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
Saturday, March 10
Get ready to go “Bowlin’ on the River” with the Museum & Aquarium on Saturday, March 10, at Cherry Lanes!
We are seeking teams for our fourth annual bowl-a-thon event.
You can form a team with your classmates, friends or family! Dress up and have fun! Teams of all ages welcome!
When you go Bowlin’ on the River, you’ll have the chance to receive cool giveaways, win raffle prizes, bid on awesome silent auction items and, of course, HAVE FUN!
CLICK HERE FOR THE TEAM REGISTRATION FORM.
Feb.8 and Feb.29
The Museum & Aquarium offers after-school programs on Dubuque Community School Early Dismissal Days from 2:00-4:30 p.m.
Programs are planned by our education staff for children in kindergarten through 5th grade. Each program will feature hands-on activities, a unique theme and an afternoon snack. Cost per program, per student is $10 for members and $12 for non-members.
PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE DETAILS.
February 7 & February 21 at 10 a.m.
Bring your toddler to the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium for a unique and fun learning experience!
The Museum & Aquarium offers a toddler program the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 10 a.m. The program is for children ages 2 to 4-years-old. Cost is only $3 per child and FREE for one accompanying parent or guardian (cost is for program only). Each month features a new theme and fun activities, including a story and craft project too!
Advance sign up is required. Please call 563-557-9545 or send an email to sign up.
350 East Third Street • Port of Dubuque, Iowa 52001