The Flooded Forest tells the human-river story through the strongest and most enduring connection between us, the river is a resource. Civilization grows through development of resources, what begins as settlements by a river, builds into territorial Trading Posts and ends as cities like Dubuque. Focusing on the origin of river commerce of the lumber and fur trade, this story represents how tied we are to nature.
- North American River Otters represent a success story of conservation work in Iowa to first restore river health across the state, then to reintroduce otters. These orphaned animals never learned to survive in the wild and are bonded to humans.
Fondly regarded as the River Museum’s animal greeters, the North American River Otters are one of the first exhibits visitors encounter when they enter the Mississippi River Center. This habitat now expands outdoors, so our resident North American River Otters have an indoor/outdoor experience. An otter stream/slide, a pop-up “log”, and an ADA compliant inset make the new expansion more immersive. The River Museum also offers a live webcam from 8 AM – 4 PM daily to watch the otters!