The Coasts certainly offer lots of saltwater sights, but the Midwest has two of the nations best Freshwater aquarium exhibits. For an excellent display of larger native freshwater fish in their native habitats, visit Underwater World at the Mall of America in Minneapolis. But if you want to see many of your favorite pet shop fish individual habitat settings, the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago is the place to go.

I made the grave mistake of allowing myself only half a day for my visit. There is no way to see everything in a couple of hours (unless you choose to skip all the saltwater exhibits entirely). Plan your visit for a whole day - it's well worth it. The building is split into two basic sections - the Aquarium and the Oceanarium. The Aquarium contains dozens of large individual aquariums, each set up similar to the occupants native habitat. The Oceanarium houses large saltwater tanks that contain dolphins, penguins, sea otters, seals, and whales. Shows are held at various intervals throughout the day.

Personally I'd recommend the touring both the Aquarium and Oceanarium to really appreciate what they have to offer. Even freshwater fans will appreciate the beautiful coral displays, and children (from birth to 100 yrs old) will enjoy the Oceanarium shows. However if you are on a really tight budget, visit on Monday and see just the Aquarium (with no audio tour). It's completely free! The audio tour is a great addition, and I'd advise it if you are going to be there for the entire day. If you only have an hour or two you will never make it through the entire exhibit while stopping to listen to the audio tour (there are two hours worth of audio files).

The Aquarium Exhibits
There are six wings in the aquarium exhibit, each with large built-in floor to ceiling aquariums representing various habitats. These habitats extend well above the water and in some cases provide stunning plant displays. Lighting in the room is subdued so the fish are not alarmed by the constant stream of visitors passing by. Above the waterline in each exhibit are back lit panels showing the fish, and providing information about them and their native habitat. Numbers on each exhibit correspond with the audio tour, making it easy to move through the exhibit and get detailed information on demand. Freshwater fish represented run the gammot from tetras to cichlids to piranhas to angels. Definitely a great cross-section of fish.

The Oceanarium
Live shows and special exhibits are the highlights of the Oceanarium. Currently running is a special Seahorse exhibit that includes some exotic exhibits (see pictures of the seahorses in the gallery). You can hang out around the large ocean tanks that face Lake Michigan, and get a close look up dolphins or beluga whales. The view almost makes you feel as if you are on the coast gazing out over the ocean. The lower level of the Oceanarium contains a delightful penguin colony that is fun to watch.

An auditorium that shows natures films, gift shop, atm, vending machines, and food court round out the building. An information booth is well staffed with helpful attendants, and a coat room and lockers are available. During the summer a jazz band graces the dining area. Group tours and educational programs are available upon request. This aquarium exhibit is a class act, and well worth spending a day at. For more pictures of the Shedd Aquarium visit the Gallery.

Pricing:
Aquarium only - $5 for adults, $4 seniors and children (age 3 to 11, under 3 free)
Aquarium and Oceanarium - $11 for adults, $9 seniors and children (age 3 to 11, under 3 free)
Mondays: Aquarium only is FREE, Combined exhibits is $6 for adults, $4 for seniors and children

Hours:
9 a.m.-6 p.m. - weekends, holidays and throughout the summer (June-August)
9 a.m.-5 p.m. - winter weekdays (September-May)
Closed Christmas and New Year's Day

* Art and photos are the property of Shirlie Sharpe. If you use them please write for permission.

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