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Plan Your Visit

The National
Mississippi River
Museum & Aquarium

350 East 3rd Street
Port of Dubuque, Iowa 52001

Wifi is available in our Mississippi River Center building. It is currently unavailable in the National Rivers Center, on the William M. Black, and at the Mathias Ham Historic Site.
On-site Wifi Password: museumguest

Hours of Operation

Fall

Day after Labor Day until October 31

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Daily

Winter*

November 1 until March 1

10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Closed Mondays

*Open Mondays when Dubuque schools are not in session. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Closed at 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

Spring

March 1 until Memorial Day Weekend

10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Daily

Summer

Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend

9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Daily

Tickets

ALL-ACCESS

Admission +
Two 3D/4D Films

Adult
$22.95
Youth (Ages 3-17)
$17.95
Senior (Ages 65+)
$20.95

Buy Tickets

PLUS

Admission +
One 3D/4D Film

Adult
$20.95
Youth (Ages 3-17)
$15.95
Senior (Ages 65+)
$18.95

Buy Tickets

BASIC

Admission
Only

Adult
$16.95
Youth (Ages 3-17)
$11.95
Senior (Ages 65+)
$14.95

Buy Tickets

FILM ONLY

One 3D/4D Film Only

All ages 3 and over

One Film $6.00
Two Films $9.00

one film
Double feature

Military Pricing

The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, as well as our sister site, the Mathias Ham Historic Site, are Blue Star Museums. Blue Star Museums offer free admission to the nation’s active-duty military personnel, the families of active-duty military personnel, and veterans, including National Guard and Reserve, from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Featured Exhibit

What's Bugging Belva?

Oct. 27, 2018 - April 14, 2019

Step into the storybook world of boxelder bug Belva as her grandfather teaches her the wonders of being an insect. The exhibit uses a children’s story format and an interactive garden setting to guide visitors through Belva’s world

View All Exhibits

4D Theater

Our immersion theater presents large format 3D sights and 4D special effects including dramatic sound, wind, mist, and seat movement!

Now Showing / Coming Soon

Showtimes: 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m.
Runtime: 4o minutes
Now playing through February 28, 2019.

reserve tickets

Meerkats

Follow Klinky and her clan as they take on the challenges of living in the unforgiving Kalahari Desert. This tale of strength, survival, family and FUN will delight audiences of all ages!

Showtimes: 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m.
Runtime: 4o minutes
Now playing through December 27, 2018.

reserve tickets

Living in the Age of Airplanes

Filmed in 18 countries across all seven continents, the film explores the countless ways the airplane affects our lives (even when we don’t fly)--with a fascinating take on history, breathtaking visuals, soaring music, and a truly unique perspective.

Daily Activities

On the hour daily.

Mississippi Journey

Location: Mississippi River Center, Journey Theater

On the half hour daily.

River of Dreams

Location: Mississippi River Center, Journey Theater

10:30 AM

Paddlefish Feeding

See the amazing way these fish filter their food from the water!

Location: Paddlefish Exhibit, Woodward Discovery Center, First Floor Mississippi River Center Building

10:00 AM - 5:30 PM

William M. Black Historic Landmark

Open daily* beginning at 10 a.m. Final boarding at 4 p.m. *Weather dependent.*

11:30 AM (Weekends Only)

Creature Feature

Meet one of our exciting Museum & Aquarium animals!

Location: Backwater Marsh, First Floor of the Mississippi River Center building or on the Woodward Boardwalk when weather permits

1:30 PM

Creature Feature

Meet one of our exciting Museum & Aquarium animals!

Location: Backwater Marsh, First Floor of the Mississippi River Center building

2:30 PM

Stingray Feeding

Up to 10 guests are invited to participate in this interactive feeding daily. Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis online or at the box office.

Location: Down in the Delta, First Floor of the National River Center Building

3:00 PM

Gulf of Mexico Aquarium Feeding

Watch Dot, the green sea turtle, and her friends get fed!

Location: Gulf of Mexico Aquarium, National River Center

* All Times Subject to Change.

Finding Your Way Around

Directions

Campus Map

Dining Options

Burger

Harbor View Grill

Restaurant open 11 a.m. until two hours before closing.

You’ll find a family-friendly menu that offers burgers, sandwiches, drinks, and other treats for both kids and adults. Enjoy your meal inside with views of the harbor or find a spot outside on our patio area. Gluten-free options available upon request.

Coffee

Mississippi Grounds Cafe

Open seasonally.

As you are exploring all there is to see, stop by the Mississippi Grounds for some ice cream or a quick snack. You can recharge with a healthy smoothie or a variety of coffee drinks that are made fresh by our baristas.

Museum Stores

Located in each building, our Museum Stores offer unique children's toys and games, river apparel, Dubuque apparel, local wines and beers, books, jewelry, and more. Snacks and beverages are also available for purchase.