Our Story
In 2021, a grassroots group of mothers, professionals, and business owners in the southern Red River Valley came together with shared hopes for our region's future.
We believe rural kids deserve more opportunities to play, learn, and grow — and that families need welcoming places to connect, build friendships, and feel support.
We also see incredible potential in our region: strong values, hardworking families, and a deep commitment to agriculture, education, and community.
Together, we imagine something bigger — a vibrant, hands-on space that would spark curiosity in children while helping revitalize our main streets, support local businesses, and strengthen our local workforce.
A place that would celebrate the spirit of rural living while offering the enriching experiences kids need to thrive.
From this grassroots vision, the Children’s Discovery Center was born — a joyful, community-driven project dedicated to enriching the lives of children and families and fueling the long-term vitality of the entire Southern Red River Valley and beyond.
Our opening date is dependent on fundraising, but we have a goal to open our doors in 2027.
About the Children’s Discovery Center
The Children’s Discovery Center is an emerging children’s museum in the heart of the Southern Red River Valley, now in its capital campaign phase. Our mission is to support rural youth and families through enriching, play-based experiences that celebrate agriculture, STEM, music, the arts, and local career pathways.
Located in the former Cinema 6 movie theater in downtown Breckenridge, the Children's Discovery Center will serve as a vibrant hub for learning, playing, and community revitalization—providing opportunities for children in rural Minnesota and North Dakota to explore, imagine, and grow. Together, we’re building a place where curiosity takes root and our region’s future is inspired.
The Museum
The Children’s Discovery Center will be composed of two main areas, the Discovery Play Area and the STEM Discovery Lab serving various age groups:
The Discovery Play Area
Caters to children ages 0-12, is a haven for exploration and learning through imaginative play. Here, kids can dive deep into their imaginations and harness the power of play to absorb new concepts and skills.
Our facility proudly reflects the essence of our local industry and agriculture roots, providing a unique backdrop for learning and discovery.
Discovery STEM Lab
For older youth, our STEM Lab opens the door to opportunities rural kids rarely experience.
Designed for ages 10 and up, this flexible space becomes a hub for scientific exploration, creativity, and hands-on recreation through after-school programs and summer camps.
By partnering with local industries and showcasing regional career pathways, the lab also serves as an early gateway to future opportunities—right here at home.
Mission & Vision
The Children’s Discovery Center will provide hands-on play and learning experiences that inspire rural youth to imagine, explore, and grow.
By connecting families, celebrating our region’s unique strengths, and integrating STEM, arts, and career exploration, we nurture confident learners while supporting the revitalization of our communities and strengthening the future of our region for generations to come.
We envision a thriving region where rural youth are inspired, families feel supported, and community revitalization grows from investing in the next generation.
Children’s Museums are Economic Drivers
The Children's Discovery Center also plays a pivotal role in supporting our local economy by enhancing the quality of life for our residents and helps attract and retain a quality workforce to support local industry. As professionals seek out communities where their families can thrive, the presence of such facilities as the Children's Discovery Center becomes a decisive factor.
Thus, by investing in the Center, we not only invest in the future of our children but also in the economic vitality of our community as a whole. Together, we can build a future where every child has the opportunity to flourish, every family feels supported, our local industry is strong, and our community thrives for generations to come.
Why a Children’s Museum?
Children's museums play a pivotal role in cultivating vibrant communities that prioritize the well-being and development of youth and families. These enriching spaces not only provide children with opportunities for interactive learning and exploration, but also serve as invaluable resources for parents seeking support and connection within their community.
By offering engaging exhibits, educational programs, and family-friendly events, children's museums create environments where parents can actively participate in their children's growth and development while forging meaningful connections with other families. Moreover, these museums often serve as gathering places where parents can exchange ideas, share experiences, and build a support network, alleviating the sense of isolation that many parents may feel.
In doing so, children's museums not only nurture the intellectual and social development of children but also contribute to the creation of strong, resilient communities where families feel empowered, supported, and connected.
Pop-up Events
The Children’s Discovery Center is fortunate to receive annual support from the Minnesota Department of Education, totaling $82,000. This funding allows us to begin serving the region before our project is complete.
With this support, we can connect with families through community events and offer free pop-up play opportunities that deliver enriching, educational experiences aligned with our mission.
This grant represents an exciting milestone as we work to bring high-quality, play-based learning to children across Minnesota.
Visit our events page to learn more about our upcoming pop-up events!
Community Input
Currently, our community lacks a space dedicated for youth and families. In our recent survey, 100% of survey respondents believe that there are not enough indoor options for children’s entertainment and enrichment.
The top response to “What would make our community a better place for families” was answered with “The Children’s Discovery Center!” The CDC would be filling a vocalized need in the community by providing a safe space for enrichment, education, and entertainment in order to build a stronger and more vibrant community for all residents.
Survey Feedback Was Resoundingly Positive:
-
100% of respondents believe the Center would enhance life in our region.
-
A majority expressed willingness to support the Center financially or through in-kind contributions.
-
Without seeing detailed plans, 80% anticipated visiting the Center regularly.
-
The predominant feedback on improving the region for young families centered on the Center and its offerings.
-
Only a small fraction (5.5%) did not see the Center as a factor in staying local on weekends.
Sample Responses from 96 Written Surveys:
“[The Children's Discovery Center] would offer local families a great option to spend time as a family and encourage learning. This would definitely be a selling feature of our community and would help attract families looking to move here for work."
"I would be able to afford to bring them somewhere instead of driving so many miles away to do so."
"We live out of town, but it would sure bring us to the area more!"
"It would enrich our children. Give them a safe outlet to nourish positive behaviors. It would enable parents to grow their relationships and resources in a trusted environment. It would encourage families to get out in the community and not only try the Center but the restaurants and shops in the community boosting our economy and supporting our smaller locally owned businesses. It would also be a great selling point to those considering a smaller town feel with more modern family-orientated amenities."
"[The Children's Discovery Center] would make winter not so long!!"