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Current Exhibits
Enjoy all the many exhibits found at the River Discovery Center. We are currently undergoing some upgrades to a few of our exhibits. Check back soon for updates!
Boat Simulator
Steer the boat: Immerse yourself in this cutting-edge boat simulator, where you can take the helm of a speedboat, towboat, or US Coast Guard vessel across various scenarios, both day and night. The simulator offers an incredibly realistic experience, with authentic boat vibrations and soundscapes that closely mimic real-life vessels.
24 Hours on the River
River Spy
Hidden Highway
With a live video feed, visitors can take the helm and experience the river traffic from the past 24 hours. They'll get a chance to relive all the action on the river, giving them the feeling of being a Captain as they navigate the busy waterway.
This exhibit offers visitors an incredible view of the vastness of the river system and the many waterways that make up the Mississippi River watershed. Through the audio-visual experience, you can choose a departure and arrival city, then watch as the display shows you the routes taken, the elevations above sea level, and the total distance traveled.
With a live video feed, zoom in on the boats on the river for close-up views. Observe which vessels are in motion, which ones are docked, and what types of cargo are being transported.
Music Stations
Listen to the music of the river from different eras, celebrating life on the steamboats. Enjoy songs like Glendy Burke, Shawneetown, John Gilbert, and the Roustabouts. Also, hear the stories of four legendary captains - Nye, Miller, Ryman, and Richardson.
Civil War
Flood of 1937
Boat Captain
This exhibit honors the vital role rivers played during the Civil War. More than just transportation routes for troops, the rivers were essential for delivering supplies, cannons, ammunition, and other necessities. Historic photographs showcase the ironclads and timber-clads of the era - steamboats reinforced to withstand enemy fire. Also featured in this exhibit is a leather coal-scuttle, a crucial tool used to fuel steamboat engines.
The model represents a typical steamboat captain from the late 1800s. The title "Captain" was an honorific designation for the person in command of a vessel. Interactive audio stations provide visitors with stories of notable river captains, including Captain Mary Miller, the first woman to receive her Steamboat Master's license in 1884.
The 1937 flood was one of the most devastating floods in U.S. history, severely affecting Paducah. A combination of heavy rainfall and melting snow caused the Ohio River to surge to 60.8 feet on January 23, far exceeding the average flood stage of 39 feet. Thousands of residents were displaced, and the city suffered millions of dollars in damage, requiring years to recover. This disaster led to significant improvements in regional flood control efforts. Guests can view powerful photographs documenting the flood's impact and see a typical rescue boat used during the crisis.
River Bottoms
This exhibit features mussel and dredge boat displays, accompanied by brief two-minute videos exploring key topics such as water quality, river geology, dredging, and non-point source pollution.
River Habitats
Annabelle
The river floodplain serves as the last line of defense against soil and nutrient loss, playing a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. Its hardwood forests provide refuge for diverse bird species and wildlife while sustaining insects that serve as a food source for birds. This exhibit features a large tree snag, similar to those seen emerging from the water, along with several species of turtles. The Ohio River's aquatic habitat supports approximately 200 native fish species, highlighting its rich biodiversity.
Visitors will enjoy meeting Annabelle, the Museum’s rescue map turtle, who enjoys sunning on her rock and hiding under the log. Be sure to stop by and say hi!
EJ's Otterville -
Children's Play Area
A fun and interactive area designed for young children to explore and enjoy! This hands-on learning experience features engaging river-related activities, sparking curiosity and creativity while teaching about life on the river.
Delta Queen
The Delta Queen was a historic paddlewheel steamboat that operated as a passenger vessel along the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. The original vessel was built in 1927, and is known for its elegant, vintage design and rich history as a luxurious riverboat. The model found at the River Discovery Center is a replica made in 19XX by Guy Williams. The gentleman that made the model never saw the boat in person. He made it completely based off of pictures and written stories about it. The model’s paddlewheel spins, the rooms light up and music plays just as if it was floating down the Ohio River again.
Corps of Engineers Diving Suit
The Corps of Engineers Mark V diving suit was utilized for maintenance work on our nation's dams until the 1980s. Guests can observe the air hose connected to the 65-pound helmet, which was a crucial part of the suit. Also on display are a pair of brass shoes designed to stabilize divers in the "pitch black" darkness of muddy river waters. Today, divers use modern scuba gear, making diving operations more efficient and safe. Suit was donated by the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Founders Room: River Film
Visitors are invited to watch the film Rivers: Heart of a Nation in the Founders Room, which provides an overview of the river's significance in our daily lives. Guests can also explore a beautifully restored space reminiscent of a Victorian home, complete with period furniture. Additionally, visitors will enjoy a magnificent view of the confluence of the Ohio and Tennessee rivers.