Mississippi River Visitor Center

The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (MNRRA) is a national park located along 72 miles of the Mississippi River from Dayton, Minnesota, in the north to just south of Hastings, Minnesota. Running right through the heart of the Twin Cities, this stretch of the river is rich in historical, cultural, natural, and economic resources.

MNRRA partnered with the Science Museum of Minnesota to reimagine their Mississippi River Visitor Center. Hands-on and full-body interactive exhibits, large-scale media, and a new clean design have created an inviting and engaging visitor experience. Exhibits highlight the river’s history, wildlife, recreational attractions, and commercial value with an emphasis on inviting visitors to get out and explore the park for themselves. The new visitors center exhibits opened in August 2016 as part of the National Park Service’s centennial celebration.  The Mississippi River Visitor Center received the Outstanding Public Engagement Award from the Public Lands Alliance in 2017.