The Learning Lab is a renovated research laboratory that is available for an "up close" learning environment for children of all ages. It includes live frogs, a salamander, a snake, turtle, and a variety of preserved fish and invertebrates from the Mississippi River.

Students can learn about plankton in the river, including microscopic plants and animals and the early life stages of fish that are found in the Mississippi River. Microsopes can be used to explore a variety of animal and plant species.

Educational posters tell students about the differences between reptiles and amphibians, how to "age" fish, information on the paddlefish, (one of the largest fish found in the Mississippi River), and the habits and habitat needs of a variety of fish from the river.