Meet The Founder of Whimsical Forest Adventures

Hello, friend!

I’m Desi Hagenbeck—Owner, Director, Teacher, Spiritual Enthusiast, and resident jack-of-many-trades here at Whimsical Forest Adventures. I wanted to take a moment to share more about who I am, where I’m at in life, what my credentials are, and why I’m doing what I’m doing.

Let’s get something out of the way: I’m a weirdo. And I say that with love and pride. My husband knows it (it’s part of why he married me), and I call my kids weirdos all the time—endearingly, of course. I always follow it with, “Weirdos are the best kinds of people. They have the best life stories.” I've never quite fit the mold. I spent a long time trying to, especially in traditional school settings. But I also had many “It’s NOT a phase! This is WHO I AM!” phases (if you know, you know). What millennial hasn’t had a few existential crises?

I’m a September Virgo, if that means anything to you—quiet, observant, often shy until you get to know me. For most of my life, I kept my thoughts and beliefs to myself. But lately, I’ve felt a shift—a nudge from the universe, maybe—to start using my voice. To show up, awkwardly but confidently. To speak more boldly, live more openly, and create a space where others can do the same.

I love a good conspiracy theory, not because I want to argue but because I’m curious and hungry for truth. I believe in finding people who aren’t afraid to question things, who want to live in alignment with Earth, Spirit, and something deeper, freer, and more authentic. I’m looking for my village—and maybe you’re part of it.

The Journey That Led Me Here

I grew up knowing the script we were “supposed” to follow: graduate, go to college, get a 9-to-5, get married, have kids, keep them busy with activities, work to afford it all, and hopefully retire with something left. I tried. I went to college. I failed. I tried again. I failed again. Not because I couldn’t do it—but because I wasn’t meant to follow that script.

I was choosing majors that were “safe” and stable, but not aligned with who I am. The universe kept pushing back. Life doesn’t go in circles—it spirals. We revisit things from new perspectives as we grow. Eventually, I started listening to that voice inside me.

What I’ve always loved—deep down—was being outside, working with kids, being at camp, exploring nature. But it never seemed like a viable career. That changed when I went back to college at 28 and earned my Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. Then during the pandemic, I completed my Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental and Outdoor Education. At the time, I dreamed of opening a nature-based preschool. After graduation, I worked at The Little Barnyard in Esko while we searched for our forever home.

Spirit & Self

For the past 13+ years, I’ve been unraveling and rebuilding my belief system—exploring my spirituality, ethics, and what I believe life is really about. I’ve attended workshops, retreats, taken courses, and read deeply into the nature of spirit, energy, and human existence.

Am I an expert? No. But I’ve gathered a lot of wisdom and tools along the way, and I love sharing them with open-minded seekers.

Spirituality has always been a deeply personal and, at times, confusing path for me. I believe we’ve been led away from the natural, holistic ways of being—away from our ancestors, away from the Earth, away from one another. I believe we’re meant to be in community. To share. To eat real food. To pass down wisdom. To live grounded and connected. To live without fear.

The Birth of Whimsical Forest Adventures

In the fall of 2024, we bought our home in Cloquet. At the same time, we began our homeschooling journey. I knew I couldn’t pour myself into full-time preschool while homeschooling full-time, so I got creative.

I researched, dreamed, googled endlessly, and eventually landed on a beautiful beginning: day camps. This summer, I have hosted two day camps for local kids—and they were incredible. I also have one more coming up, that is at full capacity, that I am so excited for! I also began offering family classes and open play opportunities.

My mission is to build a local community of like-minded families. In a time when so much feels fractured, I want to create a space of wholeness. I believe we’re in the midst of a spiritual battle on this planet—and that what I’m doing here matters.

Whimsical Forest Adventures is more than a program. It’s a sacred, safe, welcoming space. A little haven in a noisy world. A place to breathe. To learn. To reconnect.

What Now?

Starting a business from home may seem unconventional—but that’s kind of the point. I’m here to live differently. To offer something real. I have momentum, vision, and a whole lot of heart. I’m not going anywhere. My fall schedule is already live on the website — including women’s retreats, after-school clubs for kids ages 5–12, family workshops and classes, and Wild & Free play hours.

Looking ahead, I’m already dreaming up next year’s day camp themes, spring events, and a full cycle of women’s retreats aligned with the Wheel of the Year. My vision is to build deeper connection — to each other, to the seasons, and back to nature.

Whether we’re gathering for a spiritual retreat or simply spending the day exploring bugs and plants on the property, the heart of it all is the same: meaningful, nature-based education for children, adults, and their families.

This is the beginning of something beautiful—and I hope you’ll be part of it.

With warmth, wonder, and wild spirit,

 Desi Hagenbeck

 Founder | Whimsical Forest Adventures