Shedd Aquarium
A large aquarium on the lakeshore of the Museum Campus, with beluga whales, dolphins and a large tank of Caribbean coral reef.
Opened in 1930 on the lakeshore promontory of the Museum Campus, the Greek Revival building houses about 32,000 aquatic animals. Highlights include a circular tank of Caribbean coral reef, where divers feed the fish at scheduled times; the Oceanarium, home to beluga whales and Pacific white-sided dolphins; the Amazon rainforest exhibit; and a shark exhibit. Tickets are tiered, and during peak season it's best to reserve a time slot on the official website in advance. Illinois residents have a free day. You can photograph the Chicago skyline from the lakeshore in front of the aquarium.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:00–17:00 (extended hours in summer)
Nearby sights
- Field Museum of Natural History
- Adler Planetarium
- Buckingham Fountain
- Buddy Guy's Legends
- Chicago Lakefront Trail
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Millennium Park & Cloud Gate
- Chicago Cultural Center