Great Lakes Aquarium (Duluth, MN)

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I don’t think there’s a better way of engaging with water and wildlife than by visiting the Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth, MN! While visiting Duluth earlier this summer I checked out the Aquarium, and oh it is the neatest place! Come along as I share information about this unique Aquarium!

Lake Superior Center dba Great Lakes Aquarium was established in 1998 as an educational showcase of the economic, recreational, biological, and aesthetic importance of freshwater resources – with a particular focus on Lake Superior. Great Lakes Aquarium is a wonderful place for children and adults alike to learn about the Lake Superior region, through hands-on discovery, engagement, and programming with live animals, and the presentation of information and ideas related to conservation actions.

Feel free to choose-your-own-adventure at Great Lakes Aquarium! Experience two floors of live animal displays, hands-on interactive exhibits, and stunning overlooks of the Duluth-Superior waterfront. Salt and freshwater themes bring the world of water to you. You are encouraged to reach out and touch, and you can even join an animal feeding or an interpretive program throughout the day!

Bring your walking shoes! There are numerous exhibit galleries throughout the Aquarium. Check out the following information about each exhibit, and also check out the map to learn even more about what you’ll find in each exhibit gallery:

Water Wall (Lobby) – As you enter, you’ll be welcomed and greeted by a wall of cascading water and the face of a giant eelpout staring down from above! I thought this was the neatest thing – I could watch it for days!

Amazing Amazon Exhibit – Come face to face with piranha, arowana, an electric eel, and jungle frogs.

Aquatic Invaders Exhibit – See Lamprey, lionfish, zebra mussels, and other invasive species. Explore how these misplaced fish, plants, and invertebrates compete with native species, hitch rides to new locations, and change their adopted ecosystems.

Baptism River – Based on the real-life Baptism River an hour north of Duluth and flowing through Tettegouche State Park, this exhibit is home to a variety of trout species.

Critter Corner – Showcases the diversity of the animal kingdom, from turtles to moon jellies. Resident reptiles living in this exhibit make frequent appearances, and it also features a moon jelly touchpool!

Freshwater Forest – Discover connections between human history, aquatic habitat, and forest management within the Superior and Chippewa National Forests. This exhibit features the Aquarium’s iconic treehouse, slide, and fishing boat play space.

Global Connections – Features small, delicate ocean creatures from around the world – from jellies and anemones to pipefish and seahorses.

H2O: Watersheds at Work – This is a new exhibit that just opened in 2021! Explore the physical properties of water, methods to keep it clean, the ways water moves through a community, and how it connects us to the world. The new water table has a variety of new and engaging hands-on opportunities to splash and play.

Isle Royale – The 85,000-gallon two-story exhibit contains fish found in the Great Lakes.

Origins – Explore the geologic, natural, and cultural history of the Lake Superior region. Get nose to nose with an American alligator, admire the diversity of corals, and ponder the fossil record. Visit the Ancient Seas Touchpool for a hands-on snapshot of life in Minnesota’s own ancient shallow seas. Nearing the end of the exhibit mammals make their appearance!

Otter Cove – Modeled after the real-life Otter Cove on the Eastern shore of Lake Superior in Canada’s Pukaskwa Provincial Park. Otter Cove is home to two North American river otters named Agate and Ore. During your visit, you may see these playful otters belly flopping off the rocks, swimming, or hunting and eating their afternoon snacks. Agate and Ore are free to decide when they would like to be visible to people and when they would like to relax behind the scenes, but you’re most likely to catch a glimpse around 11 am or 3 pm.

Raptor Ridge – This indoor/outdoor exhibit space houses Bogey the bald eagle and Horus the turkey vulture. Both birds are unable to thrive without human assistance due to injuries or illnesses sustained in the wild. Check out the ever-changing enrichment that keeps their minds and bodies active.

Shipwrecks Alive! – Focus on three unique examples of shipwrecks, showcasing underwater habitat in three very different parts of the world: Lake Superior, the South Pacific, and the Mediterranean Sea. The lighting and sounds in this exhibit definitely made me feel like I was underwater – it’s super cool!

St. Louis River – The St. Louis River is the largest river flowing into Lake Superior. Stare into St. Louis River to find fish, turtles, and waterfowl of the St. Louis River! I have to say this was my favorite exhibit! Watching the turtles swim and the ducks waddle – they are the cutest! I think I could have stood there all day and watched them! Also, don’t miss the smaller deck (separate from the back deck found in the Unsalted Seas exhibit) going outside that gave one of the best views of Lake Superior! Definitely worth checking out!

Unsalted Seas – Showcases large lakes of the world, the animals that call them home, and their importance as a global freshwater resource. It features the largest sturgeon touchpool in North America. A panoramic exhibit of diverse and colorful cichlids tells the story of remarkable adaptability in the waters of Africa’s Lake Malawi. The Aquarium’s model Blue Heron features a variety of hands-on displays. The back deck in this gallery offers a fantastic view of the Duluth-Superior Harbor, the Aerial Lift Bridge, and passing ship traffic.

Here are some additional areas you will see:

Merrill Lynch Fine Arts Gallery – This rotating gallery showcases local and regional artists whose work captures the spirit of the Lake Superior region.

Explorers’ Cove – Last, but definitely not least is the Explorers’ Cove also known as the gift shop! Find the perfect souvenir, keepsake, or memento from your visit to Great Lakes Aquarium. From t-shirts and sweatshirts for adults and children to unique aquatic and woodland stuffed animals to home decor with a Northwoods touch. You can also pick up snacks and beverages for hungry visitors! The On-site store is open 10 am to 6 pm, and tickets are not required to visit the store.

So many neat things to check out!

The Aquarium is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. Your ticket is good for the entire day, so you can leave and come back during the same day if you choose. Parking is available in the Great Lakes Aquarium parking lot for a fee. See the Great Lakes Aquarium website for admission and parking prices.

Before you visit the Aquarium be sure to check out the Great Lakes Aquarium informational videos provided on their website. The videos include everything you need to know from where to enter the Aquarium to how the touchpools work. They also provide accessibility information – the Aquarium is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all people!

One last thing – be sure to check out the Great Lakes Aquarium (GLA) camera, which is one of 14 cameras on the Duluth Harborcam. You will see a true “Live View” of the Aerial Lift Bridge and the Duluth Shipping Canal. The next best thing to being there!

The next time you visit Duluth, MN, I encourage you to check out the Great Lakes Aquarium! So much fun!