Great Lakes Aquarium is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation that is proud to uphold a mission and vision rooted in freshwater education. The unique educational programs offered through the Aquarium reach far beyond the City of Duluth, educating over 10,000 students a year from throughout the upper Midwest.
Although the Great Lakes Aquarium is proud to consistently rank as the highest attended paid attraction in the Twin Ports, we continue to rely on the support of our members, donors and volunteers to help sustain the current level of high-quality programming. As a unique and multifaceted organization, Great Lakes Aquarium offers a broad range of opportunities for people of all ages to get involved.
Become a member
Perhaps you’d like to become a member. Your membership supports the daily operations of the Aquarium and provides you with unlimited visits, free parking, gift shop discounts and other unique benefits. It’s a win-win.
And now through the end of the year, receive extra perks during our Holiday Membership Drive!
Make a donation
Donations help augment the money we earn from parking, ticket and gift shop sales, program fees and facility rentals.
It is the money we use to improve exhibits, equip our education programming, enhance our in-house habitats and provide great care for our resident animals. It is also the resource we draw upon to help provide deserving kids with the opportunity to make a special connection with freshwater education–kids who might otherwise be unable to do so.
The Aquarium accepts and appreciates donations of all sizes—and all donations are 100% tax-deductible.
Lifetime Celebration Fish
The Lifetime Celebration Fish Wall is a stunning collage of shimmering, metallic fish that lets you commemorate a special person or event in your life or to simply leave your mark on Duluth!
For a minimum contribution of $100, a fish plaque will be added to the wall beside the main entrance of Great Lakes Aquarium. Your fish can be inscribed with a personal message that will be visible to visitors of the Aquarium for decades to come. Click here for more information or to submit an order.
Volunteer
Join us as a volunteer! Perhaps as an exhibit interpreter, SCUBA diver, or outreach otter mascot. Each role makes a meaningful contribution to keeping our facility vibrant and fresh, and significantly enhances our visitors’ experience.