Plizio Visual Lab

Shedd Aquarium

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

kid-landmark

Weather…

The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago opened on May 30, 1930, and was the first inland public aquarium to maintain a permanent collection of saltwater fish. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan as part of the Museum Campus, the Beaux-Arts style building was a gift to the city from retail magnate John G. Shedd. The architecture features white Georgia marble and intricate nautical details reflecting classical Greek design. Across its diverse exhibits, such as the 'Abbott Oceanarium' and 'Wild Reef,' the aquarium now houses over 32,000 animals representing more than 1,500 species, including beluga whales, sea otters, and various sharks. Historically, millions of gallons of seawater were transported by rail from Florida to fill the marine habitats. Today, the Shedd plays a vital role in Great Lakes ecosystem research and global species conservation. Hosting approximately two million visitors annually, it remains one of the most visited cultural institutions in Illinois, providing innovative environmental education programs.

Location: United States
Top sights: Field Museum · Chess Studio · Henry B. Clarke House
Nearby: Milwaukee (33 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-2	-2	2	7	12	18	23	23	19	12	6	1
Rain mm	48	54	62	95	118	102	95	105	86	99	61	58

📋 Practical info

🚪

Visiting

The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago is an indoor facility open year-round. All animal exhibits are housed indoors, allowing you to explore aquatic worlds regardless of weather conditions.

🕒

Typical hours

Typically, the aquarium opens in the morning and closes late afternoon or early evening. Holiday hours may vary, so it's wise to check ahead.

📷

Photography

Photography is allowed throughout the aquarium without flash to avoid disturbing the animals. In areas with sensitive species, some restrictions may apply.

⏱️

Time needed

Allow about two to three hours to see all exhibits at a relaxed pace. With children, the visit may take longer if you engage with interactive stations.

➕

Combine with

Combine your aquarium visit with the nearby Field Museum or Adler Planetarium. Grant Park and Lake Michigan's shoreline are within walking distance, offering additional attractions.

🧭

Getting there

The aquarium is located on Lake Michigan, reachable by bus, subway (Red Line to Roosevelt), or car. Parking is available nearby but often expensive and limited.

💡

Insider tip

Purchase your tickets online in advance to avoid long queues at the entrance. Visit early in the morning when it is quietest.

Geography

Coordinates

41.86760, -87.61390

Facts

Opened to the public on Memorial Day, May 30, 1930.
Construction cost reached 3.25 million dollars in 1930.
Houses over 32,000 individual animals from 1,500 species.
Designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1987.
Was home to 'Granddad,' the world's oldest fish in an aquarium.
The massive Abbott Oceanarium was added in 1991.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Cloud Gate1 km · SExplore →

Chicago Logistics Hub2 km · NExplore →

Wrigley Field5 km · SExplore →

Lake Superior32 km · NEExplore →

Milwaukee33 km · SExplore →

Door County69 km · NExplore →

Shiloh National Military Park83 km · SExplore →

Nashville97 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Shedd Aquarium (19)

Field Museum 🏛 museum

The Field Museum houses the famous Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton Sue.

🌐 fieldmuseum.org🕒 Mo-Su 09:00-17:00♿💶

Chess Studio 🏛 museum

Chess Studio is the historic Chicago recording studio where blues and rock legends recorded.

Henry B. Clarke House 🏛 museum

Henry B. Clarke House is the oldest surviving building in Chicago.

Tadeusz Kościuszko Monument 🏺 historical

The Tadeusz Kościuszko Monument is located in Humboldt Park and honors the Polish hero.

Karel Havlíček Monument 🏺 historical

A monument in Chicago honoring Czech writer and journalist Karel Havlíček Borovský.

Italo Balbo Monument 🏺 historical

A Roman column in Chicago, a gift from Italy in 1933, commemorating aviator Italo Balbo's transatlantic flight.

🌐 chicagoparkdistrict.com

Saint Jerome's Croatian Catholic Church ⛪ religious

Saint Jerome's Croatian Catholic Church is a Croatian Catholic parish in Chicago.

Arie Crown Theater 🎭 culture

A large theater located within McCormick Place in Chicago.

🌐 ariecrown.com

Second Presbyterian Church ⛪ religious

A historic Presbyterian church in Chicago known for its Arts and Crafts interior and Tiffany stained glass windows.

Soka Gakkai International Buddhist Center ⛪ religious

Soka Gakkai International Buddhist Center is a Buddhist center in Chicago.

St. Charles Air Line Bridge 📍 landmark

A vertical lift bridge over the Chicago River in Chicago.

Canal Street Railroad Bridge 📍 landmark

A vertical lift railroad bridge over the Chicago River in Chicago.

Ramova Theatre 📍 landmark

Ramova Theatre, built in 1929, designed by Myer O. Nathan, a former movie theater.

🌐 ramovachicago.com

Northerly Island 🌳 park

A man-made peninsula on Lake Michigan in Chicago, featuring a park and outdoor concert venue.

🌐 chicagoparkdistrict.com

Gold Star Families Park 🌳 park

A memorial park in Chicago dedicated to the families of fallen military members.

🌐 cpdmemorial.org

Ping Tom Memorial Park 🌳 park

A park in Chicago's Chinatown, named after community leader Ping Tom.

🌐 chicagoparkdistrict.com🆓

Shedd Aquarium 🎡 recreation

One of the largest indoor aquariums in the world, located on Lake Michigan in Chicago.

🌐 sheddaquarium.org♿

Getz Theater 🎭 culture

A theater named Getz in Aquarium Chicago.

Margaret Burroughs Beach 🎡 recreation

A beach named after Margaret Burroughs in Aquarium Chicago.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How long does a visit to Shedd Aquarium take?

Plan for about 3 to 4 hours to see all exhibits at a relaxed pace.

Is the aquarium suitable for small children?

Yes, there are many interactive areas and shows designed specifically for children.

When is the best time to visit?

Weekday mornings are typically less crowded than weekends.

Is photography allowed?

Yes, non-flash photography is allowed throughout and encouraged.

Are there dining options on-site?

Yes, there are several cafes and restaurants inside the building for a break.

Shedd Aquarium: where is it located?

Shedd Aquarium is located in United States.

Shedd Aquarium: what is there to see?

Highlights include Field Museum, Chess Studio, Henry B. Clarke House.

Shedd Aquarium: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.

Shedd Aquarium: why is it worth visiting?

The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago opened on May 30, 1930, and was the first inland public aquarium to maintain a permanent collection of saltwater fish.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Shedd Aquarium

Best time to visit & climate