History of the Project
2021
Early founders invite area mother’s for a round-table discussion on enrichment opportunities for children in the community, more than 20 women attended and a lively discussion commenced.
A grant from the Richland-Wilkin Community Foundation was awarded to the Children's Discovery Center
2023
In 2023, The Children’s Discovery Center joined nine other children’s museums in the Greater Minnesota Children’s Museum Coalition. The Coalition contracted the lobbying firm Hylden Advocacy and Law to pursue capital investments, Legacy, and Education funding during the 2023 Minnesota legislative session.
The Children's Discovery Center was awarded an annual grant of $50,000 from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE).
2024
The Children's Discovery Center was awarded $180,000 designated for the construction of the Growing of the Land agricultural exhibit. This work is funded in part by MHC with money from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund that was created with the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.
Wilkin County also donated up to one million dollars at a three-to-one match.
Began serving the community with pop-up events. This made possible with funds awarded from a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education.
The Children's Discovery Center secured a permanent location at the old Cinema 6 movie theater downtown Breckenridge, thanks to the efforts of the Joint Powers Authority and the Wilkin County Commissioners.
2025
Exciting Momentum in 2025
This year has been full of significant strides for the Children’s Discovery Center, and we’re proud to share several significant milestones that are bringing our vision closer to reality.
Public Investment Secured
During the 2025 Minnesota legislative session, the Children’s Discovery Center was officially included in base funding through the Department of Education at $82,000 annually—an increase from our previous appropriation of $50,000. This investment affirms the state’s recognition of the long-term impact children’s museums have on youth and families across our region.
We’re proud to be an active member of the Minnesota Children’s Museum Coalition, a network of 12 children's museums across the state that collaborates on programming, shares resources, and advocates together at the state level. This partnership strengthens our voice and ensures that rural communities like ours are represented in statewide decision-making.
Exhibit Development Underway
Thanks to a $180,000 Minnesota Legacy Fund grant, construction is underway on our first permanent exhibit, Growing off the Land. Fabrication of exhibit pieces will be completed and delivered in December, followed by a public showcase before moving them to storage. This hands-on experience will highlight agriculture and food production—the heartbeat of our rural communities.
Community Engagement
We’ve also seen incredible community involvement this year. In April, more than 100 people joined us for our first Community & Conversation event, which generated nearly $50,000 in donations. Throughout the year, we’ve hosted free monthly pop-ups—including collaborations with Riverview, Bobcat, and Cargill—that brought hands-on learning and play to hundreds of families. And in August, we joined the Wilkin County Fair to deliver free STEM programming for youth, further showing our commitment to providing opportunities even before our doors officially open.
Leadership Expansion
Our leadership team continues to grow with the addition of three new board members:
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Paige Kjesbo, Breckenridge resident and Market President at American Federal Bank – Wahpeton
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Stephanie Sandbakken, Breckenridge resident and Wilkin County Administrator
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Morgan Schuler, Wahpeton resident and Pop-Up Event and MDE Coordinator for the museum
Fundraising Progress
Since acquiring our downtown Breckenridge building and launching the capital campaign in August 2024, we’ve raised $2.3 million in donations and pledges—including the donated value of the building and a $1 million matching opportunity from Wilkin County. To unlock the full one million dollar match, we must raise a total of $3 million in eligible contributions. With $1.3 million secured, we have $1.7 million left to go.
These gifts reflect the strong commitment of individuals, businesses, and public partners who believe in the power of play, creativity, and discovery—especially in rural regions like ours. Together, we are building a place where children can explore STEM, agriculture, the arts, and early career pathways while strengthening our community and economy.
Grants
Since 2021, the board of the Children’s Discovery Center has been diligently writing and submitting grant proposals to secure the necessary funding for our vision.
Our efforts have been met with significant success, as we have been awarded several grants that recognize the importance of our mission. Importantly, these grants need to be spent within the next year, adding urgency to our decision to expedite our search for a permanent home.
These factors have intensified our efforts and further motivated us to continue our dedicated work. The receipt of these grants underscores the value and potential impact of the Children’s Discovery Center on our community, driving us to ensure its timely and successful establishment.
Advocacy
Since 2021, the Children's Discovery Center board has been an unwavering voice for the local community and area youth, actively engaging in advocacy efforts to promote their well-being and enrichment. Alongside the Infinity Center board, members of the Children's Discovery Center board have made frequent visits to the Minnesota Capitol, where they've met with numerous legislators, passionately advocating for the youth and our communities in the Red River Valley.
In 2024, members of the board participated in the Children's Museum Day at the Capitol, further amplifying their advocacy and raising awareness for Children's Museums across Minnesota .
The Children's Discovery Center is a member of the Greater Minnesota Children’s Museum Coalition which is a advocacy for children's museums across the state of Minnesota. The Coalition is made up of 12 children's museums and is a champion for the importance of such institutions in Minnesota. Together, they tirelessly lobby for fair and equitable funding, ensuring that children across the state have access to enriching educational experiences that foster their growth and development.
Permanent Location
The Children's Discovery Center secured a permanent location at the old Cinema 6 movie theater downtown Breckenridge, thanks to the support of the Joint Powers Authority and the Wilkin County Commissioners.
We firmly believe that the Children’s Discovery Center belongs in the heart of downtown Breckenridge. Establishing our project downtown is crucial for revitalizing the area, breathing new life into our community, and supporting local businesses. Our presence downtown will help attract visitors, foster economic growth, and contribute significantly to Breckenridge's overall vibrancy and development. This strategic move aligns with our mission to create a dynamic, engaging space for children and families, all while also contributing to the revitalization efforts of our town.
