Visit the Mississippi River Visitor Center

Your Gateway to the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area Located in downtown St. Paul, just off the lobby of the Science Museum of Minnesota, the Mississippi River Visitor Center serves as a gateway to adventure along the mighty Mississippi. The visitor center has free admission, but the Science Museum of Minnesota charges an adimission fee to visit their exbibit areas and the theater. Activities There is a wide variety of programming at the Visitor Center, including videos about the Mississippi National River and Recreation and other parks within the National Park system, interactive exhibits, reading nook, and Junior Ranger program. Exhibits also explain Mississippi River culture, biology, and history. Visitors may also seek advice about the many recreational opportunities within the park. Hiking, biking, canoeing and boating, fishing, watching wildlife and birding, or skiing and snowshoeing are all popular activities. This is also a good place to learn about the park's scheduled programming. Popular activities include Bike with a Ranger, Fish with a Ranger, and other programs. Check our Calendar of Events for upcoming events. Please note that we have transferred selected merchandise to the Explore Store just across the lobby of the Science Museum of Minnesota and discontinued sales of other items at the Visitor Center. We do not sell the following National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands passes at this time: Annual, Lifetime Senior, and Annual Senior.