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Shedd Aquarium

1200 South DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois

Description

Shedd Aquarium is located on the shore of Lake Michigan in Chicago. It contains 1,500 species, including fishes, marine mammals, birds, snakes, amphibians, and insects. Those belong to various marine habitats such as the Caribbean reefs, the Amazon River, a recreation of the Apo reef in the Philippines, various 'Waters of the World' including local waters, and an Oceanarium featuring marine mammals from the Pacific Northwest (incl. beluga whales, sea otters, Rockhopper penguins, and Magellanic penguins). There is also a 4D Theatre (additional fees apply).

Access & Transport

The aquarium is in the Chicago’s Museum Campus, to the southeast of Grant Park, at 1200 South DuSable Lake Shore Drive Bus 130 and 146 stop there, 'Museum Campus/11th St.' train station (ME, SSL) and 'Roosevelt' metro station (Green, Orange, Red) are a 5 mins' walk away. Directions: https://www.sheddaquarium.org/plan-a-visit/getting-to-shedd Accessibility info: https://www.sheddaquarium.org/plan-a-visit/accessibility

Instructions & Recommendations

Check the daily schedule of shows and activities on the calendar page: https://www.sheddaquarium.org/calendar This activity can easily be combined with the Field Museum of Natural History or the Adler Planetarium

Meta review

A consistent feature of the must-see list in Chicago for travel guides but online reviews are not unanimous. In fact, the aquarium does suffer from its popularity and there are regular comments about it being quite crowded, not just on weekends. Also, many visitors feel that it is quite expensive for an aquarium. That being said, there is plenty to see and many beautiful exhibits; children in particular seem to really enjoy it.

Environmental & Social

Some efforts to reduce waste (e.g. plastic) and good rescue / conservation credentials: https://www.sheddaquarium.org/care-and-conservation

Conclusion

The aquarium is considered one of the best attractions in town, we partially agree mostly because of its exceptional setting and historical architecture. Otherwise, whilst it has excellent collections, the experience and value are significantly impacted by how busy it can be and the high price charged for the tickets.

Key positive

Oceanarium animals are very impressive

Nice architecture, setting, and views

Key negative

Expensive

Can be (too) crowded

Suitability

Suitable for all ages and accessible to visitors with reduced mobility

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

Updated in October 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 30m

est. visit time:2h 30m

Regulated hours

Monday09:00 - 17:00

Tuesday09:00 - 17:00

Wednesday09:00 - 17:00

Thursday09:00 - 17:00

Friday09:00 - 17:00

Saturday09:00 - 18:00

Sunday09:00 - 17:00

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
US$40
Adult
12 - 64
US$40
Child
3 - 11
US$30
Infant
0 - 2
US$0
Cheaper tickets prices for Chicago residents.

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