June 22nd and 23rd, 2013

The second annual Boat Fest will be held on Saturday, June 22nd and Sunday, June 23rd. This event features a Children's Village, a Quick 'N' Dirty Boat Building Contest, and much more. Live music from the Wundo Band on Saturday night at 6:30pm and on Sunday from 10am-Noon from The Unstrung Heroes and 1-4pm from Broken Strings.

Interested in sponsoring this event? Please contact Nicole Miller at nmiller@rivermuseum.com for more details.

Due to circumstances that are beyond our control, the Battleship Contest for Boat Fest will not take place. We apologize for any inconvenience and hope to see you here enjoying the other activities!

Click here to download the Quick 'N' Dirty Boat Building Registration Form PDF file.

To request a form be sent to you via email
click here
Port of Dubuque Marina information can be found here.

July 4

49th Ice Cream Social at Mathias Ham House- 11 am-4 pm

The Ice Cream Social is a community tradition. Activities including Ham House tours, children’s game, entertainment, live performers, and much more! This holiday celebration offers a variety of picnic food, beverages, cake and ice cream for purchase available until 3 pm.
Donations Accepted for Admission.

This event is sponsored by U.S. Bank.



The Ham House Historic Site is located at 2241 Lincoln Ave. Click here for more information.

July 15th-July 19th 2013

Morning Session: 9:00am-12:00pm
Afternoon Session: 1:00-4:00pm
(Both morning and afternoon sessions have the same content)
1st-5th Grades (based on 2013-2014 school year)

Take an adventure this summer and become a “River Rat”! Explore the river life by wandering through the wetland and hiking around the Museum & Aquarium. Get a chance to meet our turtles in our newest exhibit. Have fun with your friends while enjoying the hands on activities and discover
the natural habitats in and around the Mississippi River.

Members: $100; Non members: $120

Click here to download the Registration Form PDF file.

Registration forms are also available at the Museum & Aquarium box office or to request a form be sent to you via email
click here

Thursday, August 1st, 2013

Taste of Dubuque is moving back to a Thursday night! Join us on the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium grounds for the 18th annual Taste of Dubuque. This event allows guest to try small portions from each vendor to get a true taste of Dubuque's food venues. We look forward to seeing you for live music, children's activities, food, drinks and more!

For more information on becoming a sponsor or vendor please contact Nicole Miller at nmiller@rivermuseum.com

August 5th-9th 2013

Monday-Wednesday 9:00am–3:00pm, Thursday 2:30pm thru Friday 9:00 am
6th-8th Grades (based on 2013-2014 school year)

Are you ready to explore the outdoors? Dive into this adventure as we go canoeing, hiking, exploring and more! We’ll also have an overnight stay on Thursday on the William M. Black historic landmark vessel docked in the Ice Harbor at the Museum & Aquarium.

Members: $150; Non Members: $170

Click here to download the Registration Form PDF file.

Registration forms are also available at the Museum & Aquarium box office or to request a form be sent to you via email
click here