Starting June 1, the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium is excited to announce the addition of octopus encounters as one of its add-on experiences for guests. The encounter will be offered once daily at 2 PM for a group of up to six people.
The River Museum becomes the second facility in the Midwest to offer the experience. It joins the Behind the Scenes Tours and Stingray Feedings on the River Museum’s hands-on add-on menu.
“Creating lasting memories and learning through hands-on opportunities are central to the guest experience we strive to provide at the River Museum,” said Emily Adlfinger, the River Museum’s Marketing & Communications Manager. “We are appreciative of the work our Guest Services, Living Collections, and Marketing teams for bringing this experience to life, and we look forward to our guests enjoying this encounter on their next visit.”
During the encounter, guests can interact with the Giant Pacific Octopus in an intimate experience with a member of the River Museum’s husbandry team. Participants will learn about the species and enjoy a behind the scenes tour of the Eckstein Family Rivers to the Sea exhibit including the seahorse and moon jelly nurseries.
Guests can book the encounter for $125 for up to six people. The experience is 30 minutes in length and does not require general admission. However, general admission is required to explore the museum before or after the encounter. Cancellations must be made 24 hours in advance, and the tour can be purchased online or at the box office. Advanced registration is now open and guests are encouraged to book early as spaces are already filling up.
The tour is family-friendly but children under 17 must be accompanied by an adult. The encounter is not wheelchair accessible and requires walking up three steps.
More information about the encounter can be found at rivermuseum.org/experiences or calling 563-557-9545 x213.