The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium’s 17th annual Ice Fest will be held this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, January 16-17. New to 2021, guests will be invited to the River Museum’s settler’s cabin to discover how the area’s earliest settlers survived the winter months.

The River Museum’s newest residents, an American Kestrel and Barn Owl, will be featured in an outdoor raptor program near the newly constructed raptor mews. At the center of the boatyard, a modified hockey/field hockey rink will be constructed for casual play. Additionally, youth can try their hand at supervised ice fishing in the Ice Harbor. Among annual favorites, Ice Fest will feature Plumery Tails’ Alaskan Malamutes and ice rescue demonstrations supported by the Dubuque Fire Department. The River Museum’s own snow sculpting team will be creating a full-size piece throughout the weekend. Ice harvesting demonstrations in the Ice Harbor, snow shoeing and snow painting opportunities complete the outdoor festivities.

Ice Fest attendees will have access to all exhibits within the River Museum in addition to daily creature features, a themed scavenger hunt, animal feedings, a free polar bear film in the Journey Theater, and vintage winter films on ice harvesting and skiing in the Barge Theater.

For more details visit: rivermuseum.com/events.

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