The John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago Illinois
The History of John G. Shedd Aquarium
The John G. Shedd Aquarium is touted as the world’s second biggest indoor aquarium. This amazing addition to Chicago’s Museum Campus was an endowment from retail businessman John G. Shedd, and it was opened to the public in 1930.
In the early days of this Chicago Illinois museum, ocean water and sea life were transported in a custom designed railroad car known as the Nautillus, and this method of aquatic transportation remained in effect until 1959.
The John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago Illinois is currently home to more than 8,000 aquatic creatures that represent more than 700 species from all over the globe. The species on display at the John G. Shedd Aquarium include snakes, birds, insects, amphibians, marine mammals, and of course, fish.
Oceanarium
Marine mammals such as beluga whales, sea otters, and Pacific white-sided dolphins can be seen in the Oceanarium at the John G. Shedd Aquarium. There you’ll be able to watch how the animals are cared for and trained. You’ll feel like you’re a part of this underwater world when you see these aquatic animals up close.
Wild Reef
The wild reef at the Shedd Aquarium is a recreation of a coral reef at Apo Island Marine Reserve in the Philippines. The 400,000 gallon aquarium spans from floor to ceiling, and brings visitors into a living coral reef filled with beautiful live coral, stingrays, sharks, and more than 500 fish species. This astounding display will bring your mind’s eye into an underwater world that you’ll feel you’re a part of.
Caribbean Coral Reef
The Caribbean coral reef at John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago Illinois is contained in a 90,000 gallon tank, and it includes colorful breathtaking corals and more than 60 species of aquatic life. The beautiful Caribbean coral reef is an amazing sight to behold.
The Caribbean coral reef is inhabited by bonnet head sharks, sea turtles, eels, stingrays, and beautiful angelfish, just to name a few. There are daily presentations inside the coral reef where visitors to John G. Shedd Aquarium can see divers hand-feeding sea turtles, eels, and sharks.
Habitat Chats & Special Events
Habitat chats enable adults and children to learn more about the aquatic life at John G. Shedd Aquarium. In a comfortable setting, visitors can find out how aquarium inhabitants are fed, what they are fed, and how they are cared for, as well as interesting facts regarding specific aquarium environments.
In addition to daily habitat chats, the Shed Aquarium offers a number of innovational programs for all age groups and interests. Accredited college courses, family activities, events for children, and special workshops are just some of the programs offered. There is something for everyone at John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago Illinois.
Bubble Net Food Court
You won’t go hungry while visiting the aquarium. The Bubble Net Food Court offers meal and snacks that will satisfy even the most finicky palate. The Bubble Net Food Court offers hamburgers, pizza, sandwiches, hot and cold beverages, a number of sweet treats, and much more.
Hours of Operation and Location
The aquarium is located at 1200 South Lake Shore Drive, and is open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor day. After Labor Day, hours of operation are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays. The aquarium is closed on Christmas.
Hours of operation are subject to change without prior notice. Call 312-939-2438 for additional information including cost of admission, membership, and current hours of operation.
