Jesse Brent Lower Mississippi River Museum Tour — Vicksburg, Mississippi

Discover the Jesse Brent Lower Mississippi River Museum Tour in Mississippi

Located in Vicksburg, Mississippi, the Jesse Brent Lower Mississippi River Museum Tour offers visitors an in-depth look at the engineering, ecology, and history of the Lower Mississippi River. Operated in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this interactive museum highlights river navigation, flood control systems, wildlife habitats, and life along one of America’s most important waterways.

Guests can explore hands-on exhibits, view river models, and even step aboard a historic towboat permanently docked on-site.

Why it’s special: The Jesse Brent Lower Mississippi River Museum Tour includes access to the retired Motor Vessel Mississippi IV towboat, giving visitors a rare opportunity to explore an authentic working river vessel.

History & Story of the Lower Mississippi River Museum

The Lower Mississippi River has shaped commerce, transportation, and flood management across the central United States for centuries. To educate the public about river engineering and environmental stewardship, the museum was developed in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Vicksburg District.

Named in honor of Jesse Brent, a longtime river advocate, the museum provides insight into how modern engineering manages flooding, navigation channels, and river ecosystems while preserving the cultural legacy of the Mississippi River region.

What You’ll See & Do on the Jesse Brent Lower Mississippi River Museum Tour

• Explore interactive exhibits about river navigation and flood control
• Learn how levees and dams protect communities
• View detailed river models and engineering displays
• Step aboard the historic Motor Vessel Mississippi IV towboat
• Discover wildlife and ecological information about the river basin

Hands-On Elements: Interactive educational displays inside the museum; visitors may walk through designated areas of the towboat.

Photo/Video Policy: Photography is permitted throughout the museum and towboat areas.

Souvenirs & Extras: Informational brochures and educational materials available; no large retail shop on-site.

Pricing of the Jesse Brent Lower Mississippi River Museum Tour

Adult price: $0 per adult (free)

Admission is free to all visitors.

Visiting information

Duration: 60–90 minutes

Age limits: All ages welcome

Accessibility: Fully accessible museum building; towboat access may have limited areas

Working Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sunday Closed; Monday Closed

No reservations required for individual visitors.

Nearby

• Vicksburg National Military Park
• Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum
• Old Court House Museum

FAQs About Visiting the Jesse Brent Lower Mississippi River Museum Tour

Can visitors board the towboat?
Yes. Guests can explore designated sections of the Motor Vessel Mississippi IV, a retired working towboat docked at the museum.

Is admission really free?
Yes. The museum offers free admission to all visitors.

Does the museum focus only on history?
No. Exhibits cover modern river engineering, flood control systems, environmental science, and navigation technology.

Is this museum suitable for children?
Yes. The interactive displays and river models make it especially engaging for school groups and families.

Is the museum located near other Vicksburg attractions?
Yes. It is located close to downtown Vicksburg and within short driving distance of the Vicksburg National Military Park.