Top American Zoos – John G. Shedd Aquarium

From the word “go” (heck, from before the word “go”), the John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago’s famous Grant Park was a monstrously ambitious project. Contributing $3 million of his own money (roughly 35 million by today’s standards), capitalist and philanthropist John Shedd envisioned an aquatic ecological attraction like the world had never seen, and indeed, it hadn’t.

When the aquarium opened in 1930, it was the largest in the world, a title it held onto for decades. Amazingly, Shedd Aquarium has continued to grow and today is nearly double that original size.

A consistent favorite among aquarium-lovers of all ages, the Shedd Aquarium is now home to 32,500 animals from the world over. Be sure to stop by “Waters of the World” to see Granddad, the longest living fish of any aquarium in history. A rather charming, if lazy, Australian lungfish, Granddad is at least 80 years old and possibly much older, with no indication of going anywhere soon.

Adult passes run around $18. Find out more here.

For Chicago hotels, try the Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown / Magnificent Mile Hotel (say that five times fast!). It’s located near the aquarium along with most anything else you’d want to do in Chicago.

Or, for a more traditional Windy City experience, consider the Silversmith Hotel & Suites. Located in a restored Jeweler’s Row landmark from the 1890s, this luxury Chicago hotel offers a historic taste of the city with a convenient location only a block off from the Magnificent Mile.

Related Posts

No related posts.