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Great Lakes Aquarium


TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #9 of 35 attractions in Duluth
Traveler Description:
The only aquarium in the U.S. that focuses on freshwater exhibits, this three-story waterfront structure is ready for public viewing after a year and...... more » The only aquarium in the U.S. that focuses on freshwater exhibits, this three-story waterfront structure is ready for public viewing after a year and a half and almost $34 million. Plenty of interactive exhibits and re-created habitats are fun and educational for children. « less
Familiar with Great Lakes Aquarium? Write your own description and share what you know with other travelers.
Attraction type: Aquarium, Natural history museum, Specialty museum
Address: 353 Harbor Drive
I-35, exit 256B Duluth, MN 55802
Tel: 218 740 3474
Fax: 218 740 2020

Reviews you can trust

[ Date ] [ Rating ]
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4 of 5 stars
optic747   5 contributions
Minneapolis
Nov 28, 2009

Took my husband and parents here on a Tuesday evening and we literally had the place to ourselves. It was great being able to take our time looking at all of the displays and features. The only thing I didn't like was the Macaw who seemed rather neglected. The last time of entry is 6 p.m. but you can stay... more

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5 of 5 stars
CulexPipiens   1 contribution
Chicago Area, Illinois
Oct 25, 2009

Their marketing promotes the great lakes and freshwater fishes and the Aquarium delivers on both. If you're going here to see coral reefs and such you will be disappointed, but if you really are interested in the great lakes area in terms of fish and geography of the lakes then you'll be quite pleased. There are areas for the kids... more

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2 of 5 stars
nerakmusic   2 contributions
Minnesota
Aug 7, 2009

First of all, don't pay for the parking. There is free parking right by the playground (at least the whole time we were there nobody was in the ticket booth). If you spend the time to read all about the displays I suppose it's interesting. We had a 3 year old with us so you have to move pretty fast.... more

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2 of 5 stars
kmar53   8 contributions
Kansas City, Kansas
Jul 8, 2009
0/1 found this review helpful

for the price you are wasting your money, the only sea creature in the aquarium was seahorses and a couple of stingrays, the other fish were from fresh water, i.e. Lakes, it is way overpriced to see trout and an otter, I have seen really great aquariums, but this does not come close, very dissappointed and wish I could get... more

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4 of 5 stars
mmm82   2 contributions
Northfield
May 24, 2009

I didn't expect much from an aquarium about lakes. I was pleasantly surprised. Not the greatest place for small chiildren because there is a lot reading. The reading is interesting and the exhibits are well-done. I learned a lot of there was plenty to do. I will be back. more

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2 of 5 stars
ajohnson2726   7 contributions
Fargo, ND
Sep 15, 2008
0/1 found this review helpful

The aquarium disappointed me. They charge $14.50 for adults and it's about a 20 minute walk through. There were some neat fish like the new seahorse display but that's about it. I guess I was expecting a greater display for the price they were charging. Don't waste your time and see something else. more

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5 of 5 stars
Mplsinsider   1 contribution
Minneapolis
Aug 18, 2008
1/1 found this review helpful

I stop by every time I'm in Duluth (at least twice a year). I've even ducked in for just the last half-hour of opening hours (though they were nice enough to stay open another 40 minutes past closing for all remaining visitors). Why? Because it's more than fish in a tank (though there are many fish, including huge sturgeon, and... more

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3 of 5 stars
The_Photograph3r   20 contributions
Northern Minnesota
Jul 7, 2008
1/1 found this review helpful

On a trip with some friend we decided to stop at the aquarium. It is a little on the expensive side but worth it. I like to stay at every area more than most, so i see some of the stuff they miss. There are eagles, otters, and my favorite a whole room of different sea-horses. On another level there... more

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5 of 5 stars
Eveelynn   229 contributions
Wisconsin
Feb 16, 2008
1/1 found this review helpful

We have visited several times. Very educational. Live species on display besides fish include; otters, eagle, birds and touch tanks with live stingrays. Right on the shores of Lake Superior Harbor, watch the freighters go by. Admission: Adults: $14.50 Children 3-11: $8.50 Seniors 62+: $11.50 Children under 3 FREE! more

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4 of 5 stars
klaskro   17 contributions
Midland, Texas
Sep 29, 2007
3/3 found this review helpful

Don't listen to the nagging reviewers, most of whom probably would not like any aquarium. This is a pretty well designed attraction (but it is pricey). There's a wealth of interesting information here, and i (and my kids) learned a great deal about Lake Superior and animal life in the area. Feeding the otters is a huge crowd-pleaser, so don't... more

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Great Lakes Aquarium Address

353 Harbor Drive, I-35, exit 256B, Duluth, MN 55802
Tel: 218 740 3474 Fax: 218 740 2020