National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium A property of the Dubuque County Historical Society, a place where history and rivers come alive! For tickets and other information, visit www.rivermuseum.org.
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Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok at "rivermuseum."



We are a private, non-profit organization. Two centers, One campus, Endless Opportunities for Adventure... Dive into the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium today! MISSISSIPPI RIVER DISCOVERY CENTER offers historical exhibits plus six large aquariums that let you get “up close and personal” with river otters,

an alligator, giant catfish, and ancient sturgeon of the Mississippi River. RIVER OF INNOVATION is our 9,000 square foot exhibit featuring a 19th century belt-driven machine shop, engaging hands-on exhibits and a MakerSpace. NATIONAL RIVER CENTER includes three main galleries (River Ways, Rivers to the Sea and RiverWORKS), ocean aquariums, a 4D theater, the Bowell River Library, River's Edge Cafe, and more!

Wondering what to do tonight? The River Museum is the place to be!Starting at 4 PM, admission is just $5 for everyone (m...
08/27/2026

Wondering what to do tonight? The River Museum is the place to be!

Starting at 4 PM, admission is just $5 for everyone (members are free).

Explore the museum until 8 PM and enjoy all your favorite exhibits, plus:
• Special late-night screenings of our 4D movies: Animalopolis & Turtle Odyssey
• Extended access to Narwhal: Reveal an Arctic Legend and Paw Patrol: Adventure Play
• $5 meal deal (hot dogs, chips, and a drink) and ice cream for sale on the Plaza
• Cash bar
• Live music featuring Erin Hedley from 5:30-6:00 PM
Bring your friends and family for an unforgettable evening!

Extended hours are sponsored by Tomlinson Cannon, TH Media, and Townsquare Media.

08/26/2026

Have any questions during your visit? We're always happy to break it down!

Don’t miss your last chance for extended hours at the River Museum this Thursday! Starting at 4 PM, admission is just $5...
08/25/2026

Don’t miss your last chance for extended hours at the River Museum this Thursday! Starting at 4 PM, admission is just $5 for everyone (members are free).

Explore the museum until 8 PM and enjoy all your favorite exhibits, plus:

• Special late-night screenings of our 4D movies: Animalopolis & Turtle Odyssey

• Extended access to Narwhal: Reveal an Arctic Legend and Paw Patrol: Adventure Play

• $5 meal deal (hot dogs, chips and drink) and ice cream for sale on the Plaza

• Cash bar

• Live music featuring Erin Hedley from 5:30-6:00 PM

Bring your friends and family for an unforgettable evening!

Extended hours are sponsored by Tomlinson Cannon, TH Media, and Townsquare Media.

Teachers and administrators, don't miss $10 OFF admission! To show our appreciation, we're offering $10 OFF admission at...
08/24/2026

Teachers and administrators, don't miss $10 OFF admission!

To show our appreciation, we're offering $10 OFF admission at the Box Office for all preschool, K-12, and higher education educators for the whole month of August!

This offer is only valid at the box office and is not available for advance purchase tickets. Proof of school employment must be shown.

Join our Conservation Department for Museum Xtra on September 1 from 6 to 8 PM. Learn to see the natural world through t...
08/23/2026

Join our Conservation Department for Museum Xtra on September 1 from 6 to 8 PM. Learn to see the natural world through the eyes of both an artist and a scientist, revealing the stories hidden within tree rings, native wildflowers, freshwater mussel shells, and the landscapes around us. Along the way, discover how nature's beauty can help us better understand wildlife, water, weather, and the ecosystems that connect them all.

Cost:
Members: Free
Non-Members: $10

RSVP at http://rivermuseum.org/events/museum-xtra-art-science by August 25

What a PAW-SOME day! Today, real-life community heroes who inspire the beloved PAW Patrol characters joined us for a fun...
08/22/2026

What a PAW-SOME day! Today, real-life community heroes who inspire the beloved PAW Patrol characters joined us for a fun-filled event with hands-on activities and interactive experiences. Kids and families connected with local professionals, explored career paths, and built community connections.

Thank you to everyone who joined us! A special round of ap-paws to our community heroes:
Dubuque Police Department
Dubuque Fire Department
U.S. Coast Guard
University of Dubuque Aviation Department
Colonial Terrace Animal Hospital
Dubuque Regional Humane Society
Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Sundown Mountain Resort

On the job with paw patrol is happening right now until 2pm. Come see police,fire,coast guard, and many other right now!...
08/22/2026

On the job with paw patrol is happening right now until 2pm. Come see police,fire,coast guard, and many other right now!

Event is included with general admission

Take our quick survey about the Mathias Ham Historic Site. This feedback will help us plan events and direct the content...
08/21/2026

Take our quick survey about the Mathias Ham Historic Site. This feedback will help us plan events and direct the content of the Ham Site to reflect what the community is interested in for the coming seasons. Your input is greatly appreciated!

Survey Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DFKWV5T

We had a wonderful time last week celebrating our annual Donor Appreciation Cruise! We were honored to host some of our ...
08/20/2026

We had a wonderful time last week celebrating our annual Donor Appreciation Cruise! We were honored to host some of our incredible donors from this past year for a relaxing two-hour cruise along the Mississippi River, complete with delicious food, refreshing beverages, and beautiful views. It was a special opportunity to celebrate and thank these generous supporters who help make our work possible.

A special thank you to the Riverboat Twilight - Mississippi River Cruise for hosting us and providing such a wonderful setting for us to share our appreciation!

As a nonprofit, we rely on the generosity of our entire donor community for so much of what we do, from our programs and events to expanding access for those who couldn't otherwise afford to visit, funding new exhibits and exhibit updates, maintaining and improving our infrastructure, supporting animal enrichment and nutrition, and covering the general operating expenses that keep us running every day. None of it would be possible without you. We are incredibly grateful for the continued generosity, support, and partnership of our community!

There are so many ways to get involved and be part of this work — whether through membership, volunteering, sponsorship, or giving. Learn more about how you can get involved herehttps://www.rivermuseum.org/ways2give

On the Job with PAW Patrol is this Saturday! This event is held alongside our summer exhibit, PAW Patrol: Adventure Play...
08/20/2026

On the Job with PAW Patrol is this Saturday! This event is held alongside our summer exhibit, PAW Patrol: Adventure Play! Highlighting real-life community heroes who inspire the beloved PAW Patrol characters. Families and children will enjoy hands-on activities and interactive experiences designed to connect them with local professionals, explore a variety of career paths, and build a stronger sense of community!

Touch-a-Truck out in the Boatyard:
Police Cruiser
Fire Engine
Ambulance
Ski Patrol
Flight Simulator (Inside)

Visit our great partners:
City of Dubuque Police
City of Dubuque Fire & Rescue
U.S. Coast Guard
UD Aviation Department
Colonial Terrace Vet
Dubuque Humane Society
DMASWA
Iowa DNR
Phoenix Theatre

This event is included with your general admission and open to all ages.
Learn more by visiting https://www.rivermuseum.org/events/job-paw-patrol

Address

350 E 3rd Street
Dubuque, IA
52001

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 8pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+15635579545

Website

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