Discover the Melvin Price Locks & Dam Tour in Illinois

The Melvin Price Locks & Dam in Alton offers one of the most impressive engineering tours on the Mississippi River. Visitors get a rare opportunity to explore massive lock chambers, see barge traffic up close, and learn how the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages river navigation, water levels, and flood control.
Why it’s special: This is one of the most advanced lock and dam systems on the Mississippi — and the only one with a dedicated museum and viewing platform.

History/Story of Melvin Price Locks & Dam

Completed in 1989, the Melvin Price Locks & Dam replaced the outdated Lock & Dam 26, introducing modern engineering capable of accommodating today’s larger commercial vessels. It stands as one of the most technologically advanced navigational structures on the Mississippi River, operating in partnership with the adjacent National Great Rivers Museum.

What You’ll See & Do

• Walk through portions of the lock system with a knowledgeable guide

• Witness towboats and barges passing through the massive lock chambers

• Learn how water levels and navigation flow are controlled in real time

• Visit the National Great Rivers Museum with interactive exhibits

• Explore river ecology, wildlife, and watershed management displays

• Enjoy panoramic views of the Mississippi River from the observation areas

Visiting Information

Hands-On Elements

Tours are observational but may include opportunities to explore control room exhibits, handle demonstration tools related to dam operations, and participate in interactive displays inside the National Great Rivers Museum.

Photo/Video Policy

Photography is allowed in most public areas, though certain operational zones may restrict video recording for safety and security reasons. Drone use is not permitted.

Souvenirs & Extras

• River-themed educational materials

• Museum gift shop offering books, maps, apparel, and souvenirs

• Outdoor riverfront viewing areas perfect for watching barges

• Seasonal programs, kids’ activities, and ecology workshops

Practical Info

Tours typically run daily at scheduled times and are free to the public.
Educational groups and school tours are available with advance booking.
Visitors should wear comfortable shoes, as some tour portions involve walking and outdoor observation.
Typical tour duration: 45–60 minutes.

Pricing

Tour Price: Free of charge
Group Tours: Free with advance reservations
Programs/Workshops: May vary depending on special events

Nearby

• National Great Rivers Museum (on-site)

• Lewis & Clark State Historic Site

• Alton Riverfront & Liberty Bank Amphitheater

• Clark Bridge overlook

FAQs

Can visitors see barges move through the lock during the tour?

Yes — when barge traffic is active, you can watch towboats and vessels pass through the massive lock chambers, which is often the highlight of the tour.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Absolutely. Kids love the scale of the machinery and the interactive museum exhibits. The tour is family-friendly and designed to be educational for all ages.

What happens if the river is at high water?

Tours generally continue, but certain outdoor areas may be restricted for safety. Staff will provide updated walking routes if conditions change.

How long does it take to walk from the museum to the lock observation area?

It’s a short walk — typically 5 to 7 minutes — along a paved, accessible path.

Do barges run year-round?

Yes. Commercial navigation on the Mississippi continues through most of the year, meaning there’s a good chance of seeing live lock operations on any given day.