The Doug Bakken Family Papers consists of papers, ephemera, and textiles from Doug, as well as his siblings, his parents, and his wife. The majority of the collection is comprised of Doug’s papers; this includes correspondence from family members and friends, greeting cards, blank postcards, Valentine's Day cards, school work from his primary and secondary education, as well as college papers and notebooks, various events he attended, sports clippings and program books, newspapers, North Dakota Agricultural College (NDAC) documents, certificates, membership cards, business cards, scrapbooks, ROTC documents, financial papers, various brochures and maps, medical records, and a boy scout camping pack list. The various documents from his family members include correspondence, greeting cards, valentines, school work, books, financial papers, miscellaneous events, and scrapbooks. The ephemera collection consists of a coaster, dog tag, letter opener, a number of matchbooks, various pins, playing cards, a French's mustard recipe packet, small pox exposure sign, rifle targets, and directions on how to knot a tie. The textiles collection includes an NDAC freshman beanie, a civil defense arm band, a graduation tassel, athletic “W” letters, and a crocheted baby’s hat and sweater.