This Incredible Museum In Iowa Is A Fantastic Day Trip Destination
By Catherine Armstrong|Published July 14, 2018
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Catherine Armstrong
Author
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
The best museums make history, science, or art come alive with lots of engaging displays and interactive features. They’re the kind of places that you can spend an entire day soaking in the sights and sounds, and want to come back another day to see more. The Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium is exactly that kind of museum, and you’re going to want to make a trip there soon. Check it out:
Built in 2003, the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium is a wonderful blend of museum exhibits, river history, and live fish and animals. More than 250,000 people walk through this museum every year, and you'll see why when you visit.
You'll want to allow a full day to see everything that this museum has to offer. From the interactive displays, to the aquarium, to the boats outside the museum, there's something for everyone here.
Spend some time splashing and playing in the Splash Zone. You can manipulate boats through the locks and down the river, and it's fun for kids of all ages.
At the erosion table, you'll see first-hand how water has an effect on land, wearing it away a little at a time. You'll learn about actions that humans can take to slow or stop the erosion process along the Mississippi.
Behind the museum, you'll find the Wetlands. Take a stroll along the boardwalk and keep an eye out for beavers, muskrats, Canada geese, frogs, tadpoles and more.
When you need to take a little break and get off your feet, you'll want to catch a show in the Journey Theater, which features shows that start every hour and half hour.
Visit the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium during the summer from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., every day of the week. It's located at 350 E. 3rd St., Dubuque, IA 52001.
Learn more about the National Mississippi Museum & Aquarium on its website, and follow the museum on its Facebook page to keep up with all the latest happenings.
