There is something so magical and relaxing about going to an aquarium. Living in Fargo-Moorhead, we don’t have an aquarium in town, but there are several aquariums near Fargo that are worth the drive!
Aquariums Near Fargo
MSUM Oceanarium
We do have a local Oceanarium at MSUM if you are looking for a closer option! They have open hours on Saturdays from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. for $5 per person. Or, you can schedule a tour in advance on other a weekday. For tours, they prefer groups of 12+ and need to be booked in advance ($5 per person), and are open weekdays only from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. They will accept smaller groups for a $60 fee. See their website for more details.
Sioux Falls
Distance from Fargo: 3.5 hour drive
Butterfly House & Aquarium
The only public saltwater aquarium in the Dakotas. There are interactive exhibits including the Marine Cove and the Pacific Tide Pool.
The Aquarium Gallery hosts a variety of different species of fish and coral. These saltwater exhibits house marine life from the Indo-Pacific region to the Caribbean, including coral reefs, seahorses, tangs, and anemones.
In the Pacific Tide Pool, meet invertebrates native to tide pools along the coast of the United States, from southern California to Alaska. Discover more about these unique creatures with hands-on learning.
See the Butterfly House & Aquarium website for more information on admission pricing and hours.
Minneapolis Area Aquariums
Distance from Fargo: 3 hours 45 minutes
SEA LIFE at Mall of America
Conveniently located in the Mall of America, this aquarium claims to be the Minnesota’s largest.
See tons of sea animals in 11 interactive zones, including a 300-foot underwater tunnel! Watch sharks, fish, and stingrays glide above as you walk through.
And admire sharks, sea turtles, 14-foot long sawfish, anemones, jellyfish, and more.
See their map for a detailed look at all the areas to be explored. And check out the Sea Life at MOA website for details on aquarium hours and cost of admission.
Minnesota Zoo
Although not strictly an aquarium, the Minnesota Zoo offers a Discovery Bay where visitors can touch sharks, sea stars, and sea anemones. Watch stingrays and sharks in the Shark Reef exhibit.
Other species include moray eels, groupers, Hawaiian Monk Seals, seahorses, sea dragons, tarpons, and more.
Online tickets are currently required, please see the Minnesota Zoo website for additional information.
SeaQuest Roseville
This aquarium just out of Minneapolis offers “a land and sea adventure” where visitors are encouraged to touch, feed, and interact with the animals.
View tons of sea creatures in their 36,000-gallon exhibit filled with reef sharks, stingrays, and hundreds of tropical fish.
And enjoy the unique experiences that they offer, including the Snorkel with Stingrays, Fishy Kisses activities (these interactions are not included in the price for admission and are booked separately).
See the SeaQuest Roseville website for tickets.
Duluth
Distance from Fargo: 4.5 hours
Great Lakes Aquarium
Located right on the shore of Lake Superior, this aquarium features local species along with creatures from freshwater ecosystems around the world. This three-story aquarium is a good mix of exhibits, kid-friendly displays, and activities.
See their website for more information on tickets and hours.
Omaha
Distance from Fargo: 6 hours
Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
Consistently ranked as one of the world’s top five zoos, there is so much to do and see in Omaha!
Allow lots of time to take it all in at this large zoo and aquarium. And explore polar regions, coral reefs, temperate oceans, and the Amazon all in one place. View sea turtles, sharks, penguins and more!
And ride the sky tram for unique views of the zoo. Check out their website for more information on current exhibits and tickets.
So take the time to drive to one of these fun aquariums near Fargo and learn more about the fascinating water creatures both here in our region and around the world!
