Great Lakes Aquarium

Great Lakes Aquarium

Meet Sammy the lionfish, playful otters, and more at the Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth, MN. Dive into an underwater world of astounding marine life and educational exhibits!

Essential Info

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Address

353 Harbor Drive
Duluth, MN55802

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Hours

Daily: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

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Admission

Check Website

⭐ What Visitors Say

Real reviews from real visitors of Great Lakes Aquarium

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4.4

Based on 2,766 reviews

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4.4

Based on 1,665 reviews

🐟 Featured Marine Life

Discover amazing creatures at this aquarium

🎭 Shows & Experiences

🎭 Shows Available

Support local musicians and brewers on Thursdays in July & August at our summer beer garden series!

🐠 Animal Encounters

Young learners are invited to join us for Whirligigs (3–5 year old) and Nature Play (5–10 year old) programs!

πŸ“š Educational Programs

Registration for Summer 2025 camps will open at 6:00 a.m. on March 15.

πŸ“… Planning Your Visit to Great Lakes Aquarium

🌊 Notable Exhibits

We can’t wait for you to stroll through Lava to Lakes, the newest exhibit at Great Lakes Aquarium! The Lifetime Celebration Fish Wall is a stunning collage of shimmering, metallic fish that lets you commemorate a special person or event in your life or to simply leave your mark on Duluth! Aurora Borealis by Aaron Kloss will be on display in the Merrill Lynch Fine Arts Gallery from May 29, 2025 through September 1, 2025. Bathynomus giganteus translates to 'giant deep sea wanderer' a name befitting of the giant isopod. These crustaceans are the largest of the known isopods species and are found roaming the sea floor in search of whatever food scraps fall to the bottom. You can find these colossal pillbugs in our brand new Lava to Lakes Gallery on the second floor, OPEN NOW!

ℹ️ Visitor Information

🌍 Conservation & Research

πŸ‹ Conservation Programs

We are so excited to introduce our newest ambassador animal, Mose the turkey vulture. Mose was found on the side of the road near Pittsville, WI. Intake x-rays revealed that Mose had been shot, one bullet of which had fractured his right radius and ulna bones. Due to these injuries, Mose was unfortunately deemed non-releasable.

About Great Lakes Aquarium

Nestled in the heart of Duluth, MN lies the remarkable Great Lakes Aquarium, a unique underwater haven that gives visitors an extraordinary chance to interact with marine life from the Great Lakes and beyond. The aquarium is a must-visit destination in Duluth, offering a world-class experience for all ages through its immersive exhibits and a diverse collection of aquatic creatures.

The star attractions at the aquarium are undoubtedly the featured marine life. Sammy the lionfish, with his vibrant colors and spiky fin rays, is a sight to behold. Visitors are also captivated by the playful antics of the resident otters, a fan favorite among families. The turkey vulture, a rare sight in an aquarium, offers an interesting contrast to the aquatic exhibits. But the surprises don't stop there! The Great Lakes Aquarium also houses some of the most unusual and intriguing creatures of the deep, including the giant isopod and the chain catshark. These exhibits offer a unique and fascinating glimpse into the mysterious world beneath the waves.

The visitor experience at the Great Lakes Aquarium is designed to be interactive, educational, and fun. You'll find touch pools where visitors can feel the rough exterior of a sea star or the smooth shell of a horseshoe crab. There are also plenty of opportunities to learn more about the marine ecosystem through hands-on displays and informative presentations. Visitors can watch the otters being fed, enjoy the mesmerizing sight of the lionfish gliding through the water, and even participate in educational programs that deepen the understanding of these amazing creatures.

Education is a key part of the aquarium's mission. The various exhibits and programs are designed to foster a love for marine life and a commitment to conservation. The aquarium hosts a variety of educational programs for school groups, families, and adults, offering a chance to learn about the importance of the Great Lakes ecosystem, the threats faced by marine life, and the ways we can help protect it.

Planning your visit to the Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth, MN is easy. It's located near many of the city's top attractions, making it a convenient stop on your Duluth itinerary. There are plenty of nearby parking options, and the aquarium is wheelchair-accessible, ensuring that all visitors can enjoy the exhibits. With a cafΓ© on-site, you can even plan a meal during your visit. Whether you're a local or a tourist, a visit to the Great Lakes Aquarium is a fun and educational experience that shouldn't be missed.

In conclusion, the Great Lakes Aquarium is more than just an aquarium - it is a hub of marine life exploration, education, and conservation. You'll leave with a newfound appreciation for the wonders of the aquatic world and memories of a unique experience. So, if you're in Duluth, MN, make sure to visit this gem of an attraction. Dive into the mesmerizing world of marine life at the Great Lakes Aquarium.

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