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About the Facility

The National Great Rivers Museum is located at the Melvin Price Lock and Dam in Alton, Illinois. It is operated and managed by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers with support from the Meeting of the Rivers Foundation (a non-profit organization). The Museum is located on the Great River Road, Route 143, which is a National Scenic Byway, two miles east of the Clark Bridge and six miles north of the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center in Hartford, Illinois. Driving time is approximately 30 minutes by car from the Arch in downtown St. Louis and 45 minutes from Forest Park, the St. Louis Science Center and the Zoo. The Museum is open daily 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and admission is free.

Types of Events
  • Holiday Gatherings
  • Business Meetings
  • Social Functions
  • Graduations/ Birthdays
  • Wedding Reception/Showers
  • Conferences and Seminars
  • Suggestions for other events will be considered

Major events not open to the general public may be held at the Museum, but must take place after established public hours. The Meeting of the Rivers Foundation serves as the contact for obtaining a Special Use Permit for activities within the Museum or on its grounds. Any individual, group, society or organization willing to assume responsibility for the activity may apply for use of the facility.

 Who to Contact
Please contact the Meeting of the Rivers Foundation Events Manager at 618-462-6979 between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday except holidays. The Events Manager will assist your group in the completion of an application form. Keep in mind the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers must review all applications, and an application is not accepted without their approval. If the application is accepted, a copy of the signed application will be returned to your group’s responsible representative. You will also be notified if your request cannot be approved and the reason(s).
 Spaces Available
The Museum is a 12,000 sq. ft. facility consisting of a 7,000 sq. ft. exhibit gallery, a multi-purpose classroom, a 100-seat theater and a large promenade area just outside the Museum and adjacent to Mel Price Locks and Dam.
 Lincoln Shields Pavilion
Located in West Alton, Missouri. Comfort station facilities are located adjacent to the picnic shelter. Activities include picnicking, fishing, sightseeing, boating, and hunting access. Two concrete boat ramps are available for public use. One Grill. This is Mississippi River Trail site 26-21.
Availability: 9 am until 5 pm
Capacity: 50 guests
Use Fee: $50 for 4 hours
 Riverlands Way Pavilion
Located in West Alton, Missouri along Riverlands Way. Comfort station facilities are located adjacent to the picnic shelter. Kayak and canoe access is available for public use. Two grills and anoutdoor fireplace. This is Mississippi River Trail site 26-24.
Availability: 9 am until 5 pm
Capacity: 50 guests
Use Fee: $50 for 4 hours
 Multi-Purpose Room: (1168 sq ft) Meeting space, including use of an LCD projector and a small kitchenette with refrigerator, ice maker, sink and microwave
Availability: 9 am until 9 pm
Capacity: 100 guests, theater style; 50 guests, classroom style
Use Fee: $250 for 4 hours; $450 for 8 hours
 Exhibit Gallery: (7000 sq ft) Exhibit area only
Availability: 5 pm until 9 pm
Capacity: 100 guests
Use Fee: $500 for 4 hours
 Theater: 100 seat conventional theater, including use of audiovisual equipment
Availability: 9 am until 9 pm
Capacity: 100 guests
Use Fee: $150 for 4 hours; $250 for 8 hours
 Promenade: Outdoor venue partially sheltered. Available for use from April through October, weather dependent
Availability: 9 am until 9 pm
Capacity: Up to 500 guests
Use Fee: $450 for 4 hours; $800 for 8 hours
 Picnic Shelter: Located along the esplanade leading to the Museum. Restroom facilities are located adjacent to the shelter
Availability: 9 am until 5 pm
Capacity: 50 guests
Use Fee: $50 for 4 hours

An additional charge of $100 per hour or fraction thereof will apply for occupancy exceeding the permitted timeframes. Additional charges will apply for extensive set-up or take-down services.

Combinations of any of the above facilities are available for the sum of the individual prices less a $50 discount.

Not-for-profit groups will be charged half-price rates (proof of non-profit status required).