Lock Tours

Public Lock Tours

• Daily at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. (tours begin promptly)
• Free
• 45 minutes in length
• Requires ½ walk and heights of approximately 80 feet
• Public tours limited to 25 participants

Group Tours

• Groups of 10 or more need to call the Alton Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-258-6645 to arrange their visit.
• Group tours available daily 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 2 p.m.
• Allow at least 2 hours to visit both the museum and locks and dam.
• School/children groups require at least one adult chaperone per 10 students.
• Student activity sheets are available to assist in the museum experience

Museum Manners
We want all our visitors to have an enjoyable experience to our facilities. In order to ensure a safe and pleasurable visit for all, the following guidelines have been established:

• No eating, running, or reckless behavior is permitted in the museum or on the locks and dam.
• Arrive at your scheduled time or call to report any changes.
• Prior to arrival, divide large groups into smaller groups of no more than 25 each.
• Teachers/group leaders should: Be sure all chaperones understand their duties before the visit. Chaperones should: supervise their group and maintain order. Assist the teacher/group leader in providing a positive learning experience.

Security Awareness
This is a federal facility of the Department of Defense, the museum and locks and dam must be vigilant in their observance of national security guidelines. Visitors need to be aware that security levels can change at anytime and can alter operating procedures at the museum and the lock. Current security levels are posted below. Please call ahead if you have any concerns or questions. The information below indicates the restrictions for each security level: (Note: The Dept of Defense does not use the Homeland Security Color Code Designation)

Tour Guidelines

• No smoking 
• Groups under the age of 13 MUST have a minimum of 1 chaperone for every 5 students.
• Groups over the age of 13 MUST have a minimum of 1 chaperone for every 10 students.
• Chaperones must remain with their group at all times through the duration of the visit.
• All tours will be limited to 25 visitors per tour guide.
• Groups are recommended to dress appropriately for the current and predicted weather.
• CANCELLATIONS: Tours may also be canceled due to maintenance, repair, construction or in the event of heightened security levels, which pose a threat to the safety of visitors and staff. If tours are canceled, groups can request an overview program with video or reschedule.