National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium
N 42° 29.823 W 090° 39.689
15T E 692160 N 4707615
See some big fish, pet a Bufflehead, learn how to control erosion, get up close and personal in the wetlands, drive a tugboat, and learn the history along the Mississippi River.
Waymark Code: WM3N92
Location: Iowa, United States
Date Posted: 04/24/2008
Views: 55
When you first enter the museum, you will see a large glass tank about 4 feet high. You see some small fish and maybe a turtle or two. Then something black and white swims down the side of the tank and searches the bottom for food. You rush over to the tank to see what it is. Just as you discover that there is no top on the tank, the Bufflehead pops up one foot in front of you as he finishes his dive. The Bufflehead is one of many species of waterfowl that migrates and lives in the wetlands along the Mississippi River.
You will see a floor to ceiling aquarium with many very large fish that live in the Mississippi River. There are paddlefish, also known as spoonbill catfish, alligator gar, flathead catfish, sturgeons, and many other species of fish. You will also see an albino catfish and an albino turtle.
A display of the rivers edge with hills and valleys will help you learn about erosion control. Water comes out of some ports in the upland area and washes soil (sand) off the hills, down the valleys, and into the river. Another area shows how proper erosion control can help prevent the loss of soil. On the long 2-story wall nearby you see a photograph showing the entire length of the Mississippi River from source to mouth. The photo was taken from a satellite in space. A TV screen displays an airplane view of a spot along the River. As you operate a control, the view speeds up or slows down and gives you a view of the entire length of the river.
Other areas offer you the opportunity to handle the furs, skins, antlers, and exoskeletons of many of the creatures found along and in the water. You can walk onto the bridge of a tugboat and operate the controls. The 15-foot curved wide screen displays the barges that you are maneuvering through a lock and on the water. Watch out for that bridge piling.
Outside, you will see a pond and wetland area as you stroll the walkway. Native Americans, pioneers, and riverboat operators will tell you about their lives along the river. One of the boats on display here was a family operated towboat. The entire family lived on the boat. It has a kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms.
The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium has many interactive displays and games that make learning interesting and fun. Plan to spend several hours here.
Operated by the National Park Service, the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium is open every day from 10am to 4pm. Christmas Eve and New Years Eve they are open from 10am to 2pm. They are closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Entry fee is Adults $9.95, Seniors (65+) $8.95, Youth (7-17) $7.50, Children (3-6) $4.00. Group rates are available, Call for information at 800-226-3369.