About | Magic City Discovery Center

your discovery center

The Magic City Discovery Center is a 501©(3) non-profit, incorporated as Children’s Museum of Minot, Inc. doing business as Magic City Discovery Center committed to creating extraordinary learning experiences that have the power to transform the lives of children and families.

Starting in 2013, a visionary community children’s museum group succeeded in establishing a children’s museum in Minot to serve the greater North Dakota region. The STEAM focused education center is a creativity sanctuary where children will be challenged to solve problems and gain life skills while playing in a fun and safe environment.

The Magic City Discovery Center is a direct result of public-private partnerships with the City of Minot, Minot Park District, Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation - Department of Defense, the State of North Dakota, and numerous supporters from regional businesses, foundations, and individuals.

mission & Vision

To engage children and families in the magic of lifelong learning through discovery, creativity and play.

The Magic City Discovery Center will become a destination to bring children, their families and caregivers together in an interactive environment that inspires creativity, encourages play and enhances education.

Staff

Full-time staff

Wendy Keller

Executive Director wendy@magiccitydiscoverycenter.com I worked in the financial services industry for 34 years until the excitement for my volunteer "job” took over my life. I was initially a Magic City Discovery Center founding board member and then moved into the leadership role of Executive Director. I am married to Lee Keller and have 2 grown children. I love children and am passionate about fostering lifelong learning!

Sara Brentrup

Education Director sarab@magiccitydiscoverycenter.com I am honored to be moving into this position at the Magic City Discovery Center. We have spent many years taking our own kids to children’s museums and discovery centers around the country and now we have the opportunity to explore one in our own community! I have a passion for writing engaging STEAM curriculum for children and am excited to expand the educational opportunities offered by MCDC.

Amy Rietveld

Office Manager info@magiccitydiscoverycenter.com I have worked in the financial and accounting industry for over 20 years. I have been with the discovery center for 1 1/2 years. I grew up in Minot, moved away, then came back to Minot 12 years ago with my husband and 2 sons. The discovery center is going to be an amazing learning center for children all over North Dakota and the surrounding areas. I am so excited to be part of this wonderful addition to my hometown of Minot.

Maren Vangsness

Marketing Coordinator marketing@magiccitydiscoverycenter.com I grew up in Minot and attended Minot High School graduating in 2011. I graduated from the University of North Dakota in 2017 with a B.A. in Communications and a Minor in Economics. After college I was honored to be the Minot Parks Marketing Intern and thoroughly enjoyed my time there. I am ecstatic to be apart of the Magic City Discovery Center! Our community is so blessed to have this facility!

Dan Sexton

Facilities Maintenance Technician dans@magiccitydiscoverycenter.com I have been a maintenance technician for 20 years. I grew up in Minnesota and moved to Minot in 2013 with my wife. I am proud to be apart of the discovery center team and look forward to watching our community enjoy the center!

Karen Langemo

Educator & Community Outreach karen@magiccitydiscoverycenter.com A native to Minot, I graduated from Minot High School in 2009. Attending Minot State University, I studied Music, graduating in 2017 with my Bachelors of General Studies Degree. In my young adult life, I have fostered relationships with people of all ages and abilities. In my free time I enjoy cooking, and spending time with my boyfriend and my dog. In the summers, I help with my uncle’s hot air balloon!

Tessia Samuelson

Educator & Community Outreach tessia@magiccitydiscoverycenter.com I was born and raised in Minot, where I graduated both high school and college. I completed my Bachelors degree for Art Education in 2021. During Spring of 2020, I studied abroad in Italy, where I learned so many different artistic skills. Ever since I was young I fell in love with the freedom and creation that comes with making art. I believe art is so important for kids of all ages.