Great Lakes Aquarium, Duluth, MN

The Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth, Minnesota should be on a visitors stopping list even if they do nothing else in the city. The aquarium is a non- profit organization dedicated to providing information about the world's ecosystems and especially those found in Minnesota and the Great Lakes region. It was called the Lake Superior Center, but was renamed in 2000 when it moved to the waterfront. Many of the aquariums are fresh water with animals and habitats that are found in the Great Lakes Basin. They also have some fresh water displays from the Amazon River.

The aquarium has one exhibit that can be changed throughout the year. It is a salt water tank for a variety of fish like Seahorses, which is the current display. The aquarium has a number of educational programs for all ages. They accept volunteers as well to help visitors learn about the resident animals.

Visitors can attend the museum daily all year round. They do close for Christmas Day, but other holidays they remain open. Tickets are sold between 10am and 6pm, with the doors closing at 7pm. There are some special events that could vary the hours of operation as well. Admission is $14.50 for adults, $8.50 for children 3 to 17, and $11.50 for seniors. They offer a membership and group tours. Parking is available for $4. Any special events will be $5 to $10 for parking.

The exhibits at Great Lakes Aquarium include Fine Arts, Origins, Baptism River, St. Louis River, Aviary, Critter Corner, Isle Royale, Otter Cove, Amazing Amazon, Wow of Water, Freshwater Forest, and Bald Eagle. The fine arts exhibit is all about art to depict the various landscapes and ecosystems. It is an introduction hall before guests move on to the animal displays. Origins is an exhibit based on the formation of the Great Lakes Basin in which fire and ice both helped to form the various formations one can see today. One area shows the ancient lava flows which came from the mid continental rift. They have images of early fish and the arctic grayling that used to be in the lakes and rivers.

The river exhibits depict what fish and organisms one might encounter if actually at the river. Both rivers are close to Duluth in Minnesota which is why they are important to the display. Critter Corner is the touch tank of the aquarium. They provide stingray and sturgeon fish for display. In other areas of the tank one can see the black billed magpie, eastern fox snake, and ball python. Several reptile species can be found in this area of the aquarium as well.

Otter Cove is perhaps the most amazing and active display provided in the Great Lakes Aquarium. Otter Cove has real otters that can be found on the shores of Lake Superior. Otters were once hunted for their pelts. Now they are safe from hunters. Unfortunately the two otters on display were orphaned in the wild and would not have survived without being enclosed in the aquarium.