The Shedd Aquarium is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Chicago and was the first inland aquarium to include permanent saltwater and freshwater exhibits. Permanent exhibits include the multilevel Abbott Oceanarium, which mimics ocean conditions off the northwest coast of North America, and the Wild Reef exhibit, which simulates a Philippine reef ecosystem. There’s also the Amazon Rising exhibit, which introduces visitors to the Amazon River and rainforest.
Make the aquarium a stop on a hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour or visit after taking a Segway tour of the Museum Campus.
Buy tickets online in advance to avoid long entry lines, which can sometimes take up to two hours.
Please note that entry lines can sometimes stretch outside, so dress appropriately in case of inclement weather.
Allow two to three hours for your visit.
The Shedd Aquarium is wheelchair– and stroller–accessible.
The Shedd Aquarium is on the Museum Campus in the South Loop, just off Lakeshore Drive and a short walk from downtown. It is accessible by several bus lines, and the nearest El stop is Roosevelt.
The Shedd Aquarium is open year-round. It can be particularly busy on the weekends and school holidays. Arrive early to beat the crowds, or look for special evening events when you can experience the aquarium after dark.
Make your visit to the Shedd Aquarium truly unique by participating in one of the many special experiences available. Some Shedd Aquarium tours take you behind the scenes of the Wild Reef and experience a shark feeding or let you get face to face with penguins or beluga whales. You can also visit the animal healthcare center and watch team members prepare meals for the aquatic animals. For an even more in-depth experience, spend four hours learning what it’s like to be a marine mammal trainer at the aquarium.
