By Marcia Frost
Midwest Travel Expert, about.com
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Among the museums in the Midwest that
need to be better known, the National Mississippi River Museum &
Aquarium is at the top of the list. This gem in Dubuque, Iowa, which is a
member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums and the American
Alliance of Museums, as well as an affiliate of the Smithsonian
Institution, has enough to keep every member of the family occupied.
History
The Dubuque County Historical Society (DCHS), first established in the 1870s, is responsible for raising over $50 million for the organization and expansion of the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium. It is a private non-profit organization. The mission of the DCHS is to “explore the life of Dubuque, the Mississippi River, and the Rivers of America and their global connections, and to research, interpret, educate and promote the conservation of their historical and natural environment.”
Exhibits, Tours, and More
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The museum complex in Dubuque includes historical displays and artifacts, and live animals and marine life.
Shows are available each day. You can also take
guided boat tours to the William M. Black Historic Landmark. The
National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium strives to supply a
good lesson in history in and around the great river.
At the 4D Theater, you can see dramatic special effects on a large format screen. Check the website for current showings, which can vary from films such as SpongeBob SquarePants: The Great Jelly Rescue to scientific and educational movies like Planet Earth: Shallow Seas. There is an additional admission charge for the theater.
Kid-Friendly
The entire National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium is very kid-friendly. The RiverWorks Gallery will probably be the place your children want to spend the most time. This hands-on exhibit is permanent and the museum and is put together to be educational, informative, and fun. Allow for plenty of times for your kids to enjoy this area. Children under three years of age are admitted into the museum free of charge.
Events
Check the museum’s calendar for special events and exhibits. Featured exhibits change every few months. “Titanic: The Artifact Exhibit” is available May 23-September 7, 2015. There is an extra $5 charge to see this particular exhibit. Summer concerts and Toddler Tuesday programs are two of the ongoing special activities the museum has.
Camps
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The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium runs various camps throughout the year, including during spring break, summer vacation, Christmas break, and fall, during days when schools are out. They are starting a science camp beginning in October 2015. Check their Camp Page for more information.
Membership
Memberships to the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium can be purchased by phone or in person. Members receive unlimited entry into the museum and aquarium, as well as the Mathias Ham House and the Old Jail Museum. Each membership is good for a period of one year. Guests of members will receive discounted admission. Individual memberships start at $55.
Location
You can find the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium in the Woodward Riverfront Campus in Dubuque, Iowa, It includes the William Woodward Mississippi River Center, the National Rivers Hall of Fame, the Pfohl Boatyard, the Fred W. Woodward Riverboat Museum, and the Diamond Jo National River Center. It is also in the same section of the city as the Diamond Jo Casino, and Grand Harbor Resort.
The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium is open daily except for Thanksgiving and Christmas days.
