ZooMinnesota, US

Great Lakes Aquarium

The Great Lakes Aquarium offers an immersive journey through freshwater ecosystems and beyond.

About

The Great Lakes Aquarium offers an immersive journey through freshwater ecosystems and beyond. Perched on the vibrant Duluth waterfront, this unique aquarium is dedicated primarily to the diverse aquatic life found within the Great Lakes basin, making it one of the few aquariums in the United States to focus predominantly on freshwater exhibits. Visitors embark on an engaging exploration of various habitats, from the chilly depths of Lake Superior to the warm, teeming waters of the Amazon River, and even some global marine environments. The facility houses approximately 1,500 animals representing 205 to 250 different species, including fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. The visitor experience at Great Lakes Aquarium is designed to be interactive and educational, offering hands-on exhibits, engaging displays, and touch pools where guests can get up close with fascinating creatures like sturgeon and moon jellies. Key exhibits, such as the impressive two-story Isle Royale tank, showcase native Lake Superior fish like American eels and lake sturgeon, while Otter Cove delights with playful North American river otters, Agate and Ore. The Amazing Amazon exhibit brings the tropics to Minnesota with piranhas, arowana, and electric eels, providing a glimpse into distant freshwater ecosystems. Recent additions like "Oceans Alive" introduce sea dragons and the popular Giant Pacific Octopus, Fitz, further expanding the global scope, and "Lava to Lakes" explores Minnesota's geological past with moon jellies and shark touchpools. Beyond the captivating animal encounters, the aquarium provides stunning overlooks of the Duluth-Superior waterfront and the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge, connecting visitors to the bustling harbor activity outside. Educational programs, daily interpretive sessions, and a commitment to conservation make each visit both fun and enlightening, inspiring stewardship of wildlife and water. Whether navigating the Great Lakes water table with toy boats or observing birds of prey at Raptor Ridge, the Great Lakes Aquarium offers a memorable journey into the aquatic world for all ages. Take the ultimate field guide with you: use the Snappit app to identify birds, plants, and animals on your trip.

The Great Lakes Aquarium officially opened its doors on July 29, 2000, stemming from a vision initiated in 1989 by the Lake Superior Center to create an educational hub focused on freshwater resources. The construction of the $34 million facility was a collaborative effort, funded by a combination of state and local funds, alongside significant private donations. Despite an initially strong attendance, the aquarium faced early financial challenges due to construction delays and lower-than-anticipated revenues, leading to management changes and even a brief closure in 2002. In 2003, Ripley's Entertainment took over management, a period that helped stabilize the institution, though local sentiment suggested a drift from its original freshwater mission. By 2007, local leadership regained control, initiating a strategic turnaround focused on "fixing what's broken, replacing what's stale, and removing what isn't working". This renewed commitment to hands-on learning and its foundational mission of showcasing the biological and aesthetic importance of freshwater resources, particularly Lake Superior, has since led to its growth and recognition as one of Duluth's most visited attractions.

What to do here

Engage with daily interpretive programs and animal feedings, explore the Merrill Lynch Art Gallery featuring local artists, and take in the scenic views of Lake Superior and the Aerial Lift Bridge from various overlooks.

Seasonal info

The aquarium offers a comfortable climate-controlled environment, making it perfect for visiting regardless of outside weather conditions. The views of Lake Superior are spectacular in all seasons, from summer vibrancy to winter's snowy landscapes.

Accessibility

The Great Lakes Aquarium is fully wheelchair accessible, with motorized entrance doors, accessible restrooms on all levels (including an all-gender/companion restroom on the first floor), and paved exhibit trails. They provide large print exhibit guides, visual instructions for touch pools, subtitles on narrated videos, and an assistive listening system for live programs. The aquarium also offers a sensory break room, sensory-friendly mornings, and a social narrative guide for guests with sensory sensitivities or autism. Personal Care Attendants (PCAs) accompanying guests with disabilities are admitted free of charge. Tactile tours are available for guests with vision loss.

Don't miss

Isle Royale

A towering two-story, 85,000-gallon tank showcasing Lake Superior fish, including impressive lake sturgeon and American eels.

Otter Cove

Watch the playful antics of North American river otters, Agate and Ore, in their naturalistic habitat.

Unsalted Seas

Home to North America's largest sturgeon touch pool, allowing visitors to gently interact with these ancient freshwater giants. This exhibit also features animals from other large global lakes.

Amazing Amazon

Discover piranhas, arowana, electric eels, and colorful jungle frogs from the world's largest river.

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

North American River Otter

Sturgeon

Octopus

Electric Eel

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Wear comfortable shoes

The aquarium features cement floors, so comfortable footwear will enhance your experience as you explore both levels.

Bring a camera (without flash)

Photography is encouraged, but remember to turn off your flash to protect the animals and enhance their comfort.

Consider a membership

If you plan on multiple visits throughout the year, a Great Lakes Aquarium membership can offer better value, often including free parking and discounts.

Check the daily program schedule

Look for animal feedings, interpretive talks, and other live demonstrations happening throughout the day to enrich your visit.

Enjoy the views

Don't miss the fantastic overlooks of the Duluth-Superior waterfront and the Aerial Lift Bridge from the aquarium's upper levels.

Pack a lunch or snacks

While there's no restaurant on-site, you are welcome to bring your own bag lunches or snacks to enjoy in the lobby's limited seating area.

Frequently asked questions

: The Great Lakes Aquarium recommends approximately an hour and a half for most visits, allowing ample time to explore the exhibits and enjoy the diverse aquatic life. However, you are welcome to set your own pace and spend more or less time engaging with the various displays and programs.
: Yes, parking is conveniently available directly in front of the Great Lakes Aquarium in its dedicated lot. There is a fee for parking, and rates may vary, including potential changes for special events. Accessible parking spaces are also available near the main entrance.
: Yes, the Great Lakes Aquarium is committed to providing a welcoming experience for all visitors, including those with sensory sensitivities. They offer a sensory break room, sensory-friendly mornings (with dim lights and reduced noise), and a social narrative in collaboration with the Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) to help prepare for a visit. Staff can also suggest less busy times to visit.