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Mon, 16 Feb 2026 17:13:37 GMT

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Discover the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 17:13:37 GMT

Located just 40 minutes from our motel in Elizabeth, Illinois, the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium offers one of the most engaging and educational experiences in the Midwest. Set along the banks of the Mississippi River in Dubuque, Iowa, the museum tells the story of the Great River and the ecosystems it supports.

This Smithsonian-affiliated destination is a blend of a natural history museum, aquarium, and interactive discovery center. Visitors can touch stingrays in one of the touch tanks, spot river-dependent birds and raptors on the grounds, and watch short films about the river’s history in the Journey Theater.

Below are some of our favorite things to see and do at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium.

From fish and eels to otters and raptors, the museum and aquarium have creatures that everyone will love! Be sure to visit these exhibits while you’re there!

Flooded Forest

This welcome exhibit features some of nature’s most playful mammals. Known as the museum’s “animal greeters,” the North American River Otters are ready to say hello to everyone who comes by. The habitat is both indoor and outdoor with an ADA-compliant inset for a variety of viewing areas.

Down in the Delta

No visit to the museum and aquarium would be complete without a stop by the 2,250-gallon touch pool. This hands-on exhibit puts stingrays front and center as they glide through water shallow enough for even little hands to (carefully) touch.

Outdoor Aviaries

Spend time spotting the raptors, Bald Eagles, Kestrel and Barn Owls, and Red-Tailed Hawks that call the museum grounds home. These amazing birds help teach visitors about pollution, conservation, and their contribution to the Mississippi River.

Main Channel

This 30,000-gallon freshwater habitat showcases some of the biggest species of fish found in the Mississippi River. It features species such as Gar, Sturgeon, Catfish, Bass, Buffalo, and Carp. The three-sided aquarium allows visitors to observe how the fish interact with each other and their environment.

The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium is much more than just indoor exhibits. It also features a variety of outdoor spaces and displays as well. Below are some of our favorites!

Logsdon Sand and Gravel Barge

This barge once served as a towboat that pushed pile-driving equipment on the Illinois River. Its current location at the museum and aquarium allows visitors to explore both the inside and outside of the ship. It stands as an example of how such vessels worked on America’s great rivers.

Frentress Log Cabin & Wetlands

The Frentress Log Cabin once stood on the Mississippi River on the Illinois side of the water. At more than 100-years old, it is believed to have once been a fur-trader’s post. Surrounding the cabin are the Wetlands, where visitors can spy turtles, beavers, woodchucks, frogs, herons, and many more critters native to the habitat.

William M. Black Dredge Boat

As an operating dredge boat on the Mississippi River for almost 40 years, this vessel served to clean out sandbars and silt to keep navigation channels open. To provide safe waterways through the river, the bottom had to be maintained at a 9-foot depth. Anything less could mean boats would get stuck on the sandy bottom.

Visitors to the museum and aquarium have the opportunity not just to view the exhibits but to interact with them as well. Here are the ones you’ll want to explore.

Learning Lab

The Learning Lab is a hands-on exhibit that allows visitors of all ages to experience nature on a more personal level. The center features different furs, animals, fish, and freshwater creatures that can be touched and handled to help guests learn more about each one. Visitors can even view life on a microscopic level through one of the lab’s microscopes.

Makerspace

This interactive space gives visitors the chance to learn STEM and critical thinking skills as they create, tinker, and design with a variety of engaging activities. The space utilizes real materials to allow guests to discover their hidden properties and characteristics. This one-of-a-kind experience helps visitors make deeper connections with the material and objects around them.

RiverWorks Discovery Splash Zone

Children and families will love this water-based exhibit! Visitors can steer a boat downriver while navigating through locks. They can also learn more about beavers by exploring a large-scale beaver lodge and learn the important role these animals played along the Mississippi River.

Stay at Marcotte’s Family Motel

After a day of museum and aquarium exploration, head back to Marcotte’s Family Motel to unwind and enjoy a good night’s rest. Relax by our outdoor campfire, cook up a meal on the grill, or just sit back and take in the night sky in one of our comfortable seating areas. With pet-friendly rooms, suites, and even an entire apartment to choose from, you can customize your stay for the ultimate Illinois vacation experience.

Our family-operated property is ready to welcome you with friendly service, warm hospitality, and comfortable amenities. Book your reservation with us today!

Animal and Aquatic Exhibits

Outdoor Spaces

Interactive Exhibits

Coming Soon

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 17:11:51 GMT

Discover Elizabeth, IL

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 16:56:36 GMT

Situated in the beautiful rolling hills of northwestern Illinois, the small town of Elizabeth offers visitors a glimpse of quintessential Midwestern life. Located in Jo Daviess County, about 20 minutes east of Galena, Elizabeth has fewer than 1,000 residents. But what this town lacks in size, it makes up for with plenty of charm, local attractions, and area history.

From historic sites and museums to antique shopping and local restaurants, here are a few of the things we love about our sweet little town of Elizabeth.

One of the biggest draws in town is Elizabeth’s Grand Antique Company , a massive antique mall that has become a destination for treasure hunters from across the Midwest. Located in a historic former school building on West Street, the store contains more than 28,000 square feet of antiques, vintage goods, collectibles, and handmade items.

Inside, shoppers will find booths operated by more than 200 vendors offering everything from antique furniture and vintage clothing to rare books, glassware, artwork, and rustic home décor. Even those who are not serious collectors enjoy the atmosphere of the antique mall. Visitors often love discovering unexpected treasures, nostalgic memorabilia, or unique decorative pieces.

Elizabeth’s Grand Antique Company

Apple River Fort

Another must-see attraction in Elizabeth is the Apple River Fort . This state historic site preserves an important chapter in Illinois frontier history. The original fort was built in 1832 during the Black Hawk War to protect settlers living along the Apple River. Black Hawk, a Sauk leader, began the conflict in an effort to reclaim lands that had been taken from his people.

Today, the reconstructed fort allows visitors to step back in time and learn about the dramatic events that occurred there. The site features an interpretive center with exhibits on frontier life, lead mining, and Native American history. In addition to the exhibits, demonstrations and special events are often held to showcase traditional skills and reenact moments from the fort’s past. These programs make the site especially engaging for families and history enthusiasts.

Elizabeth, Illinois, loves its local history! Come visit these local museums to learn more about what makes our town special.

The Elizabeth History Museum offers the perfect opportunity to learn more about the town’s past and legacy. It houses more than 4,000 artifacts related to the area’s early industries, farming traditions, and community life. Displays include historical photographs, artifacts from local businesses and schools, and items honoring military veterans from the area.

A different sort of history buff will enjoy the Chicago Great Western Railway Depot Museum , located in a restored 1877 depot building. The museum contains a large collection of railroad artifacts and model train layouts in several scales. Visitors can even explore a full-size caboose and watch films about the railroad history of northwestern Illinois.

Local Museums

Elizabeth, IL Restaurants

No trip to Elizabeth would be complete without sampling some of the town’s favorite restaurants!

For a sweet treat or a refreshing scoop of ice cream, stop by Three Sisters Sweet Shoppe. With a variety of cupcake and ice cream flavors, it’s no wonder this is a popular seasonal destination.

For those looking for something a little more hearty, Small Town Saloon serves up a selection of burgers, sandwiches, homemade cooking, and a full bar. This top local hangout is always ready to welcome visitors.

Diners wanting a classic cafe vibe should stop by Terrapin Station Cafe . With a mix of breakfast and lunch options, baked goods, and a large selection of hot and cold beverages, this is always a great place for a quick bite with friends.

A Charming Stop in Northwest Illinois

With its historic downtown, welcoming community, and scenic countryside, Elizabeth is the kind of place where travelers can spend a relaxing day exploring museums, shopping for vintage treasures, and experiencing the charm of rural Illinois. For anyone visiting Galena Country, this little village is well worth a stop.

Stay at Marcotte’s Family Motel

What better place to stay while exploring Elizabeth than one of the town’s most unique properties? Marcotte’s Family Motel offers guests more than just standard rooms. We also feature cabin suites with full kitchens or even an entire apartment. In addition, we provide fresh baked goods for weekend breakfasts, an outdoor campfire, and a barbecue grill.

Conveniently located for all of your northwest Illinois travels, we are the perfect destination for your next vacation. Book your reservation today!