Senator Justin Eichorn (R-Grand Rapids) presented legislation on Monday to secure funding for the Children’s Discovery Museum in Grand Rapids. The appropriation will allow the museum to enrich the lives of the children of Northern Minnesota through fun, education, and hands-on learning experiences, and to spark the joy of discovery through the exploration or science, arts, and humanities.

“The Grand Rapids Children’s Discovery Museum is a great institution in our community that allows us to enrich children’s lives through play and fun hands-on learning opportunities,” said Senator Eichorn. “By funding the Children’s Discovery Museum, we can spark our children’s curiosity and inspire them to become the next generation of engineers, scientists, innovators, and community leaders.”

The bill provides the museum with funding for both fiscal year 2020, and fiscal year 2021. The money will be directed to be used at the Children’s Discovery Museum for free and reduced admission for children, school events, and for general operational expenses.

The Grand Rapids Children’s Discovery Museum is one of the only children’s museums located in a rural area in a town of fewer than 10,000 inhabitants anywhere in the nation.  Furthermore, it is one of only four children’s museums in Minnesota, and one of only 400 in the country.  The museum provides opportunities for children to learn about many different subjects through hands-on exhibits and experiences.