Ring Billed Gull
ZooOhio, US
Greater Cleveland Aquarium
Cleveland's aquatic gem offers an immersive journey through diverse underwater worlds.
About
Cleveland's aquatic gem offers an immersive journey through diverse underwater worlds. Housed within a historic powerhouse building, the Greater Cleveland Aquarium seamlessly blends industrial heritage with vibrant marine life, providing a unique and captivating experience for all ages. Discover local freshwater species and exotic creatures from around the globe, all within a beautifully repurposed architectural landmark.
Explore seven immersive galleries, including an awe-inspiring 175-foot underwater SeaTube where sharks glide overhead, and an 11,000-gallon stingray touchpool offering interactive encounters. Highlights also include the vibrant coral reef exhibit, the graceful moon jellyfish, and unique species like weedy seadragons and the intelligent Giant Pacific Octopus. You can also marvel at colorful fish from the Indo-Pacific and learn about Ohio's native aquatic inhabitants.
Whether you're looking to touch a cownose stingray, stand face-to-face with a sand tiger shark, or simply observe the serene beauty of a seahorse, the Greater Cleveland Aquarium promises an unforgettable adventure. Its engaging exhibits and commitment to conservation make it a memorable destination, inviting visitors to connect with the aquatic world and understand its importance. Enhance your adventure: download the Snappit app to identify the local species you encounter.
The Greater Cleveland Aquarium, which opened in January 2012, occupies the historic FirstEnergy Powerhouse building in the city's Flats district. This facility ended a 26-year period during which Cleveland lacked a public aquarium. The building itself, constructed in the late 19th century, once generated electricity for Cleveland's streetcars and is a National Historic Landmark, known for its Romanesque revival architecture. Before the current attraction, an earlier Cleveland Aquarium operated from 1954 to 1985 in Gordon Park. That aquarium, initially featuring 50 freshwater and marine exhibits including sharks and seahorses, faced structural problems and financial deficits, leading to its closure and the transfer of its collection to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. The concept for a new aquarium began to take shape in 2009, culminating in the opening of the Greater Cleveland Aquarium within its unique industrial setting.
What to do here
Beyond the main exhibits, look for daily activities such as scuba diver presentations, animal encounters, and stingray feedings.
Seasonal info
The aquarium is an excellent indoor activity, perfect for cold or rainy days.
Accessibility
The Greater Cleveland Aquarium is completely wheelchair accessible with elevators and a relatively flat floor plan. Strollers are permitted, and a limited number of wheelchairs are available for loan. Trained service dogs are also welcome.
Don't miss
1
Shark SeaTube
A 175-foot underwater tunnel offering panoramic views of sand tiger, nurse, and sandbar sharks, as well as stingrays and moray eels.
2
Stingray Touchpool
An 11,000-gallon interactive exhibit where visitors can touch cownose and Atlantic stingrays.
3
Ohio Lakes & Rivers
Features native species like longnose gar, various catfish, sunfish, and spotted turtles.
4
Moon Jellyfish
Located within a repurposed smokestack, these fascinating creatures "glow" in the dark.
Wildlife you might spot
12Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.
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
Buy tickets online in advance
This is highly recommended to secure your entry time and avoid potential queues.
Plan for parking
A large, credit card-only parking lot is available directly in front of the Powerhouse building (usually $3-6). Limited street parking is also available.
Check the daily activity schedule
Don't miss opportunities to see diver talks, animal encounters, or stingray feedings.
Allow time for the touchpools
The Stingray Touchpool is a very popular and engaging exhibit.
Look for details in the historic building: The aquarium cleverly integrates the building's industrial past, with exhibits in former coal chutes and smokestacks.
Pack snacks or plan for nearby dining
There is no cafe on-site, but snacks are available in the gift shop, and outdoor picnic tables are available on warm days. The ticket counter can provide a list of nearby restaurants.
Frequently asked questions
- Visitors can gently touch cownose and Atlantic stingrays in the 11,000-gallon Stingray Touchpool, and spiny sea stars and sea cucumbers in the invertebrate touchpool.
- A typical visit to the Greater Cleveland Aquarium can range from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on your pace and participation in daily activities and shows.
- Yes, the Greater Cleveland Aquarium features a prominent Shark SeaTube exhibit with sand tiger, nurse, and sandbar sharks, as well as other marine life like stingrays and green moray eels. Certified scuba divers can even arrange to swim with the sharks.
Recent snaps at this place
Jun 5, 2026
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Photo attribution
(c) Gustav JK Golden, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Jun 6, 2026
Jun 6, 2026
Jun 5, 2026
Jun 5, 2026
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