Do you have wheelchairs to rent?
Wheelchairs are complimentary and can be checked out at the box office on a first-come, first-served basis.
Additional accessibility FAQs can be found HERE.
Do you have strollers
While we do not have strollers for use, you are always welcome to bring your own.
Are cameras or video cameras allowed?
Photography of the animals and exhibits is permitted (and encouraged) at the Museum & Aquarium unless it is specifically stated within a traveling exhibit. Photography at the Mathias Ham Historic Site is not allowed inside the Mathias Ham home except in designated areas.
Commercial photography within the Museum & Aquarium and the Mathias Ham home (photography for publication or for economic or other gain) needs prior consent from the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium. For prior consent, contact the marketing department at 563-557-9545.
Are pets or service animals allowed?
In order to ensure the health and safety of the animals in our care, the only animals we allow into our facility are those that meet state and federal requirements as a service animal or service animal in training. A service animal or service animal in training is defined as “an animal that has gone through or is undergoing a course of development and training to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual that directly relate to the disability of the individual.” Animals whose sole function is to provide comfort/emotional support, or therapy animals, do not qualify as service animals. Intentionally misrepresenting an animal as a service animal is in violation of state law.
Museum staff has the right to ask a service animal to leave the premises if it is exhibiting aggressive behavior, is not housebroken, is damaging property, or is otherwise out of control.
More info here: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/ico/chapter/216C.pdf
Do you have reciprocal memberships?
Currently, we offer 50% off admission to participating Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) accredited institutions. Our members receive reciprocal benefits at these institutions as well. The full list of reciprocal AZA facilities is here.
The Museum & Aquarium offers $1 off admission to members of museums participating in the Missouri Time Travelers Program.
You must present a photo ID and a valid membership card to receive either of these discounts. These discounts are not available with online ticket purchases.
Do you allow outside food in the River Museum?
We do allow carry-in food and beverage. Guests are allowed to use the picnic tables under the pavilion in the plaza. We ask no alcohol to be carried in, and we don't allow guests to eat carry-in food and beverage where we sell food and beverages, such as the grill.
Do you have locker facilities available?
We have a limited number of lockers available on a first-come, first-served basis in our National River Center. They can be rented via the National River Center box office.
I purchased my tickets online; however, I don’t think I will make it there at that time (or on that date). What should I do?
The majority of our tickets are not sold based on a specific date or time. Unused general admission tickets are valid for one year from the date of purchase. You are welcome to use your ticket within one year of the date selected.
If you purchased a ticket package with a specific movie and that movie is no longer showing, you are welcome to exchange your movie ticket at the box office upon arrival, but you must have the original ticket in hand.
Stingray feeding tickets, unlike the aforementioned tickets, are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for another date due to the limited number of tickets available each day and the high demand for that experience.
Do you have a restaurant at your facility?
We have the Harbor View Grill within the National River Center building that serves hamburgers, sandwiches, and kid-friendly options. Ask about our gluten-free menu and vegetarian option! Snacks and drinks are available through our Museum Stores in both buildings.
The Harbor View Grill is open from 9 A.M. – 4 P.M. daily for grab-and-go items, and hot food is available from 11 A.M. – 3 P.M.
Do you allow re-entry into the Museum & Aquarium?
Re-entry is allowed for a same-day visit as well as the next consecutive day of original purchase. The re-entry day of purchase is verified by the admission sticker you are given with your ticket purchase. Second-day admission is verified at the box office with your original receipt.
My child is under 3. What is the cost?
There is no charge for children under the age of 3 (2 and under) to visit the Museum & Aquarium.
What is the cost of parking?
Parking is free with plenty of room for RV and motor coach parking. Overnight parking is not allowed.
Do you have birthday party packages?
Yes we do! Read here for more information.
Do you have overnight opportunities?
Yes we do! Read here for more information.
Safety Tips
Please do not leave children unattended in the Museum & Aquarium. Please do not lift children over or place them on top of any barrier. Please do not throw objects into the exhibits. The animals are on special diets; please do not share your food with them.
Smoking Policy
For the health and safety of our animals and guests, as well as the preservation of our historic collections, the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium and the Mathias Ham Historic Site are smoke, vapor and tobacco-free.
Firearms Policy
The Museum & Aquarium does not permit firearms of any kind on property, except those already within our historical collection. For more information on Right to Carry Law Restrictions, visit https://dubuquecountyiowa.gov/564/Frequently-Asked-Questions
Will you donate to our fundraiser?
The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium takes pride in our support of nonprofit organizations and schools both locally and across the country.