Mississippi River Visitor Center

 
A large video wall depicting scenes around the park greet visitors to the Mississippi River Visitor Center.

NPS

Introduction

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. A second visitor center, the St. Anthony Falls Visitor Center, serves the Minneapolis area during the summer months.

Activities at the MRVC

There is a wide variety of programming at the Visitor Center, including interactive exhibits and the Junior Ranger program. Exhibits explain Mississippi River culture, biology, and history. Select National Park passes may be obtained here. We do not sell the following National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands passes at this time: Annual, Lifetime Senior, and Annual Senior. Please call for availability.

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. Check our Calendar of Events regularly for upcoming events.

Family-Friendly, Hiking & Walks, History & Culture, Museum, and NPS Passport Program.

Hours, Directions, and Contact Information

  • See Operating Hours and Seasons for more information.

  • 651-293-0200

  • Walk-up address: 120 Kellogg Blvd West, St. Paul, MN 55102

  • Parking address: 198 N Chestnut St, St Paul, MN 55102

  • GPS (walk-up to front of museum): 44.942918, -93.098497

  • GPS (museum parking): 44.942524, -93.100299

  • The Mississippi River Visitor Center is located in the lobby of the Science Museum of Minnesota in downtown St. Paul, Minnesota. Parking is available at the Museum's parking garage on Chestnut Street and MetroTransit has bus stops on many different routes converging in downtown St. Paul within a few blocks of the Visitor Center.

Nearby Sites

Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary, Lilydale Regional Park, Harriet Island, Indian Mounds Regional Park, Science Museum of Minnesota

 
A round stamp for the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.
2021 Virtual Visit Passport Stamp.

NPS

Last updated: March 15, 2024

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

111 E. Kellogg Blvd., Suite 105
Saint Paul, MN 55101

Phone:

651-293-0200
This is the general phone line at the Mississippi River Visitor Center.

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