Lower Mississippi River Museum

The Lower Mississippi River Museum is a river navigation museum in Vicksburg that focuses on the history of shipping and the river environment. Inside, a large aquarium displays native fish species and a retired towboat sits on land to show how water transport operated in this region.

Congress approved the museum in 1992 with support from the Smithsonian Institution to document river shipping and water management. The facility developed from a need to preserve knowledge about how water transport shaped communities in the valley.

The museum displays how communities along the river developed their lives and work over time, with interactive exhibits showing what daily routines looked like for people who depended on the water. These presentations help visitors understand the river's role in shaping settlements and livelihoods.

The museum sits along a roadway in Vicksburg and is easy to find and reach on foot. Visiting in late morning or early afternoon works well, as crowds tend to be lighter and you can explore the exhibits at your own pace.

The displayed boat is a retired working towboat that actually operated on the river and still bears real marks from decades of use. This authenticity gives visitors a direct look at what actual river work involved.

Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 09:00-16:00; Sunday 13:00-16:00

Website: https://visitvicksburg.com/jesse-brent-lower-mississippi-river-museum

GPS coordinates: 32.35344,-90.88181

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:43