GREAT LAKES AQUARIUM

Bring Lava To Lakes to Life 

At Great Lakes Aquarium, we are in an exciting new era, with not one but two major exhibit builds in two years. Oceans Alive opened to rave reviews in 2024. And we are ready to do it again!

Lava to Lakes will tell the origin story of Minnesota, from its earliest beginnings to where we are today. Did you know the land we now stand on was once covered by ancient seas? We will bring you a view of the animals that once swam those waters, some extinct and some that still inhabit oceans and seas around the world.

A main feature of Lava to Lakes will be a large touch pool of sharks and skates. This year, our Give to the Max fundraiser will focus on that touch pool, the animals and their care. Your GiveMN donations NOW can help make these big plans come to life.  

This year, every $25 to $99 gift gets you entered in a drawing to win a piece of animal art. We will draw three winners from that group. 

A $100 to $499 donation gets you entered in a drawing to win one of three Supreme Behind the Scenes Experiences; feeding the sturgeon while wading in the touch pool, feeding Fitz the giant Pacific octopus, or assisting target training with the river otters*.

A $500 or greater donation gets you the opportunity to choose one of those supreme experiences as your gift.  Opportunities are limited and we will offer pnly two to three guaranteed spots for each. Once they are gone, they are gone. 

We are endlessly grateful for your support in the future of Great Lakes Aquarium during Give to the Max Day.  Thank you! 

*Supreme experiences are for two guests total (including winner), ages 12 or older. Some experiences require use of behind the scenes stairs and are not fully accessible.