Front Street
Grand Tower, Illinois
618-565-2043
The Mississippi River has influenced events in the community of Grand Tower since pirates escaping the colonial Spaniards were among the area's first European residents. Legend has it that Mark Twain frequently landed here to unload freight. Many of Grand Tower's sons took to the river's barges, hoping to escape into a relatively middle-class existence, and glimpse life beyond the Midwest. In 2006 former towboat captain Captain Jack Knupp opened this modest museum in an abandoned 1890s Main Street doctor's office here to try to preserve the history and culture of life on the water dating back to the heyday of steamboats. Exhibits in the new museum include steamboat models, buoys, carbon arc searchlight, radar unit, deck equipment, gauges, rudder, dishes, etc. Of special interest are artifacts salvaged from the Golden Eagle, the last packet (passenger boat) to ply the Mississippi River from St. Louis, which sank at Grand Tower in 1947. The museum has received no grant money for support with all its funds being raised by the people of Grand Tower.
Visiting the Mississippi River Museum
Hours: Saturday - Sunday: 2 am - 4 pm
There is no charge to visit the Mississippi River Museum although donations are appreciated
Learn more about the community of Grand Tower