Recreation area

The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium

Dubuque · Iowa — managed by Smithsonian Institution Affiliations Program

Open recreation area — no reservation needed

About this campground

The Mississippi River Museum is dedicated to collecting, interpreting and sharing the rich and important history of the Mississippi River, America's river systems, and our local and regional heritage. The museum features over 300 years of river history, the National Rivers Hall of Fame, the Upper Mississippi's largest collection of historic small watercraft, the National Landmark steamboat William M. Black and the award-winning short film "River of Dreams" narrated by Garrison Keillor. Powerful and beautiful, the Mississippi River is the third largest river in the world. It has played and will continue to play an essential role in our nation's past, present, and future. It is the fabled river of Native Americans, Marquette and Joliet, Mark Twain, steamboat pilots, river clammers, and roustabouts. Like the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone, the Mississippi is a national treasure. It is our river to honor, preserve, and use.

Activities

  • INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS
  • VISITOR CENTER

Nearby federal campgrounds

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The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium doesn't take campsite reservations — but plenty of nearby Iowa campgrounds do, and we'll alert you the moment a sold-out site opens up.

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Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.