Chicago - Shedd Aquarium Visit

Lovely Shedd Aquarium - sponsored by Toyota

This Moray Eel posed for the lensman from the Lowcountry

Visiting Chicago as a tourist can provide a quandry when one considers all that the Windy City has to offer in terms of architecture, floral flair and shopping on the Magnificent Mile. After flying into Midway Airport and then taking the CTA train to Chicago station, it was time to shop 'til you drop, or in this case until my feet were barking like a dog and begging for a taxi. We rode to the Chicago Cultural Center and were able to obtain a City Pass good for five must see attractions in Chi-town.

First on my list was to bounce over to the Museum Campus and visit the Shedd Aquarium, which is next door to the Fields Museum, Adler Planetarium and Soldier Field. The Shedd Aquarium building itself is a neoclassical architectural marvel that opened to the public in 1930 and is still eye-popping today. Amazingly, rail cars brought saltwater from Key West to the Aquarium in 1930 to establish a permanent marine exhibit, which was the first of its kind well inland.

Black-spotted catfish fingerlings

Make sure to visit the 4D theatre while at the Aquarium and the Beluga Whale experience is sure to please too. I passed on the stingray touch tank (no doubt) but enjoyed the Great Lakes section where I learned they comprise 20-percent of the world's surface freshwater supply!  The Shedd Aquarium juts out into Lake Michigan, providing a memorable waterfront view of Chicago. If weather permits, lunch at the outside cafe seems prudent, or try the Ralph Lauren Restaurant. For more information visit the Internet at Shedd Aquarium.

To view past blog entries click on Audubon Aquarium New Orleans or South Carolina Aquarium.

To view past blog entries on Sustainable Seafood click Circa 1886 .

 To view blog entires on ocean conservation click Guy Harvey.

October weather was cloudy, cool and WINDY