Point of Interest: Mighty Mississippi

Mighty Mississippi

Explore the rich heritage of Iowa's waterways at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

By Haley Banwart

Spanning more than 300 miles along Iowa’s eastern border, the Mississippi River has a transformative history that is as long and varied as its winding side channels, chutes and sloughs.

The great American waterway is famous for its important role in exploration, industrialization, transportation of goods and its diverse wildlife population. The 2,340-milelong river runs through 10 states and is used to transport grains, corn, soybeans, iron, rubber and other commodities. The Mississippi transports more than 60% of the U.S.’ soybean and corn exports.

There’s no better way to explore the river system’s rich life, culture and heritage than by visiting the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium.

More Than a Museum

Located on the Port of Dubuque, the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium is no ordinary collection of artifacts.

Part aquarium, part museum and part science center, the leading cultural and environmental facility covers a 14-acre campus on the banks of the Mississippi River. It features two separate two-story buildings and an expansive outdoor plaza.

The history of the world’s third-largest water basin comes alive through the countless educational experiences the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium offers. Visitors can explore the Museum & Aquarium year-round and enjoy a wide range of exhibits, events, special tours and live animal demonstrations that each have their unique connection to the river.

According to Jared McGovern, National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium director of conservation programs, one of the qualities that often surprises visitors about the facility is its status as one of the region’s most prominent tourism destinations.

“To have a facility of this caliber in a community of this size is unique. Dubuque is a river town with a population of around 60,000 people. Yet, we have this massive facility that tells an awesome story about a watershed spanning 31 states, two Canadian provinces and other drainages across the country,” McGovern shares.

The MakerSpace gallery provides a tinker, design and create mentality for a personalized experience.

Photo credit: Mike Burley Photography

Celebrating 20 Years of Stewardship

“It’s a big story, but when you boil it down, the story we tell is about people and how we impact the world around us.”

As biologists, curators, water chemists and environmental stewards, the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium team works to preserve the history of the Dubuque community and Mississippi River culture by making connections to its past, present and future.

Through the support of the facility’s parent organization, the Dubuque County Historical Society, the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium proudly opened its doors 20 years ago in 2003.

“The best way to experience the river, animals and artifacts is to visit the museum, but we offer other engagement opportunities outside of our 14-acre campus,” says McGovern.

“Through our educational programs, we introduce our audiences to the river, the backwaters and the wildlife there,” he shares. “We also partner with local farmers and landowners to demonstrate the conservation work they do to protect riparian habitats, soil health and water quality.”

Each year, the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium also hosts its Party for the Planet event in celebration of Earth Day.

“The event is a great way for us to showcase the work the River Museum does,” McGovern says. “We add educational programs for guests and highlight our partners, all while celebrating our relationship with the river.”

The blacksmith shop, located in the boatyard, is open on select days and gives visitors an opportunity to view various blacksmith techniques.