Bringing Learning to Life with a Field Trip!
At the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, students can explore history, science, nature, and conservation all in one unforgettable experience. Whether your education group chooses to self-guide, add hands-on educational programs, or join a guided tour, every corner of our 14-acre campus offers opportunities to connect curriculum to the real world. From social studies and engineering to life sciences and environmental studies, our field trips spark curiosity, strengthen academic achievement, and inspire lifelong learning.
Education group pricing is based on groups of 15 or more. One chaperone is required for every 15 students. All Education group visits must be booked at least two weeks in advance.
Making a Reservation
An inquiry form must be submitted to make a field trip reservation.
Contact our education team at 563-557-9545 x222 or learning@rivermuseum.org with questions.
Tour Group Pricing
Every class is unique, that’s why our field trips are flexible and tailored to your students’ needs. Choose from self-guided exploration, add-on educational experiences like animal encounters, or guided tours that connect directly to your curriculum’s learning targets. Our Education team is here to help you create a memorable, engaging experience that meets your goals.
Self-Guided Field TripLead your students through exhibits and experience the NMRMA at your own pace. This is the most flexible option because this field trip can occur anytime between 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM with additional educational opportunities available as add-ons. | Student $11.95 Adult $16.95 |
2-Hour Guided TourExperience a 2-hour guided tour showcasing NMRMA’s most popular highlights, while connecting your classroom’s curriculum to real-world learning. Self-led exploration time available after guided tour. | Student $13.95 Adult $17.95 |
3-Hour Guided TourAllow your students to dive deeper into learning by exploring more of the campus, engaging with interactive or traveling exhibits, and enjoying the option to add on unique educational experiences. Self-led exploration time available after guided tour. | Student $14.95 Adult $18.95 |
Station Learning or Custom ProgramOur Education team will facilitate 4-6 rotating stations with hands-on activities, academic simulations, STEM challenges, experiential demonstrations tailored to your age group and learning standards. Station Learning requires 90+ students, include 4-6 stations and 3 or more hours on campus. | Student $16.95 Adult $20.95 |
Pioneer Days and Tours at the Mathias Ham Historic SitePioneer Days and Tours at the Mathias Ham Historic Site – Experience life as a pioneer at the Mathias Ham Historic Site! Our costumed interpreters provide a two or three-hour customized program filled with activity stations throughout the site. A guided tour of the Ham House and Historic Site can be added on to a Pioneer Day experience. | Student Pioneer Day $6.00 | Student Pioneer Day + Guided Tour $10.00 Adult Pioneer Day $7.00 | Adult Pioneer Day + Guided Tour $11.00 |
field trip add-ons
Lunch (30 minutes)
Space is available for Education Groups to eat at reserved seating as a group. Spaces and times are assigned and weather/season dependent. (no additional charge)
Visit the Museum Store (15 minutes)
Select a time slot for group members to explore one of the River Museum Stores in order to purchase a souvenir to remember their visit! (no additional charge)
3D/4D Movie Theater (20-40 minutes)
Located in the National River Center, our immersion theater presents large-format 3D sights and 4D special effects, including dramatic sound, wind, mist, seat movement, and smells. Films average 20-40 minutes in length and can be added to any education group visit with a minimum of 18 students for $2.95 per individual. Movies are listed on our plan your visit page or call us to find out what will be playing during your visit.
Onsite Programs (30-45 minutes)
Are you planning a trip to the National Mississippi River Museum with a group of students or campers? We are happy to offer ways to take your group's experience here at the River Museum to the next level. Our onsite programs are educational opportunities that can be added to group trips or tours. From learning about and meeting our ambassador animals to exploring local history, our onsite programs offer a variety of experiences for all ages and learning focuses or themes. We are also happy to work with you to adjust our programming to meet your age group or learning expectations.
- Onsite programs run for 30-45 minutes.
- Pricing for onsite programs is $2 per individual
Mississippi River Guided Boat Tour (1 hour)
Provide your group with a memorable experience through our river boat tour. Groups are picked up by the American Lady cruise boat from NMRMA campus and embark on a maritime adventure on the Mississippi River. Groups are escorted by a River Museum educator on this unique eco tour opportunity to learn about the ecology and history of the Mississippi River.
Offered seasonally April - October (Not available on Tuesdays) dependent on weather and river conditions.
Group Size | River Tour Rate per Individual |
| 20-29 | $18 |
| 30-39 | $13 |
| 40-130 | $10.50 |
high-school & college programs
On-Site River Ecology Program
Explore NMRMA’s conservation actions and onsite efforts through river-side and nature-based activities. Activities depend on season, but may include touring the conservation lab or greenhouse, protecting threatened and endangered species, invasive plant identification or removal, water quality testing, and Wetland restoration.
- Keywords: Watershed, sustainability, natural resources, stewardship,
- 75-120 minute program
- Group size: 5-30 students
- Pricing: $135/group / $7/student
High School Freshwater Mussels Dock Program
Help save the most imperiled group of animals in North American: Freshwater mussels! Participate in a recovery project alongside Conservation professionals that takes place at NMRMA. This fully immersive experience teaches students biology, ecosystem-services, career exploration, and data collection.
- Keywords: Conservation, Native v. Invasive, Saving Species from extinction, restoration, keystone species, scientific data & analysis, stewardship
- 75-120 minute program
- Group size: 5-25 students
- Pricing: $150/group / $9/student
*This is a seasonal program