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National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium


TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #1 of 12 attractions in Dubuque
Traveler Description:
Familiar with National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium? Write your own description and share what you know with other travelers.
Attraction type: Aquarium, Specialty museum
Address: 350 East Third Street
Port of Dubuque Dubuque, IA
Tel: 800-226-3369; 563-557-9545

Reviews you can trust

[ Date ] [ Rating ]
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3 of 5 stars
Deeno14   202 contributions
Moline, Illinois
Sep 6, 2009

So, in response to my 2 star rating a couple years ago, the marketing director contacted me saying I will send you free tickets if you will come back & try us again. So we did. We visited yesterday. The place was pretty busy, but it is spacious inside so not bad moving around and viewing exhibits. I sitll must... more

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5 of 5 stars
gccrod64   5 contributions
Shawnee, KS
Aug 15, 2009

This was our second visit to this museum. We took two grandchildren, 8 and 12, while visiting in Dubuque. It was enjoyable for all of us. With the films showing the history of the Mississippi river, the aquariums, and the interactive displays, there is quite a bit to see. Of the various things we did on a 5 day trip... more

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5 of 5 stars
red53angel   2 contributions
Southeast Iowa
Jul 29, 2009

I am a grandmother traveling with 10 year old granddaughter. We spent several hours at this museum and aquarium and had a very good time. Lots of things to see, indoors and out. According to my granddaughter, the biggest downside was that there were very few opportunities to touch. Our favorite activity was spotting frogs and turtles in the outdoor... more

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5 of 5 stars
Pamela9   5 contributions
Illinois
Apr 20, 2009

What a great find! Indoor and outdoor exhibits, educational, interactive and fun! The building is roomy allowing plenty of space for visitors to enjoy the exhibits without feeling crowded. We visited with out 13 year old twin boys and they loved it. We planned on spending an hour or so. We were there at least 3 and plan on going... more

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5 of 5 stars
mom2threeMichigan   3 contributions
Troy, Michigan
Dec 30, 2008
1/1 found this review helpful

We took our 3 children here last summer. They had a great time. I learned a lot about the Mississippi River. One of the parts I enjoyed the most was a video "tour" of the Mississippi from one end to the other. As someone who grew up near only one part of the river, it was interesting to get a... more

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5 of 5 stars
Spiderpig41   151 contributions
Manchester, United Kingdom
Dec 11, 2008
1/1 found this review helpful

After hiking in the Mines of Spain, we decided to drop down into Dubuque and visit the museum and we were not disappointed. Being Decvember it was quiet but theat worked for me. Its $10.50 to get in for adults and I believe worth it. We were greated by a very pleasant volunteer who explained the layout and what to... more

Top Notch
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5 of 5 stars
ALITD   7 contributions
Chicago, Illinois
Oct 17, 2008

We recently visited this aquarium based on a recommendation from someone. This place far exceeded our expectations. Fish: The best displays of live Mississippi river fish I have ever seen. One tank (est 50,000 gallons) had very large catfish (30-80 lbs), alligator gar (45 lbs), longnose gar (20 lbs), carp, buffalo (40 lbs), and paddlefish. There was also a sturgeon... more

Fabulous!
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5 of 5 stars
FurtherOnDownTheRoad   37 contributions
Missouri
Sep 11, 2008

While visiting the Galena, IL and Dubuque, IA area in August, 2006, we included a stop at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium in Dubuque. It is an amazing place to spend a day. There are wonderful exhibits, including wetlands and a boatyard. It is a huge museum and well worth a visit. You can also tour a river... more

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5 of 5 stars
Mnmarg   18 contributions
Northfield, Minnesota
Aug 23, 2007
1/1 found this review helpful

If you are in the area, you MUST stop and see this museum. We spent over 5hours there with several kids and still didn't see everything. I would love to go back without kids and read all the material. Well researched information and professional set-up make this a great experience. more

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5 of 5 stars
iowamom3   6 contributions
Iowa
Aug 19, 2007
1/1 found this review helpful

The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium in Dubuque, Iowa is a must see for all ages! We just visited there in mid-August 2007 with five kids ages 8-16 and we all had a ball! We spend over 5 1/2 hours looking at the exhibits and watching the movies. There are both indoor and outdoor exhibits including huge boats, river... more

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National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium Address

350 East Third Street, Port of Dubuque, Dubuque, IA
Tel: 800-226-3369; 563-557-9545