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National Great Rivers Museum — Attraction in Alton

Name
National Great Rivers Museum
Description
Nearby attractions
Melvin Price Lock And Dam
Mississippi River, Alton, IL 62002
Nearby restaurants
Nearby hotels
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National Great Rivers Museum things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
National Great Rivers Museum
United StatesIllinoisAltonNational Great Rivers Museum

Basic Info

National Great Rivers Museum

1 Locks and Dam Way, Alton, IL 62002
4.7(412)
Open 24 hours
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Ratings & Description

Info

Cultural
Scenic
Family friendly
Accessibility
attractions: Melvin Price Lock And Dam, restaurants:
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Phone
(618) 462-6979
Website
mtrf.org

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Reviews

Nearby attractions of National Great Rivers Museum

Melvin Price Lock And Dam

Melvin Price Lock And Dam

Melvin Price Lock And Dam

4.6

(74)

Closed
Click for details

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Reviews of National Great Rivers Museum

4.7
(412)
avatar
4.0
4y

Our tour guide K was very knowledgeable and kind. She wore a mask the whole time which we appreciated but didn't enforce mask wearing in the building for the most chatty guy of the group. He kept talking and talking but wearing his mask on his chin with his mouth and nose exposed. Definitely tried to stay very far away from him and he made the experience uncomfortable for us. Why bother wearing a mask on your chin at all if you aren't going to wear it right?

The museum was a fun, short pit stop (other than the disrespectful guy above the rules). It was a bummer that the elevator to go to the top was broken so make sure you call ahead and check on the status if you are hoping for some good outside views. It's free though so totally worth it to stop. Spent less than an hour here.

Ask tour guide K about...

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avatar
5.0
2y

It was a beautiful day out nice and cool in the morning. We decided to go for a walk along the Levee of the Mississippi River. As we approached the National Great Rivers Museum we decided to go in, since neither of us had been there before. We signed up right away for the Lock and Dam Tour. While we waited, we looked around the museum and gained a lot of insight into the workings of the Lock and Dam as well as the history of the Commerce that flowed down the Mississippi River. The museum also explained a lot about the natural habitat, flora, and fauna in the area. The museum was well-maintained and the tour was very interesting. We spotted an eagle, swans, and pelicans all fishing while we were touring the...

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5.0
6y

I think this place is so underrated. The guides told me that they usually expect no more than 5-7 visitors. What the hell! They have lots of beautiful collection on great river archaeology. The people working there are so friendly and totally willing to make a conversation with you. They explained everything so well. Also, they give you a tour on the newest river dam build in the area in every 3 hours I think. You must make sure that you attend it. That's a whole new experience. Totally loved it. I'll definitely try to go there again when i get some time. And if you go there, spread the word. This place deserves...

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Posts

Alix ThomsenAlix Thomsen
Our tour guide K was very knowledgeable and kind. She wore a mask the whole time which we appreciated but didn't enforce mask wearing in the building for the most chatty guy of the group. He kept talking and talking but wearing his mask on his chin with his mouth and nose exposed. Definitely tried to stay very far away from him and he made the experience uncomfortable for us. Why bother wearing a mask on your chin at all if you aren't going to wear it right? The museum was a fun, short pit stop (other than the disrespectful guy above the rules). It was a bummer that the elevator to go to the top was broken so make sure you call ahead and check on the status if you are hoping for some good outside views. It's free though so totally worth it to stop. Spent less than an hour here. Ask tour guide K about fish! Just do it!
michael crutchermichael crutcher
Very informative museum. No charge. Lots of exhibits that explain the lock and dam system on the Mississippi River and how river traffic transports materials and goods. Several interesting interactive exhibits. Staff very helpful. They have 3 tours per day of the lock and dam; however because it was a 5-degree day we elected to skip. Bald eagles can be observed feeding from the waters below the dams. A bald eagle nest can be seen just east of the museum; staff had a scope trained on the nest during our visit. We plan to visit again on another day when not so cold and tour the lock and dam.
Amy RobersonAmy Roberson
Irs not a huge building but it packs a lot of well-presented information into that small space. Quite a few interactive exhibits (being a barge pilot is harder than it looks). Take advantage of the locks tour for some great views. Staff is knowledgeable and friendly. When you're done, drive out on the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway toward Grafton for views of barges in action as well as idling by the banks - gives you a much better sense of just how big these things are. You'll also see some nice bluffs (though I think the bluff views are better in the Grafton-to-Alston route).
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Our tour guide K was very knowledgeable and kind. She wore a mask the whole time which we appreciated but didn't enforce mask wearing in the building for the most chatty guy of the group. He kept talking and talking but wearing his mask on his chin with his mouth and nose exposed. Definitely tried to stay very far away from him and he made the experience uncomfortable for us. Why bother wearing a mask on your chin at all if you aren't going to wear it right? The museum was a fun, short pit stop (other than the disrespectful guy above the rules). It was a bummer that the elevator to go to the top was broken so make sure you call ahead and check on the status if you are hoping for some good outside views. It's free though so totally worth it to stop. Spent less than an hour here. Ask tour guide K about fish! Just do it!
Alix Thomsen

Alix Thomsen

hotel
Find your stay

Affordable Hotels in Alton

Find a cozy hotel nearby and make it a full experience.

Get the Appoverlay
Get the AppOne tap to find yournext favorite spots!
Very informative museum. No charge. Lots of exhibits that explain the lock and dam system on the Mississippi River and how river traffic transports materials and goods. Several interesting interactive exhibits. Staff very helpful. They have 3 tours per day of the lock and dam; however because it was a 5-degree day we elected to skip. Bald eagles can be observed feeding from the waters below the dams. A bald eagle nest can be seen just east of the museum; staff had a scope trained on the nest during our visit. We plan to visit again on another day when not so cold and tour the lock and dam.
michael crutcher

michael crutcher

hotel
Find your stay

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Find a cozy hotel nearby and make it a full experience.

hotel
Find your stay

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Find a cozy hotel nearby and make it a full experience.

Irs not a huge building but it packs a lot of well-presented information into that small space. Quite a few interactive exhibits (being a barge pilot is harder than it looks). Take advantage of the locks tour for some great views. Staff is knowledgeable and friendly. When you're done, drive out on the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway toward Grafton for views of barges in action as well as idling by the banks - gives you a much better sense of just how big these things are. You'll also see some nice bluffs (though I think the bluff views are better in the Grafton-to-Alston route).
Amy Roberson

Amy Roberson

See more posts
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