National Great Rivers Research & Education Center

National Great Rivers Research & Education Center

1 Confluence Way
East Alton, Illinois 62024

  • Phone: (618) 468-2911
  • Hours:
    Building Tours by Appointment - Green Roof Open to Public from Dawn to Dusk

Treat your next group meeting to a gorgeous view of the Mississippi River. The National Great Rivers Museum and Education Center has a conference room and classroom space overlooking the river. Contact the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center for rental information.

The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center studies the ecology of large rivers and their watersheds. The Education and Outreach programs aim to create a more informed citizenry about large river systems and ultimately lead to a more sustainable use of this vital resource. The Jerry F. Costello Confluence Field Station is strategically located near the confluences of the Illinois, Missouri, and Mississippi Rivers. The 32,000-square-foot research facility contains laboratories, classrooms, hydrologic and wildlife laboratories and riverside access. The architecture of the building complements the surrounding environment and minimizes visual intrusion on the landscape, while sustainable design features reduce the physical and environmental impacts of the facility. The green roof is modeled after a hill prairie ecosystem. The building incorporates sustainable features according to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and received LEED Gold Certification in 2015.