The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium is operated by the Dubuque County Historical Society. Our focus blends the interpretation of the stories of Dubuque, the county and the region with the history and role of rivers like the Mississippi. The main campus features three buildings, the Diamond Jo National River Center, Fred W. Woodward Freight House, and the William Woodward Mississippi River Center, connected by a walkway along Dubuque’s historic Ice Harbor. Throughout campus and our Mathias Ham Historic Site, National Rivers Hall of Fame, and RiverWorks Discovery® program, there are many ways to connect to stories of natural science and human innovation all influenced by our inland waterways.

Our mission is to inspire stewardship through educational experiences where history and rivers come alive.