Ben Pifher/MDN Mike McCloud, director of the Magic City Discovery Center.

Mike McCloud, the new director for the Magic City Discovery Center, is a Minot native. He went to school here and graduated from Minot State University, using his degree in the field of law enforcement with the North Dakota Highway Patrol for the next 20 years.

He then worked with Dakota Girls and Boys Ranch as its state facility director for about 10 years, he said. He then took charge of the discovery center Nov. 1, 2024.

As an empty nester, with his wife Paula, and having grandchildren, he’s seen what the discovery center offers to families in the area.

When he applied, McCloud quickly discovered there was a lot to learn and that the center is “a fun place to work. It’s a positive environment,” he said. He also said he’s had a lot of support from the staff.

Trying to bring something new to the center each year, at a minimum, has been his first goal as he seeks to keep the center fresh, fostering a great learning experience.

Building relationships with local businesses as well as those outside of Minot is crucial, he said, as many visitors come from western North Dakota. For him to grow as the center’s director, he said, these relationships will be key, and he would like to foster growth with the center’s current supporters, while gaining new support. He expressed thanks to those he has worked with so far.

One of his first challenges, he said, has been paying for daily operating expenses. He explained the center is funded through a combination of admission and membership fees, donations and grants and has been pursuing enhancing memberships to offer more to members.

McCloud said the best way to learn about the center is to visit.

“It’s not just for kids,” he said, adding “We probably have the best view in Minot up there on our rooftop.”