Title: National Great Rivers Museum in Alton - Tours and Activities | Expedia.ca [National Great Rivers Museum Hotels](https://expedia.ca/National-Great-Rivers-Museum-Hotels.0-l6142452-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[Flights to Alton](https://expedia.ca/Cheap-Flights-To-Alton.d6108.Travel-Guide-Flights)[National Great Rivers Museum Car Rentals](https://expedia.ca/Car-Rentals-In-National-Great-Rivers-Museum.d6142452.Car-Rental-Guide)[Alton Vacation Packages](https://expedia.ca/Alton.d6108.Destination-Travel-Guides) # National Great Rivers Museum Tours and Activities ![National Great Rivers Museum](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6142452/dda4a6d7-a095-48b7-bbb9-b3885006718c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![National Great Rivers Museum](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6142452/64db362e-4fa3-4ac8-ae07-ab57adae0a43.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![National Great Rivers Museum](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6142452/91f8f2b0-b5e3-4737-abb7-aa754213ce79.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![National Great Rivers Museum](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6142452/8e1199d4-3733-43d5-a282-af6edb034e10.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![National Great Rivers Museum](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6142452/bf9c0d84-ea05-4463-a97d-3ea4e0c83496.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit National Great Rivers Museum Activities [Alton travel guide](https://expedia.ca/Alton.dx6108) --- --- #### Next to the wide Mississippi River is a museum filled with activities and displays explaining the history and importance of the river. Learn all about the mighty Mississippi River at National Great Rivers Museum. Over a dozen exhibits of different types provide information about the past, present and future of the river and its inhabitants. The museum is located near the confluence of three rivers: the Missouri, the Illinois and the upper Mississippi. Learn about the Melvin Price locks and dam, built in 1989 to replace an earlier structure. Take a tour of the locks and look down on tows guiding barges while raptors fly along the shoreline. Inside the museum, stand in the life-size replica of a towboat pilothouse where you can try steering a barge under a bridge and through a lock. Operate the Stairway for Boats exhibit. Try to control the water levels in four stair-stepped pools simulating how water levels are controlled in the locks. Another exhibit explains how and why the locks along the Mississippi River were designed and built by the Army Corps of Engineers. Communities: Habitats of the Mississippi depicts the three ecozones of river habitats: the river, its floodplains and its bluffs. Learn about the plants, animals and birds that live in these different habitats. Bald eagles are often sighted flying nearby early in the year during nesting season. In the museum aquarium, view the longnose gar and shovelnose sturgeon as they have appeared in the river since the Jurassic period. River Timelineis a large display showing the history of the Mississippi itself. Mississippi in Motion shows how river forces have changed the course of the river over time. Learn about sedimentation, moving water and the Mississippi River watershed. Ecology exhibits explain the importance of water quality and quantity and describe why limiting personal water consumption is important for conserving overall water resources. The National Great Rivers Museum is in Alton, Illinois, about a 30-minute drive north of St. Louis, Missouri. Join one of the lock tours, which take about 45 to 60 minutes and are provided three times daily. Museum entrance and locks tours are free. Visit the museum during the Great Rivers Festival in June for music, crafts and activities. ## Plan a trip to see National Great Rivers Museum Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices. ![The Wildwood Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1770000/1768200/1768149/035dee6c_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) ### The Wildwood Hotel CA $1,014 per person Jun 7 - Jun 12 found 1 day ago Roundtrip flight included Toronto (YYZ) to St. Louis (STL) 9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,620 reviews) The breakfaat was average, thou fresh. There was enough street parking nearby, safe. Reviewed on Mar 30, 2026 ![ The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/470000/465800/465749/9bee4fd7_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) ### The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis Central West End CA $1,225 per person Jun 7 - Jun 12 found 1 day ago Roundtrip flight included Toronto (YYZ) to St. Louis (STL) 9/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews) Beautiful hotel, enjoyed the theater. Only problem was getting receipt for my boss. Reviewed on Mar 31, 2026 ![The Cheshire](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/30000/26100/26061/24983857_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) ### The Cheshire CA $1,119 per person Jun 7 - Jun 12 found 1 day ago Roundtrip flight included Toronto (YYZ) to St. Louis (STL) 8.6/10 Excellent! (1,009 reviews) It had unique decor which was fun. Staff was nice But the lights were broken and there was a leftover can under a chair Reviewed on Apr 1, 2026 ### Popular places to visit ![Lincoln Douglas Square](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635810300718/f56c5871-f000-476f-a376-f5299b4c0758.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Lincoln Douglas Square Stand in the presence of U.S. history, on the spot where Lincoln and Douglas debated as statesmen two years prior to a presidential race that changed everything. [](https://expedia.ca/Lincoln-Douglas-Square-Alton.d553248635810300718.Vacation-Attraction) ![Robert Wadlow Statue](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635919228114/bdd80ea0-b6a2-439f-9e20-cae51a79f566.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Robert Wadlow Statue Stretch your neck muscles and gaze up at this life-size bronze statue of the World’s Tallest Man, with walking cane in hand and a smile gracing his face. [](https://expedia.ca/Robert-Wadlow-Statue-Alton.d553248635919228114.Vacation-Attraction) ![Alton Prison](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621532648634/af07d8e9-e14f-4258-adcf-a1f7f8d13d97.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Alton Prison See the remains of a prison which was built over 150 years ago and which housed Confederate prisoners during the Civil War. [](https://expedia.ca/Alton-Prison-Alton.d553248621532648634.Vacation-Attraction) ![Riverview Park](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6108/55e89b4e-2554-4fe2-96b8-4001d731235a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Riverview Park After visiting Riverview Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Alton. Visit the shops in this family-friendly area, or simply enjoy its restaurants. [](https://expedia.ca/Riverview-Park-Alton.d911400738257997824.Vacation-Attraction) #### Ellis Island Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Ellis Island during your travels in West Alton. While you're in the area, wander around the parks. [](https://expedia.ca/Ellis-Island-West-Alton.d911405130054983680.Vacation-Attraction) #### Fast Eddie's Bon Air You can do some window-shopping at Fast Eddie's Bon Air during your trip to Alton. Visit the shops in this family-friendly area, or simply enjoy its restaurants. [](https://expedia.ca/Fast-Eddies-Bon-Air-Alton.d661484982410661888.Vacation-Attraction) --- ## Best Lodging Options Near National Great Rivers Museum ## Check availability on hotels close to National Great Rivers Museum [Tonight ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6142452&startDate=2026-04-02&endDate=2026-04-03)[Apr 2 - Apr 3](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6142452&startDate=2026-04-02&endDate=2026-04-03) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6142452&startDate=2026-04-03&endDate=2026-04-04)[Apr 3 - Apr 4](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6142452&startDate=2026-04-03&endDate=2026-04-04) [This weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6142452&startDate=03%2F04%2F2026&endDate=05%2F04%2F2026)[Apr 3 - Apr 5](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6142452&startDate=03%2F04%2F2026&endDate=05%2F04%2F2026) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6142452&startDate=10%2F04%2F2026&endDate=12%2F04%2F2026)[Apr 10 - Apr 12](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6142452&startDate=10%2F04%2F2026&endDate=12%2F04%2F2026) ![Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/4700/4672/a81cbeae_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel 9801 Natural Bridge Road St. Louis MO [](https://expedia.ca/St-Louis-Hotels-Renaissance-St-Louis-Airport-Hotel.h4672.Hotel-Information) ![Hilton St. Louis Airport](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/7800/7743/c57dfbd2_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hilton St. Louis Airport 10330 Natural Bridge Rd St. Louis MO [](https://expedia.ca/St-Louis-Hotels-Hilton-St-Louis-Airport.h7743.Hotel-Information) ![Pear Tree Inn St. Louis Airport](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1100000/1096600/1096579/fc156cf2_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Pear Tree Inn St. Louis Airport 10810 Pear Tree Ln St. Ann MO [](https://expedia.ca/St-Louis-Hotels-Pear-Tree-Inn-St-Louis-Airport.h1096579.Hotel-Information) ![Motel 6 Hazelwood, MO](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/500/457/e9658959_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Motel 6 Hazelwood, MO 5781 Campus Ct Hazelwood MO [](https://expedia.ca/St-Louis-Hotels-Motel-6-Hazelwood.h457.Hotel-Information) ![Hilton Garden Inn St. Louis Airport](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/3000000/2420000/2419200/2419121/3c56a394_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hilton Garden Inn St. Louis Airport 4450 Evans Place St. Louis MO [](https://expedia.ca/St-Louis-Hotels-Hilton-Garden-Inn-St-Louis-Airport.h2419121.Hotel-Information) ![Pear Tree Inn St. Louis Near Union Station](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/30000/26600/26572/3056142b_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Pear Tree Inn St. Louis Near Union Station 2211 Market Street St. Louis MO [](https://expedia.ca/St-Louis-Hotels-Pear-Tree-Inn-St-Louis-Near-Union-Station.h26572.Hotel-Information) ![Drury Inn & Suites St. Louis Airport](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/50000/41500/41474/90e658d1_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Drury Inn & Suites St. Louis Airport 10490 Natural Bridge Rd St. Louis MO [](https://expedia.ca/St-Louis-Hotels-Drury-Inn-Suites-St-Louis-Airport.h41474.Hotel-Information) ![Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/550000/546300/546271/e43b9580_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch 2 South 4th Street St. Louis MO [](https://expedia.ca/St-Louis-Hotels-Drury-Plaza-Hotel-St-Louis-At-The-Arch.h546271.Hotel-Information) ![21C Museum Hotel St Louis ](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/90000000/89170000/89164600/89164592/bd7064dc_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### 21C Museum Hotel St Louis 1528 Locust street St. Louis MO [](https://expedia.ca/St-Louis-Hotels-21C-Museum-Hotel-St-Louis.h89164592.Hotel-Information) [See all 2,052 properties in National Great Rivers Museum](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.Package®ionId=6142452) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. 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