National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium Filled with Mississippi Legend and Lore

With Spring break upon us a few months back, and the kids beginning to get cabin fever, Hubby and I decided to treat the whole family and head out of Coralville for awhile. After some research, we decided to visit Dubuque in general and the Mississippi River Museum in particular. Being an Iowa girl born and bred I thought I had heard all the stories, lore and history about the early settlers in my Elementary Social Studies classes...boy was I wrong!

Not only does this museum cover Louis and Clark, Sacajawea, BlackHawk, and the steamboat era, but it highlights barge travel and the changes the Mississippi has undergone since the addition of locks and dams. It is amazing when you think of all the history that has traveled up and down this mighty river...and still does then you think about it!!!

Not only are there tastefully arranged historical exhibits (check out the canoe on display...neat!) but the aquariums filled with authentic Mississippi water dwellers are amazing! My sons were fascinated with the blue catfish on display (did you know they can grow to a length of 60"!) and the turtles swimming alongside these monsters were not to be believed. The array of different species available for viewing is staggering! In fact, there is even an eight foot alligator on display although he was in a state of hibernation when we visited so he didn't move around nearly as much as my sons would have liked. (notice I said "my sons"...he moved around quite enough for me thank you very much!)

However if you are one of those people who likes "hands on" exhibits you'll find more than your share here as well. In addition to standing behind the wheel of a steamboat, also available at the museum is an interactive display showing visitors how catfish are often caught while hiding in rocky nooks. Sticking your hand in a replica of a catfish hole is an experience not to be missed and one the kids will want to repeat many times on your visit. Another fun display is an example of how it feels to walk on a barge as it floats down the Mississippi river, another experience that puts into play another experience on the Mississippi river.

Attached to the museum is an authentic train depot, which is now in use as a cafe of sorts...perfect for having a cup of coffee while your mind takes in all the natural wonders in the museum. Tough the fare is simple, the break from all the exhibits is welcome and gives one a breather before checking pout the museum further.

At reasonable prices....($9.75 for adults, $8.75 for seniors, $7.50 for ages 7-17, $4.00 for ages 3-6) ...this museum is a great way to introduce your kids and yourself as well to the natural beauty of the Mississippi and it's inhabitants. As our world moves faster and faster around us it is a pleasant change of pace to enjoy this museum and learn about Iowa history as well. In fact, it is a testament to the city of Dubuque and the state of Iowa that such a first class museum/aquarium is is existence.

My advice is this...take a day trip, or make an overnight stay of the trip...whichever works for you, but see this museum none the less. You won't be disappointed and you may leave there, as we did, with a new appreciation for the mighty Mississippi!