Old Jail Museum

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This is a world class museum!! My family loves it and visits it often. They are associated with the Smithsonian in Washington D.C. They have interesting special exhibits. The one last summer was frogs and they had 40 kinds of frogs that was part of a community art installation of frogs. They have several tanks of wild life to view. There are rays that can be touched and a crocodile.There are many interactive exhibits. There are also exhibits outside that include otters. Seasonally, there are a number of special events, such as ice sculpting. This is a must-do attraction in Dubuque. more

This is a cute little museum that celebrates the habitat and wildlife of the Mississippi River from its origin in Minnesota all the way to New Orleans. Its interesting to learn more about the wildlife that lives in the Mississippi. They have a variety of exhibits, from live animals to theater-style informational shows to live presentations. Part of the second floor has a Lewis and Clark exhibit that is currently being used for a Frog exhibit through January. The frogs are interesting to see. Never thought there could be that may different kinds of frogs. The kids love coming here to explore the outside area and watch the otters play. more

The National Mississippi River Museum And Aquarium located right next to the Mississippi River in Dubuque, IA is a good place to take kids or visitors. You can spend several hours there learning all about the river in a variety of formats. There are the aquariums which house some of the plant and animal life found in the river. There are also interactive displays showing how the water flows, and what has happened during times of flooding. There a couple of theaters and some interactive video screens. There is also a small "science lab" place where you can touch animal pelts, sting rays, or look at sample under microscopes. Outside you can tour an old barge, see the otter swim, or guide some small boats in a little water area. There is also a cafe and a gift shop. There is ample parking. Cost is not too bad. If you live in the area and think you might go more than once a year, I recommend the family annual pass. more

This is a great place to take the family. We went and spent some time here. The kids love seeing the aquariums. Be sure to check their calendar to see what exhibit is there. Currently it is the Toadally Frogs! and they are cool. Over 30 different species of frogs on display from all over the world. My personal favorite was the tadpole exhibit. Adults are $9.75 and kids are $4. But I think it was worth the money spent. more

Great place for the family to learn about local history. We enjoyed the frog exhibit. There were lots of different types of frogs to look at. I enjoyed the aquariums as well. Don’t forget the riverboat museum. The history surrounding Dubuque is very interesting and so many things to see in this museum. more

This is a great place to take the family. We went and spent some time here. The kids love seeing the aquariums. Be sure to check their calendar to see what exhibit is there. Currently it is the “Toadally Frogs!” and they are cool. Over 30 different species of frogs on display from all over the world. My personal favorite was the tadpole exhibit. Adults are $9.75 and kids are $4. But I think it was worth the money spent. more

I was very pleased with the museum and Aquarium . For Iowa, it is quite large. You can easily spend several hours here. My children especially liked the manta ray pool. You can touch the manta rays at a certain time of day so check their schedule. This summer they have a great frog exhibit. The little frogs are so cute. Really excellent!! Make sure that you go outside! Our other favorite part was touring the large dredging boat located outside. more