The River Room is one of the Children’s Museum of the Shoals’ signature exhibits and a truly one-of-a-kind experience that celebrates the region’s greatest natural resource—the Tennessee River. Designed to inspire curiosity through hands-on play, this immersive exhibit invites children to discover the beauty, history, and importance of the river that has shaped the Shoals for generations.
At the heart of the exhibit is a flowing replica of the Tennessee River, complete with a model of the historic Wilson Dam Lock. As one of the nation’s first multi-purpose dams and a National Historic Landmark, Wilson Dam transformed the Tennessee Valley by improving river navigation, generating hydroelectric power, reducing flooding, and fueling economic growth throughout the region.
Inside the museum, the interactive river flows seamlessly into an outdoor riverbed, creating an engaging environment where children can explore, imagine, and learn. Young adventurers can walk along rocky riverbanks, launch toy boats, cast pretend fishing lines, search for fossils and freshwater mussel shells, and discover the diverse plants and wildlife that call the Tennessee River home.
The River Room also serves as an outdoor classroom and gathering space where special programs, demonstrations, and seasonal events bring the rich history, ecology, and heritage of the Shoals to life. By combining imaginative play with meaningful education, The River Room encourages children to develop a lifelong appreciation for the river that continues to define and sustain our community.