THE DICKINSON AREA CHAMBER of Commerce recently hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Imagination Factory Children’s Museum at 217 W. Hughitt St. in Iron Mountain. From left, sitting in front are Cherie Fila, Jonathan Ringel and Alissa Hedlund, all of the museum. Standing in front are Barb Reisner of the museum cutting the ribbon, Angie DuBose of the museum, chamber ambassadors Kim Webb and Mindy Wittock, and Beth Bray of the museum. Standing in back are ambassadors Jon Pryor, Ray King and Tamara Juul; Will Traber; ambassadors Matt Lutz and Cole Grenier; Samantha, Warren and Lawrence Carey; ambassadors Mark Sertich, Alex Carey and Debbie Crandall; and Henry Mann, Dian Miller, Jerry Sardina and Helen Paquette of the museum. Not shown are John Estes, Ruth Manier, Dave Howorth, Trisha Peterson and Suzanne Larson, executive director of the Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce. (Submitted photo)

IRON MOUNTAIN — The new Imagination Factory Children’s Museum opened the doors to the public during Labor Day weekend after two years of building renovations, exhibit installations and fund development.

In its first two weeks, more than 1,000 guests had visited the new children’s museum.

Executive Director Team Members Barb Reisner and Jonathan Ringel reported “the response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many parents saying how much they appreciate this safe and wonderful place for children from all families and schools to participate in playing and learning activities.”

On Sept. 19, 100 IMPACT stuffed animals were made within two hours and given to children who came to the museum, according to Reisner.

John Estes, president of the Imagination Factory Board of Directors, added “a special thank you to the Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce for all their support provided to the museum.”

More than 300 individuals and groups have contributed financially, physically and emotionally to get the Imagination Factory up and open, said Suzanne Larson, executive director of the Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce. “We are very excited and happy to welcome the Imagination Factory to our community,” Larson said.

In 2021, the Imagination Factory Museum will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays; and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays.

Admission is $7 for ages 3 and older. A one-year family membership can be purchased for $125.

The Children’s Museum is at 217 W. Hughitt St. in Iron Mountain.