National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

Address:	350 E 3rd St, Dubuque, IA 52001, USA
Phone:	+1 563-557-9545
Site:	rivermuseum.com
Rating:	4.6
Working:	10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 8

Matt Uhlman

Im not sure where the dislike was coming from from the folks who were not happy with this place. Perhaps it was just teenage angst or a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. Regardless, we had a lot of fun here and were very happy with our time. Its not the type of aquarium you find in Chicago or Atlanta, but its also not the type we expected to find in rural Iowa. Theyve done a tremendous job here creating a unique atmosphere that highlights a lot of the history of the Mississippi River, river boats and some of the culture that surrounded it as well as both salt and freshwater Aquatic Life. In the main area there are saltwater tanks with plenty of fish, a really cool octopus, some really nice exhibits as well as a nice large tank with a turtle in it that we all really enjoyed. Plus, upstairs is the childrens area where they get to play in water and with plenty of toy boats. The interactive display up there is meant to teach them a little bit about water tables, damming of rivers and downstream effects of altering water. I thought it was really cool! Theres a second building that you venture to to go into the freshwater exhibits. This too was a really need set of exhibits highlighting a lot of the different fish that live in lakes and rivers, plus they had and exhibit with a snapping turtle and one with an alligator Kama affectionately termed the Bayou. In this area, there are more exhibits on flooding and the effects that floods have on landscape. We found it very informative and an easy place to spend a couple of hours. In this area there was a kids exhibit which included an opportunity to touch a fish, a crawfish as well as look at things under a microscope. We went back 3 times to touch a crawfish because it was that cool! We were pretty blown away with what a cool exhibit this was and what a great job theyve done taking something as mundane as River knowledge and turning it into a really cool, interactive Museum that we will be back to.

Sandra Trca-Black

The "4D experience" was just ridiculous. We splurged for both Ice Age and Salmon Run. Ice Age (15 min) wasnt even in 3D. Salmon Run started with 5 minutes of scenic shots and then 10 minutes of the actual film. Basically, the seats shook a tiny bit a couple of times during Ice Age...yet not at times when it would have been most effective. Both films included being misted with water. A complete and total waste of money--$9 per person for the "double feature." Lamest thing Ive ever spent money on. While the center was open until 6pm, the WM Black dredge boat closed at 3:30. Had we been told that at admission, we would have gone there first. But we werent told, so walked out at 5pm to find it closed. That added insult to injury after the joke of the 4D debacle. A clean facility in good condition with good exhibits. Just avoid the 3D/4D theater and make sure to ask when outdoor exhibits close.

Badger Mama

We drove about 2 hours to go to this museum and overall, its really nice and the location being near the river gives it a very Cape Cod-ish feel. The employees and guides were very friendly and very helpful in giving information about the animals and we never had to look for someone for questions, they were always around and very eager to help. The Dinosaurs Unearthed exhibit was a HUGE waste of money. Unless you are under 10, you probably wont get too much out of it as it is geared almost completely for kids. Unfortunately, we did not know this and wasted our money on it. Although the fresh and saltwater aquariums were nice, it would have also been nice to see bigger fish like sharks in the aquarium instead of just smaller fish and turtles. Other than that, its a nice museum/aquarium for the money with very helpful, friendly employees. We would definitely return again.

Pamela B

The River Museum is a top-tier showpiece. Highly recommended for anyone who visits the Dubuque area. Give yourself several hours to see it all. The exhibit is massive and stretches into two buildings, filling the surrounding courtyard and a portion of the Ice Harbor. Teaches about river ecology and conservation, as well as about commercial barge and riverboat traffic and the colorful history of this area. Lots of river creatures, both marine and freshwater. If the River Otters are outside, they are a delight to watch! Ducks, fish, snakes, herons, crawfish, and alligator, and more. Several small theaters, including one that is 4D. The River Museum is located in the revitalized Port of Dubuque, on the lovely Mississippi Riverwalk, and within walking distance of historic Main Street. Highly recommended.

Sam Bergus

I really liked the exhibits at the museum, but I found the whole thing catered to (young) children too much and didnt contain much interesting information beyond small trivia. The section which was supposed to be the history of river travel didnt do much beyond show the stereotypical image of river boats (gambling and such) and had little information about the trade carried on the river boats or even the old boat yard the museum is located on. The aquarium was really well done and the otters were the star of the show and were as cute and entertaining as otters could be. All and all, this museum would be great for young children, but youll be disappointed if youre looking for good, in-depth information.

James Wagner

This was a large museum with lots of exhibits. There were many interactive exhibits, including places to interact with rays and sturgeon. Plenty of educational games and exhibits suitable for young children. The 3D/4D theater had two different shows on the date we visited. Both shows were educational and fun. There were two old boats that could be toured. Outdoor exhibits included a bald eagle, a redtail hawk, and river otters. The cafe had a good selection of food for lunch and the prices were reasonable. This museum will take the better part of a day to get through, so its best to plan to visit it as a standalone activity. This museum is highly recommended if youre visiting the Dubuque area.

Karen Schloss

Dont miss this place! Whether you prefer history, science, or entertainment, there is plenty to enjoy here. A small IMAX Theatre offers "4D" educational films; other theaters have local history or science offerings. There are hands-on exhibits including rays and crayfish, aquariums full of river life, otters, beaver, turtles, and more. There is a science play station for children. You can tour one of the boats located in the Ice Harbor. In the boat yard, you can watch demos of woodworking. The traveling exhibits in the past have included Venom!, The Titanic, and Turtles, Turtles, Turtles. A bit pricey, but you can spend all day there, because there are two cafes and two outstanding museum stores.

Brittany Weber

We renewed our free membership 2 months ago and have visited multiple times since then. At the time we renewed I was very honest and up front about us moving to scott County but also that we are in town very often because of family. They said thats fine we can all do it. Now, I come today and they tell me I cant because I dont live in Dubuque County. Why doesnt they say anything any other time especially when I renewed and told them that. Retrain your crew and be consistent. Thank God my husband and I only had our 2 year old with us because if my 6 year old was there, would have been another thing.........