National Great Rivers Museum

Address:	Lock and Dam Way, Alton, IL 62002, USA
Phone:	+1 618-462-6979
Site:	meetingoftherivers.org
Rating:	4.4

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 37

Nicholas Iffrig

We stopped in on an impromptu tour through Alton. We didnt go on a tour of the lock and dam because the times didnt line up. It was kind of cool to look at from the outside. The museum looks like a hold over from the educational boom of the 90s and much of it was in disrepair. One of the exhibits flat out didnt work and instead just shot water at us. I hear that there is an active eagle nest that you can see when on the guided tour of the lock and dam. I definitely want to stop in again to check that out.

Michael Laird

The museum has wide-ranging, excellent exhibits about the Mississippi - including a video game to test your skill as the captain of a barge boat. Take the tour of the locks. It is a fascinating "machine" with a large impact on the mid-west economy.

Heidi Onken

Poorly marked, limited parking, closes early we were there at 4:30 but the gates were already closed. Nice roof top nature walk with a great view of the river and dam. I think you enter through the gates but they were closed and said employees only.

Spring Hull

Went here for a field trip. The students didnt know what to expect. They all seemed rather pleased at the end of the trip. They were excited to walk on the dam and really enjoyed the scavenger hunt. Thank you for making this a memorable experience.

Bryce Caster

Out of the way, but this is a museum run by the Army Corps of Engineers. As part of the museum, you can tour one of the lock and dam systems on the Mississippi River! Make sure to call ahead to see if a barge is going through the lock.

Amye Arentson

Very informative. All of the staff were very friendly. The tour was by far the most informative. Bummer we didnt see a barge. Maybe next time. They said in the fall the Eagles are soaring and the barges are many.

David Brown

Theres several displays of animals and river ecology to look at and learn about. As well as a movie theater where they show an educational film. The barge piloting simulation was interesting if a little slow.

Marica Dorrance

The tour was a cool learning experience. They take you about 4 stories up and youre in full sun so make sure you wear sunblock and you arent afraid of heights.

Shirley Vogel

This is a hidden gem. Tours of the lock and dam, movie about rivers, and displays. Quiet and off the beaten path. Everyone working there was very friendly.

Britney Noyes

Cute little place to take the kids. They also do tours at designated times & its free. Who could complain? My family will be making it back here for sure.

Matt Beaven

Attempted to go on the tour but the elevator broke as we were trying to go up to the top. Staff refused to allow us to take the stairs.

Joshua Barbre

This is a very fun place to go to for an hour. Some things are outdated and old but its still a fun place to learn and have fun!

Shani Blue

This place is really interesting. Its a working lock and dam. So there could be boats going by as you tour the museum.

tim moody

Its pretty small, but the exhibits are nice, well executed and admission is free. Definitely worth stopping by.

Jennifer Horton

The tour guide is very friendly and knowledgeable! Kept my 13 and 10 year old entertained!

Jerry Huckins

Tours take you right out to the action. Museum has lots of historic and natural exhibits.