The Mississippi River Gallery explores the environment of the Mississippi and its relation to the people who depend on it every day.

Special Projects in the Mississippi River Gallery

Big River Student Art Contest
Take some time to look over the winning entries of the 2009 Big River Art Contest. Hosted by the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, the Big River Art Contest accepts artwork submissions from 4th-6th grade students depicting the Mississippi River, its environment, and its conservation. Winners can also be viewed online.

The Gulf of Mexico Dead Zone
Why are over 7,000 square miles of the Gulf of Mexico virtually devoid of marine creatures every summer? Why are those concerned about this situation looking to the Upper Mississippi River for answers? Who is affected and why should you care? For these answers and more, explore the mysteries of the Dead Zone.

Pollution in the St. Croix
St. Croix phosphorus levels from lawns, farms, and sewage run-off are rising. Let unchecked, they can seriously damage this beautiful river habitat.

Interact

Newscast
Be a news anchor! Sit behind a news desk, in front of a camera and teleprompter, and give a local, extremely local, professional newscast of a current science news story. Family and friends can watch on screen.

Gallery Highlights

The Mississippi River! Don't miss the beautiful views overlooking the Mississippi. A wall of windows provides panoramic display. A telescope is also provided for a closer look at the river and the life around it.

River Pilot Simulator: Test your skills at the challenging task of maneuvering barges down the Mississippi River. Once you try your hand you'll find the bigger they are, the slower they turn.

Sewer Pipe: Walk through a city sewer pipe and discover where our drinking water comes from and where it ends up. Also be sure to check out the strange collection of items that get flushed down the drain.

The Charles E.: Tour an authentic Mississippi River towboat, the Charles E. Go into the pilothouse to see what the interior looks like, and get a better view of the Mississippi River valley.

Learn More About the Mississippi River

Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, part of the National Park Service, was established in 1988 and covers 72 miles from the cities of Dayton and Ramsey to south of Hastings, Minnesota.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers® Mississippi Locks and Dams
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for operating and maintaining all locks and dams along the Mississippi River. The St. Paul District operates 13 locks beginning at Upper St. Anthony Falls in downtown Minneapolis and ending at lock and dam 10 in Guttenberg, Iowa.