2025 Annual Appeal

Judy Garland Children’s Museum, Inc.

One Nonprofit. Two Missions. One Magical Campus.

At the Judy Garland Children’s Museum, Inc., we are one nonprofit executing two missions under one budget and on one campus—serving multi-generational visitors from around the world in rural northern Minnesota through the Judy Garland Museum® and the Children’s Discovery Museum.

Our Dual Missions

• Judy Garland Museum® — Engaging people in exploring the life and legacy of Judy Garland, forever immortalized as Dorothy Gale in the classic 1939 film The Wizard of Oz.
• Children’s Discovery Museum — Enriching children’s lives through hands-on learning experiences that inspire creativity, curiosity, and joy across the arts, sciences, and humanities.

A Strategic Vision: Uniting Our Museums Through Play

Our goal is to create a more cohesive and magical museum experience by using The Wizard of Oz theme to bridge both museums. In 2021, we raised $125,000 to purchase a vacant lot next to Judy Garland’s 1920s childhood home. After surveying visitors, the overwhelming favorite idea was to build a Wizard of Oz–themed miniature golf course—an outdoor attraction that would generate year-round excitement and provide crucial revenue during our slower winter months. In the coming year, we are ramping up to launch a capital campaign for this project. For now, we need some extra support to maintain operations so we can tackle this huge endeavor! 

Tentative Goal: $1.2 Million 

Funds Raised to Date: Over $120,000 in pledges

Project Scope:

• 18-hole Wizard of Oz–themed miniature golf course (at least 50% ADA compliance)
• “Ruby Slipper” Slide
• 20 additional parking spaces
• Pathway connecting the main entrance to the golf course
• Revamped main entrance to improve traffic flow

Why It Matters

Supporting this project means:

• Investing in a fun, meaningful addition to a beloved nonprofit serving global visitors
• Advancing both museum missions while inspiring smiles and lifelong memories
• Creating a sustainable revenue source to support operations year-round
• Offering an interactive outdoor experience during peak summer months
• Engaging new audiences who may not otherwise visit the museums
• Expanding access with an inclusive, ADA-friendly attraction

How You Can Help

1. Donate: Every dollar makes a difference. Help us reach our $1 million goal.
2. Share: Spread the word! Share our campaign with friends, family, and on social media.
3. Volunteer: Join our fundraising committee—your time and skills make an impact.

Stay tuned for exciting fundraising events and detailed sponsorship opportunities throughout the year!

To contribute or get involved, please contact: Janie Heitz, Executive Director 📞 218-326-1900 | ✉️ Janie.Heitz@cdmkids.org

Let’s Create Something Magical Together

Join us in bringing the joy of The Wizard of Oz to life—an experience that inspires wonder, learning, and smiles for generations to come.

With gratitude, Janie Heitz Executive Director Judy Garland Children’s Museum, Inc. EIN: 41-1790485