Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
Visitor Centers
Science Museum of Minnesota
120 Kellogg Blvd West
Saint Paul, MN 55102
Open May 27 - September 2, 2024
1 Portland Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55401
Mississippi River Visitor Center
Science Museum of Minnesota
120 Kellogg Blvd West, Saint Paul, MN 55102
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.
Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam
1 Portland Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Open May 27 - September 2, 2024
The National Park Service began operating the St. Anthony Falls Visitor Center in spring of 2016 to provide tours and interpretation to the public after the closure of the lock in 2015. The observation deck provides spectacular views of the falls, the iconic Stone Arch Bridge, and the surrounding milling district of downtown Minneapolis. The visitor center features exhibits that provide information about the falls, locks and dams, and their place in our state's history.
Summer Season:
The lock wall will be open to the public from Memorial Day weekend (May 27) through Labor Day (September 2).
Daily tours: TBD
Hours: TBD
NPS passport stamps are available at this location. Talk to a ranger about the numerous possibilities for walks and exploring the area's rich history besides our guided tour.
View of the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam from the Stone Arch Bridge.
National Park Service ranger at Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam.
St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam during a public program event in the summer.