If you’re looking for top-tier family-friendly activities in Duluth, the Great Lakes Aquarium is an attraction you can’t miss. Nestled along the Lake Superior shoreline in the heart of downtown Duluth, this center of aquatic wonder offers a unique mix of thrilling exhibits, hands-on activities, and an inspiring mission for conservation and education. Whether you’re a local exploring your city or a visitor soaking in Duluth’s charm, the Great Lakes Aquarium is a destination the whole family will love.
Unique Exhibits That Bring the Great Lakes to Life
Unique Exhibits That Bring the Great Lakes to LifeEvery nook of the Great Lakes Aquarium is packed with fascinating exhibits that make you feel connected to freshwater ecosystems worldwide. A few must-see favorites include:
Amazing Amazon – Step into the rainforest and meet mesmerizing creatures like piranhas, jungle frogs, arowanas, and even an electric eel. This immersive exhibit offers a glimpse into one of the planet’s most biodiverse regions.
Unsalted Seas – Home to the largest sturgeon touchpool in North America, this exhibit celebrates the enormous and essential freshwater lakes of the world. You’ll also meet colorful cichlids from Africa’s Lake Malawi and learn how freshwater resources sustain life globally.
Otter Cove – Who doesn’t love river otters? At Otter Cove, you can watch playful North American river otters, Agate and Ore, tumble, swim, and belly-flop in a habitat modeled after a cove on Lake Superior’s eastern shores.
Freshwater Forest – Perfect for kids, this exhibit features a treehouse, a fishing boat play area, and tactile experiences that bring forest and water connections to life.
Isle Royale – This massive, two-story exhibit showcases the incredible fish species of the Great Lakes, from lake trout to the prehistoric sturgeon.
These exhibits go beyond entertainment, offering insights into aquatic ecosystems and the human impact on biodiversity, making the aquarium both educational and enjoyable.
Events That Make Every Visit Special
The fun doesn’t stop at exhibits! The Great Lakes Aquarium hosts events throughout the year that bring even more excitement to this Duluth attraction. Highlights include:
Scarium at the Aquarium – A spook-tacular Halloween event where kids can trick-or-treat while learning about aquatic creatures (costumes encouraged!).
Aqua Affair – This is an elegant, adults-only evening featuring live music, food, and an opportunity to support the Aquarium’s efforts in conservation education.
For birthday parties, weddings, or private gatherings, the aquarium offers rental packages to make any celebration one to remember. You can even celebrate milestones at their Beer Garden or during otter birthday bashes, adding a playful twist to your event.
The Aquarium’s Role in Community and Conservation
The Great Lakes Aquarium isn’t just a fun place to visit—it’s a pillar of the Duluth community. It serves as a hub for environmental education, teaching visitors of all ages about the importance of freshwater ecosystems and ways to protect them. Through programs and partnerships, the aquarium promotes conservation in the Lake Superior region and beyond.
Its commitment to conservation and hands-on learning has not gone unnoticed by visitors. One guest described their visit as “an enlightening experience that made my family appre
ciate the Great Lakes like never before.” Local conservationist Karen Olson notes, “The aquarium plays a vital role in educating our community about the freshwater systems that surround us and how we can preserve them.”
Plan Your Visit to the Heart of Canal Park
Situated in downtown Duluth, the aquarium is just a stone’s throw from Canal Park, another popular destination filled with shops, restaurants, and stunning lake views. After a visit to the aquarium, take a leisurely stroll along the Lakewalk, watch ships pass under the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge, or enjoy a family-friendly Lake Superior boat tour to round out your day.
Hungry after exploring? Canal Park offers fantastic dining options like Grandma’s Saloon & Grill for hearty comfort food or Lake Avenue Café for a more contemporary menu. If you’re visiting during Duluth’s summer months, cool down with a scoop of homemade ice cream from Love Creamery.
For seasonal activities, winter visitors can witness breathtaking ice formations on Lake Superior, while fall visitors will be treated to the vibrant hues of foliage along the North Shore.
Why the Great Lakes Aquarium Should Be on Your Bucket List
From its engaging exhibits and interactive experiences to its conservation-driven mission, the Great Lakes Aquarium truly embodies what makes family-friendly activities in Duluth so special. It’s a place where education meets entertainment, and where the awe-inspiring beauty of our planet is celebrated every day.
Whether you’re local to the area or visiting from afar, add this gem to your itinerary. The Great Lakes Aquarium promises a day of exploration, connection, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Great Lakes Aquarium
353 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802
Phone: (218) 740-3474