About the Museum

Welcome to the Children's Museum of Eau Claire—a safe, inclusive space where learning and play converge to foster children's social, academic, and emotional growth.

The CMEC offers interactive exhibits designed to engage and entertain, while nurturing future leaders who are curious, problem-solving communicators.

Our activities, though seemingly simple, are pivotal in developing the intellectual and social skills necessary for cooperative leadership.

Located in the vibrant downtown district, the museum not only enhances the local community by attracting families and visitors but also contributes significantly to the area's liveliness.

How You Can Play Your Part

You can help to set the Children’s Museum on a strong and sustainable path to best live out its mission to inspire learning through play. Charitable investments are needed to fully pay down the $15.15 million investment.

Thanks to public and private investments from generous supporters who have been contributing since 2019, $7.6 million has already been raised.

You Can Play Your Part, Too!

Join the Children’s Museum in helping children of all ages see touch learn and grow their way through important developmental milestones.

  • All gifts, large and small, will help reach the goal of raising an additional $7.55 million in the next five years.
  • Capital campaign gifts can be in the form of a one-time contribution or as a five-year pledge.

If you contact CMEC, we’ll work with you to help you make a personally meaningful gift that works well for you. Take a look at our recognition opportunities listed below; it’s our way of expressing our thanks to you for making all of this possible.

Campaign fundraising efforts

Funds Raised

$8 Million

Project Goal

$15.15 Million

Give Now

Community Impact

Since our new museum opened to the public in Jan' 2023, we have seen an explosive impact within the Eau Claire community with an estimated economic impact of $5.3 million in 2023 alone. Below are some amazing results comparing 2023 to 2019 (our last full year at the old museum before COVID).

Total Visitors

2023 - 116,884
2019 - 60,864

Student Visitors

2023 - 6,726
2019 - 5,713

Total Memberships

2023 - 4,223
2019 - 1,832

Play for All Memberships

2023 - 1,399
2019 - 699

custom Gift Amount

Meet our CEO

Mike Lee

In April 2023, Mike joined the Children's Museum of Eau Claire (CMEC) as the Chief Learning Officer, became the Interim CEO in November 2023, and was named CEO by the CMEC Board in early March.

Mike is an Eau Claire area native who earned a Bachelor’s Degree in business administration from CVTC and UW-Stout, along with a Master’s and a Doctor of Education in Career and Technical Education.

His work history includes:

  • Peace Corps in Azerbaijan, as an International Student Advisor at UW-Stout
  • Community Outreach and Workforce Development Manager at Pablo Center
  • Center Director for Lee & Mary Markquart Center Boys & Girls Club.

If you haven't visited CMEC recently, Mike would be happy to provide an update on the museum and a personalized tour; he can be reached at mike@childrensmuseumec.com or (715) 832-5437.

Explore Our Museum

Big windows are better for natural light all day long.

Nature inside as we use real trees repurposed as internal support.

Light and air flow seamlessly throughout the second floor's open concept design

The outdoor area hosts activities and reflect Wisconsin's traditional seasons.

Our expanded popular water feature plus a true-to-size Fire Engine.

A brand new center for young children with a beautiful Northwoods theme.

Let your young child's mind run wild in our expansive Toddler Park.

Reinforce the importance of staying active in our Shape Up exhibit.

It only gets better when your little one gets to go digging for dino bones.

Learn about what makes us tick in our immersive Body Smarts exhibit.

check out our generous donors!

$500k+ donors

Your donation will echo into the next generation.

Ready to join our donor heroes?

Play Your Part and help support the Children’s Museum to impact thousands of children.  All gifts are welcome and 100% goes to support our effort.