General Information
The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium is one of the largest river museums in the United States. This amazing facility opened its doors in 1984 and has been a popular tourist attraction ever since. The museum features interactive exhibits, live animals, educational programs, and special events. The museum is located in the city of Dubuque, Iowa and covers 29 acres along the banks of the Mississippi River.
The museum covers two floors, with different areas dedicated to American and local history, geology, and species of the Mississippi River. Educational programs, lectures, and events are held throughout the year. In addition, the museum has a theatre, a library, and a gift shop. Visitors can also enjoy the museum’s outdoor exhibits, including a recreated riverboat, a bald eagle viewing deck, and a fire tower.
The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium is managed by the non-profit Institute of Museum and Library Services and overseen by the City of Dubuque. It is one of the many museums supported and operated by the Institute. It is open year round, except for key national holidays, and has been attracting thousands of visitors annually since its inaugural season.
Age
The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium is now 36 years old. It opened its doors in 1984, with the goal of providing comprehensive education including interactive exhibits, educational programs, and special events. Over the years, the museum has grown and evolved, and now features an impressive collection of artifacts, live animals, river narration, an immersive theater, and more.
The museum currently covers two floors, with galleries dedicated to American and local history, geology, and species of the Mississippi River. Visitors can enjoy interactive exhibits, lecture series, special events, and even climb a fire tower or explore a recreated riverboat. Outside, there is a bald eagle viewing deck and other exhibits.
Admission and Fees
Admission to the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium is affordable, and families are encouraged to visit. Tickets are offered as either a single admission package or as a package ticket for the museum and aquarium. Both include access to the exhibits, interactive presentations, educational programs, theatre performances, and more. Prices for adults and children vary according to age.
Group tours are available, and group rates are offered for ten or more people. School groups are also welcome, and must be accompanied by an administrator. Special events can be arranged for both school and non-school groups, and must be scheduled in advance. Special events may include lectures, interactive programs, and more.
Educational Benefits
The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium offers a fun and unique way of learning about the environment, history, and culture of the Mississippi River. Through interactive exhibits, educational programming, and special events, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the ecology and history of the Mississippi River. They will learn about the importance of the watershed, the wide variety of animal species, and the role humans play in keeping the ecosystem healthy.
In addition, the museum offers a variety of educational resources, including online activities and educational programs. These activities range from classroom-based projects, to field trips and more. Teachers can also arrange for National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium staff to come to their schools and present interactive programs. These presentations are designed to engage students and bring the Mississippi River to life.
Interactive Exhibits
The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium features a variety of interactive exhibits. These can include multimedia displays, interactive videos, touch screens, and more. Visitors can explore the museum’s collection of artifacts, learn about river species and their habitats, and discover the unique wildlife of the region. Exhibits also provide opportunities for visitors to explore the relationships between humans and the environment.
The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium also features live animals in the aquarium area. It is home to a variety of fish, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, as well as rare and endangered species from the Mississippi River. Visitors have the opportunity to learn about the habitats of these animals, as well as their importance to the river ecosystem.
Events and Special Programs
In addition to interactive exhibits and educational programming, the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium hosts a variety of special events. These may include lectures, educational programs, film screenings, concerts, and more. Visitors can also take part in a variety of hands-on activities such as riverboat rides, scavenger hunts, and more. This offers the perfect opportunity to explore and get up close and personal with the Mississippi River.
The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium also offers a variety of programs throughout the year. These programs range from STEM-based workshops to artist-in-residence programs. Visitors can explore the science and history of the Mississippi River through these engaging and educational programs.
Volunteer Opportunities
The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium also offers volunteer opportunities for those interested in helping out. Volunteers can help with educational programs, collections management and cataloguing, visitor services, live animal care, and more. Volunteers will receive training and support, and will be able to work alongside staff and museum experts.
In addition to volunteering, the museum also invites guests to make donations. Donations will help the museum continue its educational programming and preserve the natural wonders of the Mississippi River. Donations can be made online or in the museum’s gift shop.
Awards and Accolades
The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium has been the proud recipient of several awards and accolades. The museum was named a “Top Ten Must See Museum” by the National Endowment for the Humanities, and was also featured on a list of the Top Ten Places to Experience America’s Rivers. It has been celebrated as a vibrant and beloved part of Dubuque.
The museum has also been praised for its efforts in conservation and education. It has been featured in National Geographic for its commitment to preserving the river and its inhabitants, and is a proud recipient of the Pollution Prevention Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Social Media Presence
The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium has a vibrant social media presence, featuring photos and videos from its exhibits, educational programming, and special events. Visitors can stay up-to-date on the latest news and events at the museum, as well as learn about the fascinating history, species, and landscapes of the Mississippi River.
In addition, the museum has an active blog, featuring articles and posts about the museum’s programs, exhibitions, and other topics of interest. It is a great way to stay connected and learn more about the Mississippi River and its incredible history.
Conclusion
The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium is an amazing facility dedicated to educating visitors about the Mississippi River and its importance. With its interactive exhibits, live animals, educational programming, and special events, the museum has something for everyone. It is a must-visit for those looking to explore and learn about the environment, history, and culture of the Mississippi River.
