Planning a Duluth Trip? Don’t Miss Great Lakes Aquarium
Address: 353 Harbor Dr, Duluth, MN 55802
About the Great Lakes Aquarium
The Great Lakes Aquarium is a hands-on destination for families, offering interactive exhibits, live animal encounters, and proximity to Canal Park along Duluth’s waterfront. Kids especially enjoy getting up close with the aquarium’s aquatic creatures.
Whether you’re learning about the ecosystems of Minnesota or marveling at the animals of the Amazon, the Great Lakes Aquarium offers an exciting mix of education, exploration, and play for Minnesota families with young children.
Bring your sense of wonder—and maybe a spare shirt (there’s water play involved!).
What’s Inside the Great Lakes Aquarium?
Toddlers and young kids can explore two stories filled with fish, playful otters, and exotic creatures. Otter Cove, featuring Agate and Ore—the resident river otters—is a major draw for families.
Feeling bold? Dive into the Amazing Amazon, a dimly lit exhibit that brings you face-to-face with piranhas, catfish, and jungle frogs! It’s a fun, low-stakes “thrill” for adventurous little explorers.
But it’s not just the Amazon—you’ll find fish from Lake Superior, the St. Louis River, and even seahorses in the aquarium’s mix of freshwater and saltwater tanks. Each exhibit is designed with families in mind. So, there’s space to move, seating areas to rest, and tactile elements to keep hands busy and minds engaged (including touch tanks!).
After exploring the exhibits (or when you need a break), head to the Freshwater Forest. This space features a treehouse, slide, and fishing boat playscape. It’s perfect for wiggly toddlers who need space to move and explore. Not to mention, burn some extra energy! While you play, learn about Minnesota’s forests and waterways.
Finally, don’t miss the daily animal feedings and interpretive programs, where helpful staff and volunteers share fascinating facts in kid-friendly ways. Got a question? Just ask—they love curious kiddos!
What Else Do I Need to Know?
The Great Lakes Aquarium is stroller-friendly and located just steps from Bayfront Festival Park and the DECC, making it an easy stop during a day of exploring Duluth. There’s plenty of parking and lots of indoor space, making it a great option on rainy or chilly days.
Plan about 1.5–2 hours to explore. Afterward, head to Canal Park for lunch, ice cream, ship spotting, or a lakeside walk.
Aquarium Highlights
- 12+ exhibit areas featuring a wide range of creatures, including touch pools
- Tickets can be booked online or purchased at the door (income-based tickets are available)
- Children age 2 and under are free
- A discounted rate is offered every Wednesday in the off-season (typically November – February)
- Stroller-friendly
- Private nursing rooms are available
- Just steps from Canal Park and the Duluth waterfront
What Know Before You Go
- Website
- Hours: Daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Parking is available in the on-site parking lot for a fee.
- Upcoming Events
- Accessibility Resources
- Summer Camps
Antonia Grant is a Minnesota mom + freelance writer who loves encouraging parents to find ways to connect and make memories with their kids. She’s a firm believer in providing children with experiences over things. You can find more from Antonia and her family adventures on Instagram @knead.to.roam and on her website. She shares all things family travel, outdoor adventures, and their favorite foodie finds.
