Sergeant Floyd River Museum: A Floating Tribute to History

The Sergeant Floyd River Museum & Welcome Center, located in Sioux City, Iowa, provides a unique opportunity to explore the history of the Missouri River and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The museum is housed inside the M.V. Sergeant Floyd, a retired U.S. Army Corps of Engineers towboat. The M.V. Sergeant Floyd was launched in 1932 and served as a workhorse for the Missouri River Division of the Corps of Engineers. The boat was named in memory of Sergeant Charles Floyd, the only fatality of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, who died near present-day Sioux City in 1804. Exhibits inside the museum feature rare photos, artifacts, and dioramas depicting the history of transportation on the Missouri River. Visitors can also view America's largest exhibit of scale Missouri River steamboat and keelboat models. The restored third level of the motor vessel is also available for viewing. In addition to the museum, the facility serves as a Welcome Center, providing travel information for Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota. The museum is located on Sioux City's riverfront, adjacent to Chris Larsen Park and the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. This makes it an ideal stop for travelers interested in exploring the area's history and natural beauty.