Photo: Great Lakes Aquarium
Photo: Laurie Walsh
Photo: Emily Wolff
Great Lakes Aquarium
★4.5(4,633 reviews)$$Aquarium
🕑 2-3 hours👶 Best for ages 2-12. Toddlers are captivated by the colorful fish and touching experiences, while elementary-aged kids appreciate the educational aspects and unique species like the river otters. Even teens interested in marine biology will find plenty to explore.🧡 Saved by 150+ families
About
Located on Duluth's scenic waterfront, the Great Lakes Aquarium offers an incredible hands-on learning experience with both freshwater and saltwater exhibits. Kids will be mesmerized by the interactive touch pools where they can feel stingrays and sturgeon, plus engaging displays showcasing creatures from the Great Lakes region and beyond.
Highlights
- ✓Interactive touch pools with stingrays and sturgeon
- ✓Playful river otter exhibit with underwater viewing
- ✓Isle Royale shipwreck exhibit with immersive displays
- ✓Jellyfish gallery with mesmerizing illuminated tanks
- ✓Great Lakes fish native to the region including lake sturgeon
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive right when doors open at 10 AM for the smallest crowds and most active animals during feeding times.
- 2.Don't miss the daily dive shows and animal feeding demonstrations,check the schedule at the front desk when you arrive.
- 3.Bring hand sanitizer and towels for the touch pools, though hand-washing stations are available nearby.
- 4.Park in the nearby Canal Park lot for easy access and plenty of family-friendly restaurants within walking distance.
- 5.The river otter exhibit is most active in the morning, so visit that section first for the best viewing experience.
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday) for the quietest experience. Summer weekends and holidays can get crowded, especially between noon and 3 PM. Winter visits offer a cozy indoor activity with minimal crowds.
What to Know
The aquarium is fully stroller-accessible and climate-controlled year-round. A small café offers snacks and drinks, and numerous restaurants are within a short walk in the Canal Park area.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with consistent hours. The aquarium makes an excellent indoor activity during Minnesota's cold winter months. Check their website for special holiday events and themed weekends throughout the year.
Nearby Eats
Grandma's Saloon & Grill (casual family favorite with a kids menu) and Canal Park Brewing Company (family-friendly brewpub with great burgers) are both within a 5-minute walk along the waterfront.
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