Otter Cove Children's Museum Brings Activities to Kids Across the Region

When Program Manager Amara Erickson walked into Lincoln School last month carrying a tote packed with art supplies and a copy of "Not a Box," the kindergartners and first graders inside had no idea a children's museum had just arrived in their classroom.

That visit was part of Otter Cove on the Go, a traveling program that brings hands-on museum activities to schools, libraries, parks, and community events across the region. Launched in 2024 and funded through a Minnesota Department of Education grant using federal Special Education dollars under CFDA 84.027A, the program is currently free to any organization that books a session.

"Otter Cove on the Go is basically our way of taking the magic of the museum out into the community, or into neighboring communities," said Executive Director Elizabeth Pihlaja, who joined the Fergus Falls museum in June 2025. Pihlaja, originally from Frazee, holds an undergraduate degree in child psychology and a master's in public health focused on maternal and child health. She said the program grew from a recognition that not every family in Otter Tail County can make the drive to downtown Fergus Falls.

Each session runs approximately 45 minutes and serves up to 28 children, with a teacher or adult leader required to remain present throughout. The program is designed for children ages 3 to 12, along with parents, grandparents, teachers, aides, camp staff, and librarians. Sessions are available on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, and organizations must schedule at least one month in advance.

Without the state grant, the cost of staffing, travel, and supplies would make the program difficult to sustain at no charge. Pihlaja called the current arrangement rare. "Currently, on the go sessions are free for organizations to schedule," she said, comparing it to a unicorn: rare and beautiful.

During the Lincoln School visit, students listened to "Not a Box" before spending time creating original artwork with the materials Erickson brought along. "For us, we're so happy to get to go deeper into our community or neighboring towns and see kids light up with excitement, tackle an engineering challenge or create some beautiful art," Pihlaja said.

Availability depends on continued funding. Organizations can request a stop and browse workshop topics at ottercoveff.org or through the museum's Facebook and Instagram pages.