May-Sept: daily, 9am-6pm (June-Aug: Thurs, 9am-10pm); Sept-May: Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm; Sat and Sun 9am-6pm. Closed Christmas & New Year's
Chicago is about as far from coastal United States as it can be, and even though Lake Michigan provides a beautiful backdrop for the city year round, it's hardly the ocean. Still, this city by the lake keeps something of the ocean close to home, in the world's largest indoor aquarium.
Inside the aquarium and oceanarium you'll find nearly 8,000 aquatic animals representing 650 species of fish, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, birds, and mammals from waters around the world. Since it opened in 1930, the John G. Shedd Aquarium has sought to educate the public about the aquatic world and the need for preservation.
The city owes the birth this institution in part, to the generosity of John Graves Shedd, once one of Chicago's prominent business and civic leaders. Shedd donated $3 million to construction of the aquarium, which bears his name although he never lived to see it completed. Since its inception, the aquarium has come a long way and today almost two million visitors a year come through here.
With an aquatic-themed architecture and its position near Lake Michigan, it's easy to get in the mood to view marine life. Outside the building, octopuses drape over shell-shaped lamps, with lamps inside designed like nautilus shells. The aquarium contains over 1.5 million gallons of water and the oceanarium, 3 million gallons of water - so there's no mistaking where you are.
Swimming above and within these waters, the oceanarium's beluga whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, Alaskan sea otters, and harbor seals live in a recreated Pacific Northwest coastal environment. Follow the winding nature trails through a rainforest filled with plantlife, streams, and tidepools. Watch the dolphins demonstrate natural behaviors during daily educational presentations. Penguins seemingly dressed in 'formal attire' frolic in their Falkland Islands habitat in a most informal way.
Back in the aquarium, the 90,000-gallon Caribbean Reef Exhibit in the central rotunda is home to sharks, a sea turtle, and more than 250 tropical Caribbean reef animals. Several times a day, a diver swims among the colorful fish and animals, hand feeding them while talking about their amazing qualities. In the galleries of the aquarium, fresh and saltwater exhibits highlight animals from Asia, Africa, and Australia - even from Lake Michigan.
Aquarists and marine mammal trainers are on hand in both the aquarium and oceanarium to answer questions about these amazing animals and about careers in aquariums. After exploring the aquatic life, dine in either Soundings, the fine dining restaurant, or the Bubble Net food court. Two stores, Go Overboard! and Big Blue feature gifts, souvenirs, and books on aquatic life.
In addition to its role as a tourist attraction, the Shedd Aquarium is involved in multiple conservation projects, such as breeding programs and field studies. There are also educational programs and field studies, and educational programs for children, adults, families and school groups offered throughout the year.
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