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William M. Black: A Floating History Lesson

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Explore a historic steam-powered dredge and discover the fascinating world of river navigation at Dubuque's Ice Harbor museum.

The William M. Black is a preserved steam-powered dredge that offers a glimpse into the history of river navigation and engineering on the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. Moored in Dubuque's Ice Harbor, this National Historic Landmark allows visitors to explore its decks and learn about its vital role in maintaining waterways.

A brief summary to William M. Black

Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring William M. Black.

  • Visit during the summer months for special events and guided tours that provide deeper insights into the museum's exhibits.
  • Check the museum's website for updates on opening hours and potential closures before your visit.
  • Bring a camera to capture the stunning views of the Mississippi River from the museum's location.

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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, walk north along Ice Harbor Drive. The William M. Black is moored adjacent to the museum. No additional costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    The City of Dubuque offers public transportation. From most downtown locations, ride the bus towards the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium. Disembark at the stop closest to the museum and walk north along Ice Harbor Drive. Single ride fares are typically around $2.00.

  • Driving

    From downtown Dubuque, navigate towards the Ice Harbor. Follow signs for the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium. Parking is available in the area, with hourly rates of $1 and a daily maximum of $10. Free parking is available at the Port of Dubuque.

Discover more about William M. Black

The William M. Black, a National Historic Landmark, is a testament to Dubuque's rich maritime past. This steam-powered, side-wheel dustpan dredge, named after William Murray Black, is now a museum ship located in Dubuque's Ice Harbor. Built in 1934, it stands as one of the few surviving steam-powered dredges and one of only four remaining United States Army Corps of Engineers dredges.For nearly four decades, the William M. Black played a crucial role in maintaining navigation channels on the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. The dredge, constructed by the Marietta Manufacturing Company in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, was a marvel of engineering for its time. It was capable of dredging 80,000 cubic feet of silt daily. The vessel was powered by two 32-ton side-wheelers and consumed 7,000 gallons of oil each day. A crew of 49 operated the boat around the clock.Retiring from service in 1973, the William M. Black was brought to Dubuque in 1979 and has been a prominent attraction ever since. Today, visitors can explore the ship, examine its machinery, and learn about the lives of the crew who worked on board. The ship is part of the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium.

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