Are you looking for a great day trip idea for your family this season? Make plans to visit one of the largest museums in Iowa — the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium! There’s so much to see here in our historic town of Dubuque.

The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium in Dubuque is the most exciting museum in Iowa that celebrates the waterway that helped shape our great state!

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A variety of aquariums and habitats make up much of the museum. You’ll get to see fish, birds, reptiles and more, plus learn about how they shape the Mississippi River ecosystem.

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The Gulf of Mexico open water habitat contains more than 40,000 gallons of water. Be sure to look for their Green Sea Turtle, Dot!

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In the Delta section of the museum, three aquariums include a stingray touch pool, jellyfish, and mangrove habitats. Explore them all to see their impact!

National Mississippi River Museum

One incredible section of the museum explains the way Native Americans used rivers to trade with Europeans and reshape their own homeland as settlers moved in.

National Mississippi River Museum

Be sure to stop by the Barge Theater, where you can watch a six-minute film that shows you just how grain barges make their way down the river.

National Mississippi River Museum

Finally, explore the William M. Black dredge boat, built in 1934. When the weather cooperates, you can tour the engine room, boiler room, crew quarters, and more.

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You could spend hours at the National Mississippi River Museum and still not see it all, so you’ll want to come back again and again. While you’re in town, be sure to spend some time exploring! After all, the town is jam-packed with history!

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National Mississippi River Museum

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Address: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, 350 E 3rd St, Dubuque, IA 52001, USA