See the best view of Alton and the Mississippi River from eight stories in the air atop the Melvin Price Locks & Dam. As one of the largest locks on the Mississippi River, the locks and dam is central to river traffic for soybeans, corn, grain, asphalt and other commodities that are transported via the river. Take a guided tour and see towboats and barges as they push their way through this incredible structure. Group tours are offered daily by reservation only at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Groups of 25 to 35 people at a time are allowed on the locks and dam tour.

Time Allowance: 60 minutes

Hours: Museum open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Public Lock & Dam Tours at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. & 3 p.m.
Group Lock & Dam Tours by reservation, call 1-800-258-6645.