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.
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