30 Years Later
Over the last 30 years, North Dakota’s Gateway to Science (NDGTS) evolved from hopeful beginnings to become a thriving hub of exploration and innovation.
Today, NDGTS has a beautiful facility overlooking the Missouri River where we host after-school clubs, summer camps, STEM workshops for all ages, groups and field trips, Preschool Discovery Hour, birthday parties, weddings, and other rental events. Our educational outreach includes STEMzones, workshops, and community events throughout the state.
Our Gallery Goes Beyond Exhibits
Boasting an incredible view, the new stand-alone facility houses our hands-on exhibit gallery, education wing, and various rental spaces. In the last year, we welcomed over 100,000 visitors to our gallery and exhibits. We reached an additional 1,145 individuals through onsite programming last month with experiences like summer camp and Preschool Discovery Hour. Wedding season is upon us, and we’ve already welcomed 6 weddings, with another happening this weekend.
Our second-level Innovation Space welcomes community events like:
- Corporate retreats and meetings
- Receptions
- Bridal showers
- Weddings
- Reunions
- Birthday parties
- Celebrations of life and memorial services
- School and industry fairs
On the Road with Gateway to Science on the Go
Through our Gateway to Science on the Go program, STEM Educators travel the state offering engaging, hands-on STEM learning experiences for K-12 students and communities. This includes in-classroom workshops, a large variety of hands-on carnival-style activities with STEMzones, and other educational events. In 2023, Gateway to Science on the Go reached over 10,000 students statewide and traveled to every geographical region of the state.
Collaboration With the Community
NDGTS collaborates with community partners from around the state and across the country. With over 200 partnerships and affiliations, we’re able to bring expertise and opportunities to our visitors and communities that extend well beyond our walls.
With partnerships like the Mission2Mars program through The Franklin Institute and community-based organizations like Touchmark on West Century, we reached over 2,000 community members in May. In June, STEM Educators brought middle school students from Flasher, ND to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center through Students to Launch.
Looking Ahead
North Dakota’s Gateway to Science started because of a community need for informal science education opportunities. We continue to be responsive to input from our visitors and members. Recently, through feedback from the community, we extended hours to open until 7 pm on the third Thursday of every month and open early on the Wednesday prior.
As we celebrate this milestone with a 30th Birthday Bash on July 20 and 21, we’re reflecting on NDGTS’s impact and achievements over the last 30 years and looking to a future where curiosity knows no bounds. When you join us for the celebration, please share your ideas for the next 30 years and beyond.