Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota hosting Ag Education Day on May 17th
The sights, sounds, and excitement of life of agriculture come alive at Ag Education Day on Saturday, May 17 from 9 AM to 4 PM at the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota. Thanks to generous support from Central Farm Service and Central Advantage, admission is completely FREE for children and their caregivers!
“Ag Education Day is a hands-on event where children and caregivers can discover the fascinating world of agriculture and the trucks that transport food from farms to our tables,” said Rob Grover, CMSM Ag Education Day Committee Chair and Grover Farm Trucking proprietor. “From planting seeds to stepping into a combine simulator, this event highlights the innovation and dedication that drive food production.”
Spanning 3.5 acres in the heart of Mankato, Ag Education Day invites children and families to immerse themselves in the world of agriculture through hands-on experiences, interactive displays, and real farm equipment. The indoor and outdoor experience will include:
- More than 10 real trucks and tractors, including livestock trailers, augers, tankers, and grain haulers—available for children to explore up close.
- Combine Simulator, presented by the Minnesota State Southern Agricultural Center of Excellence, allowing guests to experience the harvest process from the operator’s seat.
- Corn and soybean pits, offering sensory-rich play and discovery.
- Large-scale drainpipes to crawl through and climb on, part of the Advanced Drainage Systems (ADS) Play Zone.
- “Truck Wash” experience, presented by CHS, Inc.—a crowd favorite for young guests.
- Free copy of Semi-Sam by Jaren R. Flinn, (while supplies last) provided to help families continue exploring agriculture and literacy at home.
- Seed planting station, where children can plant and take home a seed to nurture and grow.
- Baby piglets, courtesy of Schwartz Farms, offering a chance to interact with animals commonly raised on farms.
- Meet and greet with the Dairy Princesses, along with complimentary chocolate milk samples provided by the Dairy Association.
- Rainfall Simulator, presented by Minnesota Ag Water Quality, demonstrating the relationship between water, soil, and sustainability.
- Concessions for purchase from Wooden Spoon.
With participation from over 30 community partners and agricultural professionals, Ag Education Day offers a full day of learning, exploration, and family-friendly fun. Children and caregivers alike will gain a deeper understanding of modern farming and the systems that bring food to our tables.
“Ag Education Day is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the technology and innovation that drive modern agriculture,” said KC Graner, CEO of Central Farm Service. “We’re proud to partner in this event and help connect children and families with the people and processes that bring food from the farm to their tables.”
Join us on Saturday, May 17 from 9 AM to 4 PM at 224 Lamm Street, Mankato, MN 56001, for a day filled with hands-on activities, agricultural adventures, and FREE admission for children and caregivers!
