In the Woodward Wetlands

, you will explore the natural habitat of the Mississippi, with a boardwalk trail that takes you to natural and living history outposts. See turtles sunning on logs while herons perch nearby. Examine the natural flora of a Mississippi wetland. Meet and hear the stories of Native Americans, fur traders, fishers, clammers, refuge managers, and early pioneers.

Steamboat William M. Black

This National Landmark vessel, nearly the size of a football field, was a working dredge boat that once roamed the Missouri River. Today you can walk the decks of this 1934 steamer and tour the engine room and pilothouse.

Boat and Breakfast You can also experience an adventuresome overnight in a stateroom, dine in the galley, and see what life was really like on a working steamboat. To schedule your overnight adventure on the William M. Black, contact Melissa at 800-226-3369, ext. 213. Groups welcome! (Seasonal: April-October

National Rivers Hall of Fame

National Rivers Hall of Fame lets you capture the drama of river people from all across America. Explore our nation’s rivers in the keelboat audio exhibit. Enjoy the steamboat invention theater, and then steer barges in a modern-day towboat pilothouse simulator.

Hall of Fame inductees are the pioneers, the explorers, and the artists that have passed on. They are movers and shakers from the days gone by and the recent past. For various reasons, these men and women made unforgettable contributions related to the river and for that we salute them.

The Pfohl Boatyard

Over 500 boats and barges were built in The Pfohl Boatyard, including the largest steam towboat and the largest diesel towboat in the world. Watch as the crew launches a riverboat right into the waters of the Ice Harbor. Tour the towboat Logsdon, see huge steamboat artifacts, and climb on a raft in the children’s play area. The floating dock features houseboats, scientific vessels, and the traveling Audubon Ark.

Fred W. Woodward Riverboat Museum

Fred W. Woodward Riverboat Museum tells the fascinating story of the Mississippi with historic boats and life-sized exhibits. Experience the River of Dreams theater — “15 minutes you’ll never forget.” Hear the steamboat story and climb on the “floating” log raft. You may even see master boat builders bending ribs in the small boat shop.

Willard Woodward Discovery Center

William Woodward Discovery Center features five large fresh water aquariums, live animal exhibits, wet labs, towboat simulators and hands on activities. Take a trip down the river in the wide screen, high-definition Journey Theater. Watch the playful cownose rays from the Gulf of Mexico. Walk into a barge and take the helm in your own pilot house.

The Depot Cafe

Depot Café is the museum’s unique food and beverage station, set in the refurbished Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Train Depot, built in 1891. Relax and enjoy a delicious lunch or snack while marveling at the model railroad stations of Dubuque, and historic photographs displayed throughout the facility.