MANKATO — The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota (CMSM) is excited to announce the opening of Healthy Me on March 3 at 1 pm, presented by Mankato Clinic Foundation, Orthopaedic & Fracture Clinic and River’s Edge Hospital replacing the beloved Northwoods Cabin with a new interactive exhibit focused on health, wellness, and early childhood development.

Developed in partnership with health professionals and early childhood experts, Healthy Me invites children and caregivers to explore how their bodies work and how healthy habits support overall well-being, all through hands-on, imaginative play.

Healthy Me reflects what’s possible when community partners come together around children and families. We are incredibly grateful to the healthcare professionals and early childhood experts who shared their time, knowledge, and passion to help shape this experience. Their collaboration ensures that Healthy Me not only introduces important health concepts through play, but also strengthens access, understanding, and confidence for families across our region,” said Kim Kleven, CEO.

Exhibit Highlights

Healthy Me features immersive environments where children can take on real-world roles and explore wellness concepts:

• Doctor’s Office – Children dress in lab coats, use medical tools, examine X-rays, and role-play as caregivers or patients.
• A Toothy Grin – Interactive dental health activities that teach brushing, flossing, and healthy food choices.

New to the exhibit in 2026:

• X-Ray Lab – A hands-on space where children explore how bones heal and how X-rays work.
• Eat a Rainbow – A colorful nutrition experience encouraging families to explore fruits and vegetables.
• Rest & Recharge – A calming area designed to support mindfulness and emotional regulation.
• Move & Grove – This experience encourages movement and exercise for everyone.

“At Mankato Clinic, we believe that lifelong health and wellness begin in childhood. Through play, Healthy Me inspires children and families to build habits for lifelong health and well-being,” Noelle Bach, MD, Mankato Clinic pediatrician, says. “The Mankato Clinic Foundation is proud to support Healthy Me and healthy futures for children and families.”

“At Orthopaedic & Fracture Clinic, we see firsthand how important movement and bone health are at every stage of life. Healthy Me introduces children to how their bodies work in a hands-on, engaging way that builds understanding and confidence from an early age, “Scott T. Allen, MD at Orthopaedic & Fracture Clinic.

“This exhibit reflects the strength of collaboration in Southern Minnesota. By working together with CMSM and fellow healthcare partners, we are supporting families in learning about wellness in a welcoming, accessible space,” Stephanie Holden, Chief Experience Officer at River’s Edge Hospital.

Healthy Me opens to the public on March 3 at the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota, 224 Lamm Street in Mankato. Additional financial supporters include Airway Foundations at Hyland Dental, Monarch Healthcare and Pediatric & Adolescent Dentistry.

For more information, visit www.cmsouthernmn.org.

About the Children’s Museum:

The Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota is a nonprofit organization with a mission to ignite the natural curiosity of every child through the power of play in a dynamic, awe-inspiring environment. The Museum engages diverse audiences from across our region and enriches children and families with opportunities for hands-on play.

Since opening its doors in 2015, over 100,000 visitors, young and old have visited annually. A central draw to the Museum is its interactive exhibits and a wide variety of programs, which focus on play, exploration, and ongoing education; STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) programs; theater and cultural experiences, as well as many Ag education offerings.