Just inside the lobby of the Science Museum of Minnesota, the Mississippi River Visitor Center provides a gateway to national park adventures along the Mississippi River. Operated by the National Park Service and staffed by friendly rangers and volunteers, the Mississippi River Visitor Center is the perfect starting point to discover your river!
Virtual Canoe Paddle
Meet the Albert Gustaveson! This canoe was one of the first Wilderness Inquiry Voyageur canoes made by former WI staff member, Al Gustaveson. Thanks to Wilderness Inquiry's generous donation, it is now a permanent exhibit of the Mississippi River Visitor Center, and allows visitors to explore several stretches of Mississippi National River and Recreation Area from the Science Museum lobby.
Postcard from the Park
Send your friends a funny postcard from the Mississippi River Visitor Center. Simply enter the photo booth, select your backdrop and props, and email or upload your postcard. With lots of backgrounds and fun props to pick from, you'll be sure to delight them with your photos!
Barge Tie-Off
Experience what it would be like to work on a barge, and even learn the lingo! This exhibit allows you to try your hand at knot-tying with a very heavy rope, two real timberheads, and a kevel bolted to the floor. Try it out on your own or let a ranger show you the ropes!
Fly Like An Eagle
Get a birds eye view of the Mississippi River in downtown Saint Paul with this motion-detection video game. Spread your wings and fly over the mighty Mississippi to look for fish for your darling eaglets! You'll also learn about the bald eagles of Mississippi National River and Recreation Area in this exhibit.