The Museum’s largest indoor exhibit is all about farms, fields, and family.
H2GO Outdoor Water Gallery
Exhibit Open May-September: weather permitting
Children learn about the principles and properties of water through outdoor play.
Healthy Me
This innovative, interactive experience has been newly enhanced through collaboration with health professionals and early childhood experts, ensuring a fresh and engaging environment for young learner
Infant & Toddler Play Porch
This charming, Betsy-Tacy inspired setting is the perfect place for the Museum’s youngest visitors to explore.
KATO Engineering Explorers' Lab
Young visitors who enjoy building, cutting, designing, painting, molding, and more, will be right at home at the KATO Engineering Explorers’ Lab on the main floor.
Lauri Kuch Memorial Stage
The Lauri Kuch Memorial Stage and dramatic play area celebrates Lauri’s love of children, education, and theater.
Loose Parts Play Hub
A safe space that sparks curiosity, encourages exploration, and stimulates imaginative play.
Mankato Clinic Tree of Forts Climber
Climb, stretch, reach, and imagine in the tunnels, tubes, and bridges that connect the six forts growing from this ginormous climber.
A seasonal experience open all year
Experience the true joys of cabin living at the Northwoods Cabin! Enjoy new adventures each season that will have you bee keeping, fishing, roasting marshmallows, and more!
Taylor Farm
Ag and Nature Lab
The place to explore agriculture and nature education with new exhibits each month.
Dig It!
Dig, grapple, move, mix and fly in the CMSM’s newest rotating exhibit, Dig It! Your child is in the driver’s seat as they learn about building roads, flying drones, operating heavy equipment (including a tower crane and mini excavator!) and so much more.
Alltech Farm Animal Experience
Seasonal exhibit with a bounty of ways to explore how soil, seed, sun, and water work together to help plants, animals, and people thrive.
Butterfly House
The Butterfly House at the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota expands nature-based play with a seasonal exhibit where children and families can enjoy the beauty of native butterflies in their natural environment.