National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

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Aquariums

National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

Name: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Address: 350 E 3rd St, Dubuque, IA 52001, Dubuque, IA, US
Telephone: (563) 557-9545
Rating: 4.7

★★★★☆ 4.7 (4958 reviews)

📍 350 E 3rd St, Dubuque, IA 52001

📞 (563) 557-9545

🌐 www.rivermuseum.org

Visit Website 📍 Get Directions

🕐 Hours

Monday	10 AM–4 PM
Tuesday	10 AM–4 PM
Wednesday	10 AM–4 PM
Thursday	10 AM–4 PM
Friday	10 AM–4 PM
Saturday	10 AM–5 PM
Sunday	10 AM–5 PM

⭐ Want to stand out? Get featured ⭐

About National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

Interactive exhibits, 4D theater & more. Cafe, aquarium, boatyard, cinema & exhibits exploring life in & around America's riverways. All admission tickets are 2-day passes, allowing visitors to return the next day at no additional cost. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 4,958 visitors.

Quick Facts

Type: Aquarium
Best For: All ages
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Daily (May 23 - Nov 1)
Admission: $27.95 adults, $20.95 youth, $24.95 seniors (2-day passes)
Highlights: Narwhal exhibit, Upside-Down Jellyfish, Paw Patrol: Adventure Play, Smithsonian Movies

💡 Did You Know?

⭐All admission tickets are 2-day passes, allowing visitors to return the next day at no additional cost
⭐The museum features a Giant Pacific Octopus encounter experience where visitors can hand-feed and interact directly with the intelligent creature
⭐The attraction includes both a stingray touch tank with hand-feeding experiences and a behind-the-scenes tour of aquarium facilities including animal nurseries
⭐Primary exhibits include a Narwhal: Revealing an Arctic Legend exhibit and Marshall Islands artifacts collection alongside the aquarium
⭐The museum complex includes historic riverboats that visitors can board, plus separate history and art museum sections within the grounds

💬 What Visitors Say

💡Book the special animal encounters (stingray feeding and Giant Pacific Octopus interaction) in advance — these hands-on experiences are major highlights that require separate reservations and create unforgettable memories worth the drive.
💬Plan for a full day or use the 2-day pass option: all admission tickets are valid for 2 consecutive days, allowing you to return the next day at no extra cost. Many visitors report needing more than one visit to see everything.
💡Don't miss the 3D movies and behind-the-scenes tours — multiple reviewers highlighted these as must-do experiences that significantly enhance understanding of animal care and river history. Ask staff about tour availability when you arrive.
💡Prioritize the shipyard and historic riverboat exhibits early in your visit, especially if visiting with young children, as these outdoor areas are interactive highlights and weather-dependent.
💡Check if the Paw Patrol: Adventure Play exhibit (opening June 6, 2026) aligns with your visit dates — this highly interactive exhibit is specifically designed for young children and will impact visit length and appeal.