Magic City Discovery Center Opens New “Magic Pathway” Interactive Sidewalk

Minot, N.D. – The Magic City Discovery Center is excited to announce the opening of its newest feature: the Magic Pathway, an interactive, ADA-designed sidewalk lined with outdoor musical instruments that invites children and families to explore sound, rhythm, and movement in a playful and creative way.

Stretching from the front of the Discovery Center to the base of the hill at the back of the building, the Magic Pathway is more than just a sidewalk; it’s a sensory-rich experience designed to inspire wonder, creativity, and joyful exploration. Along the path, guests will find a variety of large-scale musical instruments, like Contrabass Chimes, Griffin (little chimes), and a botanical garden ensemble, all designed to be played by visitors of all ages and abilities.

This exciting addition to the Discovery Center experience is made possible thanks to the generous support of Myron and Shirley Thompson and family, whose contribution helped bring the Magic Pathway to life.

“We are deeply grateful to Myron and Shirley Thompson for making the Magic Pathway possible. Their generosity has allowed us to create more than just a sidewalk; it’s a welcoming, musical space that enhances accessibility and connects our visitors in new ways. This pathway ensures every guest can explore, play, and discover, while perfectly embodying the spirit of discovery we strive to foster every day,” said Matthew Farnsworth, Executive Director of the Magic City Discovery Center.

The Magic Pathway not only enhances the beauty of the museum grounds but also reflects the Discovery Center’s commitment to offering multi-sensory learning opportunities and inclusive, accessible experiences for all guests.

While the Discovery Center is closed from September 8th to 18th for cleaning, guests are invited to come explore the Magic Pathway during that time. Whether making music under the open sky or simply enjoying a scenic walk along the hillside, the new addition offers yet another reason to fall in love with play-based learning.