William Woodward Mississippi River Center (MRC) Renovation
Starting in the summer of 2024, you will begin to notice changes to the first floor of the Mississippi River Center (paddlewheel building). Thanks to the generosity of our donors of the Preserve the Wonder capital campaign and support from visitors like you, big changes are happening at the MRC. Take a look at what our team has transformed and what will be coming soon as you plan your visit to the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium.
Interior Transformations
DrawAlive Interactive (NOW OPEN)
Enjoy this unique interactive drawing game where you select an animal or fish to color using one of our coloring pages or by scanning the QR code with your phone. Once completed, you will scan or submit the image and watch it come to life on screen! DrawAlive is located next to the Backwater Marsh.
Roots Revealed Interactive (NOW OPEN)
New to the Learning Lab is an interactive display comparing native plant root systems.
Did you know that native prairie plants have roots that are longer than most plants? Find out why with Roots Revealed!
Combination Erosion & Flood table (NOW OPEN)
We combined our flood table with our erosion table to better demonstrate the impacts that these two events have on land. Visitors will learn how to keep our rivers healthy when we limit floods and slow erosion through this interactive exhibit.
Fun Fact: this display was designed and engineered completely in-house!
Reimagined Paddlefish experience (COMING SOON)
Our paddlefish are on the move! Do not fret, our beloved paddlefish are still here are the River Museum. They are currently off exhibit while we move and upgrade their aquarium.
Saving Species (COMING SOON)
We are excited to welcome three NEW aquariums highlighting indicator species that are unique to their ecosystems and support the Mississippi River. We will be welcoming the Eastern Massasagua Rattlesnake while highlighting our conservation efforts with the Wyoming Toads and Freshwater Mussels..
We have retired our reptile & amphibian habitats which included the water snakes and salamanders as they have been rehomed with other Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) partners while the cornsnake has joined our outreach program as an ambassador animal. You may also say hello during one of our daily Creature Feature programs.
Trout Stream (COMING SOON)
Construction on a brand new 30 foot long, 1,745 gallon trout stream and pond is underway. These open-air aquariums will have multiple levels, a waterfall feature, and house a variety of trout.
The Greater Siren and lizards are permanently off display and in the process of being rehomed with AZA partners. You can still visit our turtles in the Backwater Marsh aquarium and fish in the Conservation Lab located on the 2nd floor of the Diamond Jo National River Center.
Lock & Dam Interactive (COMING SPRING 2025)
New to the MRC interpretation is a scaled-down replica of a lock & dam system. Learn about the importance of these man-made structures, how they work, and their benefits to our waterways, economy and agriculture.
Did you know? There are 29 locks & dams along the Mississippi River, and Dubuque is located at Lock 11. Often a great spot to view our native Bald Eagles!
*Render courtesy of McCullough Creative
Exterior Transformations
Jim & Jean Gantz Otter Habitat Expansion (COMING SPRING 2025)
Everyone's favorite otters will now get to enjoy both an indoor and outdoor habitat. This expansion includes an additional 1,000 sq ft. of outdoor space featuring more land for the otters to play, a plunge pool, and a “Wotter” slide. Guests will enjoy multiple levels of viewing opportunities. You can even "pop-in" to the habitat with our pop-up bubble as well as an accessible walk-in viewing area.
*Render courtesy of McCullough Creative
Driftless Aviary (COMING SPRING 2025)
The Mississippi River Flyway is one of the big four migratory routes across North America. It extends from Canada downriver to the Gulf of Mexico. We are excited to welcome a variety of herons and waterfowl to this aviary.
*Render courtesy of McCullough Creative
Over 80 percent complete, Preserve the Wonder Capital Campaign has already refreshed and revitalized our facilities, ensuring every visitor has an unforgettable experience. Gifts to this campaign have inspired learning and exploration for the next generation of students, visitors and community members.
YOU can Preserve the Wonder!