Nestled away behind Pineview Apartments just outside of Dodge Center, you will find an unexpected world of wonder! 20658 County Highway 34 is the address to visit! A nondescript building behind the apartments houses some very unique activities for folks of all ages.
Brittany and Zach Wilcox moved back to Minnesota from North Carolina in 2008. They own and operate The Green Shack(2019). Brittany grew up in Byron, and Zach in Preston, and decided to come home to roost in Dodge Center were they welcomed their children Alex (13) and Emily (10) .
Inside the building you will find spaces for all kinds of classes and activities. Behind the building is a mini farm, consisting of a large garden space and home to animals--- Lots of animals! On my tour, I asked Brittany and Zach what their purpose in starting their business was. Their reply....they want to give people a place to learn new things in a safe and welcoming environment. Finding the property was enough to get the wheels turning, and today they have so much going on, I had to share the treasure I had found.
Brittany has a degree in Horticulture. Inside the building, under grow lights, you will find succulents and houseplants growing on shelves. She uses these plants in different classes, one being building your own succulent garden, and learning how to care for the plants. Other classes include making a Fairy Garden to bring home to grace your place, indoors or out. Knitting and crocheting are taught in a quiet space, sign painting, painted stained glass projects, ceramics, and even a Bob Ross painting class are some of the skills you can learn here. I asked about a few things I would like to learn, like glass yard art and wire wrapped jewelry classes, and Brittany rose to the challenge! Canvas and Cocktail classes are offered (BYOB), as well as many other fun things for all ages. Each class is different, and the cost of each one varies (see website).
Coming up in October is a Halloween Extravaganza! It is a Halloween Trunk or Treat event, combining a petting zoo, special treats, crafts and games for the kiddos. Alisha's Sweet Treats will be there as a yummy craft to decorate your own spooky cookie. Mark your calendars for Sunday October 29th from 3 to 5 pm. Salvation Army of Dodge County will be there to serve hot apple cider and cocoa. 4H group Ripley's believe it or nots will be having a bake sale, members of the Dodge Center Chamber of Commerce will be hosting trunk's at the trunk or treat, and much much more! Bring the family and have some fun!!
Other products they produce onsite are farm fresh eggs, both chicken and Button Quail, honey, and goat milk soap products. They have about 70 chickens, 28 ducks, 3 geese, 7 goats, lots of bunnies, and don't forget the 2 geckos! They host many events throughout the year, both at the Green Shack and off site. As you can see, they are a pretty sustainable family!
Hosting events is a big part of the business. It all started with an Easter Egg Hunt a few years back. They advertised the event and hid 1000 eggs for the kids to hunt for, and guess what? They ran out of eggs before they ran out of kids! So they got more eggs and the party was saved! It was such a success, they decided to add it to their yearly event list. You can book them for birthday parties and special events by calling (507) 633-3100, or on the website at thegreenshack.net. They can provide the events offered with soda, movie style popcorn and cotton candy. We are talking about 38 flavors of cotton candy!!! The building can be booked for your event, or they will come to you.
Another aspect of their venture is giving back to the community. They have participated in events sponsored by Dodge Center Chamber of Commerce on Main Street in Dodge Center, as well as Dodge Days, Community Ed Events, and Fairs. They also host a community garden sponsored by The Center Clinic and University of MN extension.
Out the back door where the animals reside is becoming a beautiful oasis to sit on a bench and watch the animals interact with each other while you sip your cider or cocoa, eat your cookies, or bring your lunch during the nicer months of the year. It is a peaceful place to hang out.
Be sure to pop in and get your Halloween on, and see this hidden gem for yourself. It's an amazing place to see!!
