National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium is at 350 E. 3rd St. at the Port of Dubuque. The 10-acre campus is a combination of aquarium, museum and science center. At the National River Center's River Ways Gallery visitors can view exhibits including Native American artifacts and steamboat era objects as they learn how rivers contributed to our nation's natural and cultural history. The Mississippi River Delta Gallery offers a stingray touch pool, jellyfish and a mangrove habitat. The center's Rivers to the Sea Gallery explains how water travels from its source to reach the sea.

The National Rivers Hall of Fame honors pioneers, artists and explorers. Children will enjoy the hands-on water-based activities and a saltwater aquarium available in the RiverWorks Splash Zone as well as the large format wide-screen 3-D/4-D theater. Visitors can observe working boat-building and blacksmith shops and the William M. Black dredge boat (weather permitting). The Conservation Lab showcases the Museum & Aquarium’s conservation efforts. A research library also is available. Animal talks and demonstrations are held daily.

Food is available. Time: Allow 3 hours, 30 minutes minimum.