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 petting tank which the kids thought was fun. One natural display tank had numerous sunfish, crappie, walleye, and bass. There was even a tank of stingrays.
Everything was clean and entertaining to watch.

Venomous creatures:
A newer display is the venomous creature exhibit. There was a clear plexiglass exhibit where the kids could climb under and walk out to face a rattlesnake through a pop up dome. The snakes were only inches away. They also had a good collection of snakes (cobras,copperheads, cottonmouths, fer de lance and other vipers, scorpions, insects, etc.) Dad's and kid's will love it...Mom's-not so much...LOL

Theatres:
The 4D theatres were pretty cool. Smoke and water would shoot out at times during the some of the films. The sound effects were pretty good. Other shows (non 4D) were OK.

Indoor/Outdoor exhibits:
Numerous historical displays including boats and river artifacts. A family favorite was the barge driver simulation machine. We all crashed but soon got the hang of it. Live river otters were great for the kids.

Summary: Affiliated with the Smithsonian Institute, this is a first class venue in brand new condition. The price of admission was well worth it. I felt it was cheap for what you get. A truly great value. Try to go in good weather so you can enjoy the outdoor exhibits.

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 dredge, view films, etc. Much to do for the entire family for the better part of the day.

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.

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 building workshop, pilot-house simulator, special affects movies, room-sized catfish, a cave, paddle boats, and so much more! The tickets are very reasonably priced for what you get. Don't miss this wonderful American museum!