We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
Free Newsletter

Interested in Dubuque?

We'll send you updates with the latest deals, reviews and articles for Dubuque each week.

  • Save National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium
  • E-mail this page

National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium


TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #1 of 11 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

Traveler Reviews

[ Date ] [ Rating ]
Save Review
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

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
mom2threeMichigan 3 contributions
Troy, Michigan
Dec 30, 2008

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

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
Spiderpig41 90 contributions
Lancashire England
Dec 11, 2008

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
Save Review
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!
Save Review
5 of 5 stars
FurtherOnDownTheRoad 22 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

Save Review
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

Save Review
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

Save Review
2 of 5 stars
Deeno14 180 contributions
Moline, Illinois
Dec 31, 2006
3/6 found this review helpful

First I have to say that if you have never been to a nice aquarium, if you have kids, and if you want to learn about the river, the is an OK place to go. We left very disappointed. There are a small number of so-so aquariums with limited fish (one or two things only in most). Many appeared too... more

Save Review
3 of 5 stars
firstclasstaste_econ... 24 contributions
Midwest
Nov 1, 2006
1/2 found this review helpful

I have visited the museum twice and have taken away something each time. It can see a bit jumbled with exhibits on the environment and the history of the river. I wish the museum was larger and more elaborate but I think it is something to see when you are in the area. I would have like more information on... more

Save Review
4 of 5 stars
funeraldirector 2 contributions
Ankeny, Iowa
Sep 4, 2006
1/2 found this review helpful

I think they have a lot of space that they could use better than they do. Some of the exibits are very interesting while others are extremely boring. I would recommend taking the boat tour if you can, it does add to the adventure. I have children 13 and 9 who enjoyed the hands on activities, such as touching the... more

Travelers Who Viewed This Attraction Also Viewed
No photo provided
Price not available
No photo provided
Location: Dubuque, IA
Price not available
Location: Dubuque, IA
Price not available
Write Your Own Attraction Review
Been to National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium? Share your experiences!
Write a Review
Add Photos
Add Videos

National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium: Management Resources

TripAdvisor has free and easy resources to help you enhance your listing and promote your property.

  • Start Here - Visit Your Owner's Page
  • Add Photo
  • Add Video

National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium Address

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