Nearly a quarter million visits to Great Lakes Aquarium in 2025
Great Lakes Aquarium Logo
DULUTH, Min. – The Great Lakes Aquarium is projecting a record number of visits in 2025.
2025 is the aquarium’s 25th anniversary year with a projected 235,000 visitors.
It’s the fifth consecutive year of attendance growth.
Great Lakes Aquarium commissioned the Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER) at UMD’s Labovitz School of Business and Economics to conduct an economic impact study on the attraction.
The study estimated the Aquarium contributes an average of $43 million in “economic output” to Duluth in a typical year.
75% of visitors have come from farther than 100 miles from Duluth.
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Executive Director at Great Lakes Aquarium Jay Walker sees a bright future for the Aquarium. He said, “We have big ideas for even more exhibit additions at the Aquarium… With the right investment, the future looks bright.”
The Aquarium plans to begin work in 2026 to add a sturgeon rearing and hatchery facility along the bayside of the building.
In 2027, additional space will be constructed surrounding the hatchery to create an immersive visitor experience and exhibit.
