Unique Minnesota Hidden Gem is the Experience You Need Right Now

SE Minnesota Business Blends Bees, Goats, Bob Ross to Redefine Hands-On Learning

If you’ve ever driven down Dodge County Highway 34 on your way in or out of Dodge Center, MN, you might’ve passed by The Green Shack without realizing it’s one of the most unique places in Southeast Minnesota.

What started as a small, family-run greenhouse has grown into a full-blown creative hub, complete with bees, goats, blacksmithing, and even Bob Ross-inspired painting classes.

Brittany and Zach Wilcox, the husband-and-wife duo behind The Green Shack, didn’t just want to sell plants. They wanted to create a space where people could actually experience hands-on learning.

And honestly... they nailed it. I caught up with Brittany to learn more about her passion for creativity and the unique experiences The Green Shack brings to the community.

The Green Shack is More Than Just a Greenhouse

Brittany’s background in horticulture gave her the vision to turn The Green Shack into something more than a place to buy hemp and flowers. With Zach’s skills in woodworking and metalworking, they started offering classes that blend creativity, nature, and a little bit of old-school craftsmanship.

Today, their lineup includes everything from bee education (yep! You can learn how to start your own hive!) to wood-burning art and macramé wall hangings.

"We offer a wide variety of classes because I enjoy all things art and creative," Brittany said. "We have the space for others to come and make a mess and get creative, and they don't have to buy ALL the products or clean up afterward. I really enjoy watching others embrace their creativity and see what they create," she continued.

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Brittany tells me the most popular classes are crocheting, stained glass mosaics, and Bob Ross painting.

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In her crocheting class, beginners learn basic stitches and chaining techniques to craft their own hats, with yarn and a crochet hook provided from her personal collection.

The stained glass mosaic class lets participants transform an old picture frame into a colorful masterpiece by tracing a design, selecting glass pieces, and assembling them like a puzzle before Brittany seals it with epoxy for a finished, take-home piece the next day.

One of her personal favorites is the Bob Ross painting class, where guests follow along with the legendary artist’s tutorials at their own pace, pausing and rewinding as needed, while all the setup and cleanup are handled for them.

"This is one of my favorites because all of the paintings are always so different yet similar and amazingly done," Brittany explained.

The best part is that these classes aren’t just for the ultra-crafty crowd. If you’re a complete beginner or someone looking to pick up a new hobby, the Wilcoxes make sure everyone leaves with something they’re proud of.

The Green Shack is the Experience You Didn’t Know You Needed

It’s one thing to watch a YouTube tutorial on blacksmithing; it’s another to stand in front of an anvil, hammer in hand, forging a bottle opener from scratch. The same goes for their soap-making class, where you mix your scents and pour the bars yourself.

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And if you’re more into plants than power tools, The Green Shack has you covered with classes on succulents, herb gardening, and planter painting. They even offer wreath-making workshops for the holidays.

The Green Shack is a True Family Business

Beyond the classes, The Green Shack reflects the Wilcox family itself. Their two kids, Alex and Emily, are growing up surrounded by the animals and projects that bring the property to life.

There’s a real sense of community here, whether you’re attending a class, stopping by for a last-minute plant, or just hanging out with the goats.

Brittany is also deeply involved in the Dodge County community.

"I have joined most of the Dodge County chamber of commerce groups in order to expand into more of our community events," she said. "I love taking our cotton candy machine with 38 flavors to local events. I also love taking some of our animals around for people to love on. Helping create smiles in our community is what keeps me going."

And when it comes to collaboration, she’s all in.

"I collaborate as much as possible. I love working with others to create the best learning experience possible," Brittany told me. "I'm always looking for others to use our space to teach their craft or take my crafts/classes/animals/cotton candy to other venues to become more visible to the community. I'm always looking for ways to expand and get others interested and included in The Green Shack family," she said.

The Green Shack isn’t just about fun and creativity; it’s also about giving back. Brittany and Zach recently launched a nonprofit called The Beekeeping Blacksmith, designed to give veterans a space to learn beekeeping and blacksmithing.