River of Love Helps Love Flow at the River Museum

River of Love Helps Love Flow at the River Museum

Dubuque, Iowa -Starting today, the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium will continue to "share the love" with its 2026 Valentine's Day initiative, River of Love. The fundraiser supports enrichment, nutritious food, and ongoing habitat improvements for the North American River Otters, Blanding's turtles, Eastern Massasauga rattlesnakes, and upside-down jellyfish.

Funds raised will provide special Valentine's Day enrichment and directly support the Living Collections Department and the world-class care they provide for animals. The initiative provides an opportunity for guests, the community, and those who love the River Museum to share the love and make an impact this Valentine's Day.

The River Museum's goal is to send 250 valentines to the animals on February 14.

Valentine's Day fundraisers have become an annual extravaganza for the organization, starting with the Toad-ally in Love initiative in 2023. Last year's campaign raised $1,600 from both onsite and online donations. This year the goal is to spread the love even further.

"While these animals may not be in love in the human sense," says Andy Allison, Vice President of Living Collections, "River of Love gives us an opportunity to highlight a few of the animals that our staff are actively working to propagate. Conservation is one of the four core themes of our Interpretive Master Plan, and saving species is at the heart of what we do. Each of these four species is an important part of the river ecosystem or is impacted by it. Breeding efforts for each of these species can be supported by community members like you, simply by joining the campaign or visiting the River Museum. Show these critters some love this Valentine's Day!"

For $5, museum guests and community supporters can send a Valentine to the animal of their choice. Each Valentine can feature a short message, name, or can be dedicated to someone special. Valentines may be purchased online or at the River Museum box offices and will be proudly displayed through February 14, spreading love and smiles all season long.

"The River of Love has become a fun annual tradition engaging the community during the Valentine season," said Corrine Kroger, Vice President of Development. "Sending a Valentine is a lighthearted way to show love for the animals, but the support behind it is essential. As a nonprofit organization, donor support plays a critical role in helping us care for the animals year-round, from enrichment activities to specialized diets and critical habitat improvements."

Want to make an even bigger splash this Valentine's Day? Additional giving options are available for those who wish to make a transformational impact. Supporters may choose a custom donation amount online, mail a check, or connect directly with the River Museum's Development team by phone to explore meaningful ways to help provide exceptional care, enrichment, and habitat improvements for animals across campus.

Visit rivermuseum.org/events and click on the River of Love event link for more information.

About the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium inspires stewardship through educational experiences where history and rivers come alive. A Smithsonian Affiliate and an accredited member of both the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the River Museum's collections contain more than 22,000 historical items and 2,000 animals of more than 250 species representative of the Mississippi River, its watershed, the rivers of America, and beyond. Learn more at www.rivermuseum.org.
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