Featured Exhibits
An indoor water fall greets you as you prepare to celebrate America's great rivers. The immersive RiverWays gallery invites you to enter a canal, explore a river cave; and discover the history, culture, artifacts, and people of the diverse and watery interior of the United States.
Rivers to the Sea traces the story of water and rivers as they flow from streams to rivers to the ocean. Enjoy four salt-water aquariums including our 40,000 gallon Gulf of Mexico tank holding sharks, rays, and the beautiful schooling fish found at the mouth of the Mississippi.
RiverWorks invites children of all ages to explore through hands-on, water-based activities, they learn about rivers and what rivers mean to all of us. This children's "museum within a museum" keeps its river focus, with a crawl through beaver lodge, water table and a pedal-powered water "cycle."
The Large Format 3D/4D Immersion Theater presents 3D high definition sights, and 4D special effects including dramatic sound, wind, mist, seat movement and smells of the on-screen action.
Museum & Aquarium Exhibits
There is always something happening at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium! From exciting changing exhibits to special weekend events, there's a new adventure at every turn!
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Aquariums
The William Woodward Discovery Center is home to six large aquariums filled with river creatures including giant catfish, sturgeon, ducks, frogs, turtles and more!
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Carver Wet Lab
Let our educators introduce you to freshwater mussels, snails and crawfish in the touch tank. Examine fur pelts and explore many other hands-on activities. -
National Rivers Hall of Fame
Capture the drama of river people who discovered, lived upon and celebrated the waterways of the United States.
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Riverboat Museum
Fred W. Woodward Riverboat Museum celebrates the history of riverboats on the Mississippi through interactive exhibits and historic artifacts. -
Woodward Wetland
Explore the natural habitat of the Mississippi on a boardwalk trail. Discover natural and living history outposts including a Native American wikiup and a restored fur-trader's log cabin. -
Interactive Exhibits
Learn about the Mississippi's past, present and future through interactive exhibits. Pilot a barge, experience a flood's devastation, and follow a 92-foot map of the river beneath your feet.
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River Creatures
Spy on the river otters, diving ducks, frogs, snakes and birds of America's most famous river. Spot bald eagles, great blue herons and turtles outside in the wetland.
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Historic Sites
Extend your stay and visit the Mathias Ham House, an elegant pre-Civil War mansion, the Old Jail Museum, and the grand Victorian Ryan House home.
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W. M. Black
This national landmark vessel was once a working dredge boat used during WWII on the Missouri River. Walk the decks of this 1934 Steamer and tour its engine room and pilothouse.
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Food & Beverage Options
Relax and enjoy a delicious lunch or snack in one of two food & beverage options. Dine indoors or on our riverside patio at the River's Edge Café in the National River Center or enjoy an afternoon snack next to an open air aquarium in the Mississippi River Center. -
Pfohl Family Boatyard
Tour the Logsdon towboat, see huge steamboat artifacts, and visit a recreated historic blacksmith shop. The floating dock features a the towboat "Maude," a boat house, and a children's play area.
Special Events
Friday, May 31st, 2013
Join us on Friday, May 31st as we kick off our Rock the Dock series at 6:30pm on the River's Edge Patio! This event will feature live music from the Massey Road Band starting at 7:00pm. The River's Edge Café will offer its full menu including beer, wine, and a cash bar available on the patio.
This is a free event!
Sponsored by Radio Dubuque.
June 22nd and 23rd, 2013
The second annual Boat Fest will be held on Saturday, June 22nd and Sunday, June 23rd. This event features a Children's Village, Battleship Contest, a Quick 'n' Dirty Boat Building Contest, and of course a Boat contest. Live music from the Wundo Band on Saturday.
Interested in sponsoring this event? Please contact Nicole Miller at nmiller@rivermuseum.com for more details.
Thursday, August 1st, 2013
Taste of Dubuque is moving back to a Thursday night! Join us on the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium grounds for the 18th annual Taste of Dubuque. This event allows guest to try small portions from each vendor to get a true taste of Dubuque's food venues. We look forward to seeing you for live music, children's activities, food, drinks and more!
For more information on becoming a sponsor or vendor please contact Nicole Miller at nmiller@rivermuseum.com
July 15th-July 19th 2013
Morning Session: 9:00am-12:00pm
Afternoon Session: 1:00-4:00pm
(Both morning and afternoon sessions have the same content)
1st-5th Grades (based on 2013-2014 school year)
Take an adventure this summer and become a “River Rat”! Explore the river life by wandering through the wetland and hiking around the Museum & Aquarium. Get a chance to meet our turtles in our newest exhibit. Have fun with your friends while enjoying the hands on activities and discover
the natural habitats in and around the Mississippi River.
Members: $100; Non members: $120
Click here to download the Registration Form PDF file.
Registration forms are also available at the Museum & Aquarium box office or to request a form be sent to you via email
click here
August 5th-9th 2013
Monday-Wednesday 9:00am–3:00pm, Thursday 2:30pm thru Friday 9:00 am
6th-8th Grades (based on 2013-2014 school year)
Are you ready to explore the outdoors? Dive into this adventure as we go canoeing, hiking, exploring and more! We’ll also have an overnight stay on Thursday on the William M. Black historic landmark vessel docked in the Ice Harbor at the Museum & Aquarium.
Members: $150; Non Members: $170
Click here to download the Registration Form PDF file.
Registration forms are also available at the Museum & Aquarium box office or to request a form be sent to you via email
click here
350 East Third Street • Port of Dubuque, Iowa 52001