Rivers to the Sea Now Open at the National Mississippi River Museum

The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium is an amazing place to learn, grow, and experience the wonder of the underwater world. Yesterday was no exception as I was able to explore, the now open, Eckstein Family Rivers to the Sea Exhibit, Honoring Marquette Transportation Maritime Employees. The exhibit features 12 new aquariums, 100 species of marine animals, a model Marshallese outrigger canoe, and interactive areas within the exhibit, all of which draw cultural and conservation connections from America’s major watersheds, all the way to the oceans. Check out my one-on-one look at the brand new exhibit below!

Construction began in September 2022 to enhance the visitor experience, replace aging tanks, and provide an opportunity to craft inspiring and relevant conservation messaging as a part of the River Museum’s educational offerings. The River Museum worked with multiple local construction, design, and contract partners to complete the project, and floor to ceiling mural work as well as a life-size sculpture was completed by local artist Adam Eikamp.

 “I commend our staff’s work throughout this process and am very appreciative of our partner’s and community’s support to bring this exhibit and experience to our visitors. This exhibit is an amazing opportunity to expand our educational offerings and conservation messaging, incorporate diverse stories into our interpretation and display some really amazing animals.”

-Kurt Strand, President and CEO

The addition of diverse ocean species provides guests the opportunity to learn about marine life they would not normally interact with or have known about. Guests will learn about lionfish, sea horses, octopus, and moon jellies, just to name a few of the amazing and vibrant species. The exhibit features a tide pool touch tank, a pop-up bubble in the kelp forest, and work to help deepen the connection guests also experience with the Gulf of Mexico aquarium and stingray touch tank.

It was a pleasure to be able to "talk shop," so the speak, with Andy Allison. He's the Vice President of Living Collections and Education at the River Museum. We discussed conservation efforts we can make right here at home and how every decision we make can impact the environment for good and bad. Check out the full interview below:

 Today marks the first day that the Rivers to the Sea exhibit is open to the public. The exhibit will be available for guests to explore during regular operating hours. For more information on this exhibit and any upcoming events or camps, visit rivermuseum.com.