For centuries, the banks of the mighty Mississippi River have beckoned to those with an adventurous spirit. Whether it's the romance of the breathtaking views along its bluffs, its vast economic impact as a transportation route or the complex ecosystems it supports, the National Great Rivers Museum and the adjacent Melvin Price Locks and Dam in Alton, Illinois, effectively capture the essence of the river.
The navigational dam, which was completed in 1994, ensures this stretch of the river is passable year round. That's important because 75 million tons of cargo pass through the locks and dam each year, according to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Park Ranger Rebecca Fink.
Together, the dam and the museum offer families the unique opportunity to see a working dam and to learn more about the engineering behind these modern marvels. The Corps offers free 45-minute tours of the dam daily at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tours include about a half mile of walking outside along the top of the dam. Children of all ages are welcome to participate and the full tour is accessible and safe for strollers. A stop inside the observation deck mid-tour offers visitors an opportunity to use the restroom, and a coloring table is a perfect break for younger children.
Much of the tour is 80 feet above the river, providing spectacular views of the Mississippi and the nearby Clark Bridge (and making those with a strong fear of heights a bit weary). The top of the dam is exposed, and it can be windy, so dress appropriately and consider sunscreen. Tours are not offered during inclement weather. Stop by the information desk in the museum to sign up for a tour at least 15 minutes prior to the tour time, and contact the museum in advance to schedule tours for larger groups.
A stop at the museum prior to the dam tour provides visitors with a better grasp of the engineering and mechanics behind its operation. The museum offers a variety of other interactive exhibits as well. Budding ecologists will enjoy the water conservation exhibit, which helps users to measure their impact on water conservation. Engineers-in-training will enjoy a working model that demonstrates the purpose and function of dikes. History buffs should take time to visit the model replica of the Horatio G. Wright Snagboat, which was built in 1880 to help clear the river of "snags," such as fallen trees and sunken ships. Even video gamers will have a blast trying to steer a barge under the Eads Bridge in the barge simulator (be prepared—it's trickier than it looks!).
Because the river is home to so many native species, the Corps must balance the economic impact of maintaining locks and dams with the health and safety of the river's ecosystem. The museum and the tour both provide visitors with a better understanding of this ongoing challenge.
The Corps works to help protect and maintain the nearby wetlands, so the dam is a perfect spot to view Canadian geese, seagulls and trumpeter swans. In the coming weeks, it will provide a birds-eye view that few visitors will ever forget: the majestic American Bald Eagle. January and February are a perfect time to see ice floes on the Mississippi River as well. (Search for the Sprout calendar for eagle programs at Melvin Price Locks and Dam.) The museum has plenty to do in the warm summer months, too. A large water feature outside the museum is a neat way for kids to cool off and learn a little more about the river. The museum also offers a family campout in May.
The museum and dam are located at #2 Locks and Dam Way, Alton, IL, 62002. The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit the museum website or call 877-462-6979.