Sergeant Floyd River Museum, Northeast Iowa Travel Guide

The Sergeant Floyd River Museum & Welcome Center offers a glimpse into the history of river transportation and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The museum is located inside the M.V. Sergeant Floyd, a boat built in 1932 and used by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for towing, surveying, and inspection work on inland waterways.The M.V. Sergeant Floyd was named in memory of Sergeant Charles Floyd, the only member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition to die during the journey. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring rare photos, artifacts, and dioramas detailing the history of Missouri River transportation. One of the highlights is America's largest exhibit of scale Missouri River steamboat and keelboat models. The museum also serves as an Iowa Welcome Center, providing travel literature and visitor information.The M.V. Sergeant Floyd had a long and varied career. From 1933 to 1975, it supported Missouri River improvement work. Later, it became a floating bicentennial exhibit for the Army Corps of Engineers. In 1983, Sioux City obtained the ship, and it was permanently dry-docked to serve as a museum. The museum is adjacent to Chris Larsen Park and the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.