Featured Exhibits
National River Center
Now Open!
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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Lizards on the Loose
Enter the fascinating world of lizards! This interactive exhibit teaches visitors how lizards interact with their world and ours. Come eye to eye with these creatures in the "bubble window" crawl-through lizard den. -
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.
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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. -
River's Edge Café
Relax and enjoy a delicious lunch or snack in the museum's unique food and beverage station. Dine indoors or on our riverside patio. -
Pfohl Family Boatyard
Tour the Logsdon towboat, see huge steamboat artifacts, and watch as a boat is launched into the Mississippi. The floating dock features houseboats, scientific vessels, and the traveling Audubon Ark.
Special Events
Blue Star Museums program
Sunday Swing in the Park featuring Hunter Fuerste & His American Vintage Orchestra
Now through Labor Day (Sept. 6, 2010)
The National Mississippi River Museum
& Aquarium is proud to be a Blue Star Museum!
The Blue Star Museums program offer all Active-Duty Military Personnel/Service Members and their immediate families (up to 5 family members, including spouse, child or sibling) with free admission to more than 600 museums nationwide from Memorial Day (May 31, 2010) through Labor Day (September 6, 2010).
Go to www.bluestarfam.org for details!
Sunday, Sept. 19, from 2-5 p.m.
The Rotary Club of Dubuque presents "Sunday Swing in the Park," a special benefit concert event that will include entertainment, food, and of course, wine. Admission is $10 per person or $200 per table reservation. Proceeds will go toward the Rotary Club’s pledge commitment to the America’s River II fund-raising campaign for the Museum & Aquarium.
Call Vicki Bechen at 563-590-2287 if you want to reserve a table (note: there are 25 tables available and each table seats eight people). Those who do not wish to reserve a table may pay the $10 admission charge at the door.
It will be a beautiful time of year to take in the surrounding scenery while sipping on some wine and listening to good music with friends. We hope to see you there!
(Questions? Contact the Rotary Club of Dubuque at info@dubuquerotary.org)
National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium • (563) 557-9545 or (800) 226-3369
350 East Third Street • Port of Dubuque, Iowa 52001
350 East Third Street • Port of Dubuque, Iowa 52001