The Shedd Aquarium is one of Chicago’s top destinations for tourists and locals, located in the Museum Campus on the shores of Lake Michigan. This indoor aquarium will surprise you with all the different amenities and over 25,000 aquatic animals on display.
Shedd Aquarium Address
1200 South Lake Shore Drive on Chicago’s Museum Campus
Shedd Aquarium Admission
The Shedd has several levels and experiences for all ages and budgets from the Behind-the-Scenes Tour, Penguin Encounter to your General Admission. For more info and to get your Shedd Aquarium tickets, click here.
Hotels Near Shedd Aquarium
If you’re planing many of your activities around venturing to Chicago area museums, some of the hotels around South Michigan Avenue will be the best option for you. They are right across from Grant Park and not too far from Navy Pier, the Field Museum, the Planetarium, Soldier Field, and the Shedd Aquarium. Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel; The Silversmith Hotel & Suites; Renaissance Blackstone Chicago Hotel; Hilton Chicago; Chicago’s Essex Inn; and Best Western Grant Park.
Shedd Aquarium Hours
Fall/winter hours, Sept. 4 to Memorial Day
9 a.m to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays
Regular summer hours
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day through Labor Day, Sept. 3.
Closed on Christmas
How to Get to Shedd Aquarium
By car: from Lake Shore Drive, get off at 18th Street and follow the road and signs to parking in Soldier Field and just a short walk to the aquarium.
By boat: From Navy Pier, you can take a water taxi to the Museum Campus, a cool and unique way to arrive. They run from May and September and in the fall, weather permitting.
There’s nothing better than walking to your destination because you can learn so much about a city that way. Access to the Museum Campus is easy, especially if you’re around South Michigan Avenue, the Bean, or even Navy Pier. I would recommend this during nice days so you can enjoy Lake Michigan views and the city.
Taking public transportation: the CTA bus 146 will take you to the Museum Campus for just about $2.25 per person. However, if you’re a big group of people, I would recommend driving or walking.
Rent a Divvy bike: a new way to explore the city of Chicago and see new things along the way. Get a 24-hour pass and start to explore. Find the closest bike station to your hotel and bike over to the Field Museum — the closest bike station on the Museum Campus.
Shedd Aquarium Parking
Parking for the Shedd will be located at Soldier Field’s north garage entrance, which is open from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. However, you can always exit the parking lot after it’s closed. The rates for parking at Soldier Field’s north garage are $19 for the first four hours, $22 for 4 to 12 hrs, and $41 for 12 to 24 hours.
Travel With Shedd Aquarium
If you would like to travel with the Shedd Aquarium, they have some great trips planned. Find out more here.
