Public Aquariums in Midwest USA

One of the oldest public aquariums in the country, when it opened in 1930 it housed the greatest variety of sea life under one roof. They offer a wide range of freshwater and saltwater exhibits that are updated regularly. I admit to being hooked on the Shedd, and go there as often as time allows. If you visit Chicago I highly recommend getting a Chicago CityPASS, which includes admission to the Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum and the Adler Planetarium. All three are worth visiting.

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Arising through the efforts of the Dubuque County Historical Society, this unique aquarium and museum focuses on the Mississippi River. They pride themselves on being accredited by the American Association of Museums, which is true of less than 10% of all museums, as well as being accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. The facility features a number of historical and educational exhibits, as well as a 3D/4D theater. Teachers can find a number of excellent lesson plans on the site.

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The historic Belle Isle Aquarium reopened in the summer of 2012, 108 years after its original opening back in 1904. At the time of its closing in 2005, the Belle Isle Aquarium was the oldest continually operated aquarium in North America. Currently it is the only all volunteer run aquarium in the United States. The future of the aquarium is tenuous, due to funding needed to keep it open. However, for now it's possible to see a little bit of aquatic history. If you are in the Detroit area, take the opportunity to see the Belle Isle while it is still open. Hours are from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm on Saturday and there currently is no admission charge.

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Located in Duluth, Minnesota. America's only all freshwater aquarium is home to 70 species of fish. Open year round, they are only closed on Christmas day. Their outreach classes are quite reasonable, and they also offer partners in education programs free of charge. Each year they participate in the Beach Sweep program that removes man-made debris from coastlines.

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Formerly known as Underwater World, Sea Life Minnesota is housed in the lower level of the Mall of America in Minneapolis, Minnesota. With the change in ownership, they have moved more into the realm of ocean life rather than local Minnesota exhibits. However, they continue to offer behind the scenes tours, which I found to be quite interesting. Educators should check the online educational materials.

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Part of the Sea Life franchise that has faciliities in Arizona, California, Missouri, Minnesota and Texas. This facility is located in Kansas City and offers a number of edcuational programs as well as some fun online games geared for children. The website has good local information for planning a trip.

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Located in Springfield Missouri, this facility closed on 2007. However, an ambitious expansion project is underway and slated to be completed in late 2013. The Conservation Education Center opened in January 2012 and has engaged in outdoor hands-on learning programs. More information about their educational offers can be found on the WOW Schooling page.

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Located in St. Louis, Missouri, the World Aquarium focuses on educational programs and conservation, with a mission to promote and protect the world of water. In addition to a variety of educational programs, they also offer high school and college internships as well as job shadowing.

A small, but interesting facility located in the heart of the Midwest at the Schramm Park State Recreation Area on the banks of the Platte River in eastern Nebraska. Exhibits all depict species that are either native to Nebraska, or have been introduced and now inhabit Nebraska. Definitely a one of a kind aquarium, and worth a stop if you are motoring across Nebraska. Just 6 miles south of Interstate 80 via Exit 432.

The Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium is part of the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium located in Omaha, Nebraska. It features exhibits from coral reefs to polor regions to the Amazon rainforest. Included is a shark tunnel, as well as touch tanks.

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Housed in the Columbus Zoo, the aquarium has a very popular Stingray Bay that contributed to being voted the number one zoo in the country. There are many educational programs targeted for specific age groups, as well as outreach programs that literally bring animals to the school. Be sure to check out the podcasts available on the web.

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om/ Located in Cleveland, Ohio, this is a new facility that opened in 2012. They are open year round with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas. They offer school programs, including several specifically for homeschooling students. Seasonal events are also offered, such as Talk Like a Pirate and the Hauntaquarium for Halloween.

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