McLean County Times

The Children’s Discovery Museum in Normal has announced plans to open a new agriculture exhibit in 2026, supported by a $1 million donation from the McLean County Farm Bureau. The announcement was made during the annual McLean County Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Awareness Breakfast.

Beth Whisman, Executive Director of the museum, accepted the donation along with fundraising chairs Marlene Dietz and Julie and Bob Dobski. Whisman stated, “This is the largest single gift the Museum has ever received, and it makes perfect sense that it would come from the agriculture community that drives so many parts of the Central Illinois economy. It’s been exciting to work with the McLean County Farm Bureau and other ag partners to design a new exhibit that accurately reflects the landscape today.”

Brian Dirks, President of the McLean County Farm Bureau Board, presented an oversized check at the event. Dirks said, "McLean County Farm Bureau has been involved in the development of agriculture education at the Museum from its very beginning and contributed to help build the current ‘AgMazing’ exhibit. We are excited to see the new exhibit incorporate technology and new learning experiences to grow understanding about food and farming for families, school groups, community organizations and visitors of all ages." He added, "Our gift to help update and renovate the agriculture exhibit represents one piece of our ongoing commitment to supporting agricultural education in our community."

Fundraising efforts will continue as preparations begin for an expected 2026 opening.

The upcoming 5,786 square foot exhibit titled “From the Farm to a Healthy Me” will more than double the size of an existing second-floor agriculture display that first opened in 2006. Planned features include updated versions of popular attractions such as a combine and tractor. New elements will allow visitors to explore how food, fiber, and fuel originate and connect these topics with nutrition.

Exhibit highlights will include a ball drop maze showing grain’s journey from field through processing; an “Ag Lab” linking agronomy, weather, soil science, technology, engineering and math concepts; a grocery store with interactive stations; a dynamic food truck with rotating themes; farm animals; drone simulation activities; and a toddler play area themed around pollinators and specialty crops grown in Illinois.

Whisman commented on changes since their last major agriculture exhibit: “Farming has changed significantly in the almost 20 years since ‘AgMazing’ opened. A new generation of playful learners need an accurate and fun exhibit to experience the daily ways agriculture affects their lives. This hands-on exhibit will inspire children to imagine future ag careers and high-tech ways the field can change and adapt.”

The Children’s Discovery Museum aims to inspire learning through play. The supporting Foundation is a nonprofit organization focused on raising funds for museum initiatives.

All Town of Normal facilities are accessible for residents needing assistance or accommodations.