If you’ve ever wanted to experience what it’s like on a river towboat, you’ll get your chance this week.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, is holding an open house from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 6 on the Motor Vessel Mississippi in St. Paul at Lambert’s Landing, which is at Warner Road and Jackson Street.
The 241-foot vessel is mostly used as a working towboat to move barges, equipment and supplies for the corps’ Memphis District. It’s also used by the Mississippi River Commission for public hearings, events and inspections of the river.
Tours of the towboat, which is in the area for the commission’s low water inspection trip, will be available. The open house will also provide information about the importance of the Mississippi River system and its uses, according to the corps.
It’s asked that attendees leave backpacks and large bags in their vehicles. Small handbags and purses are subject to inspection.
The corps also notes that the towboat’s main deck and public hearing room have limited handicapped accessibility.
