Dubuque’s River Museum Welcomes Their First Ever ‘Pawspital’

Ok, wait a minute. What exactly is a "Pawspital," and why is one of my favorite places to visit in the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium hosting it? Well, not only am I super curious, but now you and your kids can get excited too!

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According to a recent press release from the River Museum, the Pawspital is a stuffed animal clinic happening on Saturday, October 11th, from 9:30 AM to noon. Families are invited to bring along their favorite teddy bear, bunny, or other cuddly companion for a wellness check-up, all included with museum admission.

Here’s how it works: guests check in their stuffed friend and then visit stations hosted by local healthcare providers. Kids get to play doctor’s assistant as their plush pal has its heart listened to, teeth checked, or posture examined. If any “patients” need some extra TLC (maybe a torn seam or a bit of extra stuffing), then the Pawspital Emergency Room is standing by with volunteers ready to offer that "emergency surgery". It’s a mix of make-believe, hands-on fun, and a gentle way for kids to see real health professionals in a playful and positive light.

To add even more excitement, the Museum Store is offering 20% off plush animals that day, but you have to have this coupon. That means you can either bring a well-loved stuffed friend from home or pick out a brand-new one at the museum, then watch as it gets its very first check-up.

“When our staff began brainstorming this event, the buzz was immediate, and as we started reaching out to partners, they echoed our excitement. Not only is this a great opportunity to host an impactful event with community partners but the goal of the clinic is to help children feel more comfortable with their own wellness checks in a low-stress environment. For most kids, the River Museum holds positive and fun associations, while a doctor’s office can be more intimidating. Hopefully after this event, when a child goes for their next physical or gets their teeth cleaned, they are less anxious because they recognize these professionals from the care they provided their beloved stuffed animal or doll.”

-Emily Adlfinger, Marketing & Communications Manager at the River Museum

As if that weren’t enough, October 11th also marks the opening of a new traveling exhibition, To the Moon: Snoopy Soars with NASA. Visitors can explore Snoopy’s surprising role in the Apollo 10 mission, see original comic strips, and learn about NASA’s Silver Snoopy Award program. The exhibition will be on display through April 2026, giving families plenty of time to return for more space-themed fun.

Between cuddly stuffie check-ups and a trip to the moon with Snoopy, the River Museum can turn an ordinary Saturday into something truly special. The museum's first-ever Pawspital is truly the perfect reason for kids to visit again.

With a new traveling exhibit on the horizon, check out some of the past special exhibits that the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium have hosted.