Missouri’s aquariums offer a captivating glimpse into the mesmerizing underwater world, showcasing a diverse array of marine life and ecosystems. From the enchanting depths of the oceans to the lively rivers and lakes, these aquatic havens provide an immersive experience that educates, entertains, and fosters an appreciation for aquatic biodiversity.
In this article, we explore the largest aquariums in Missouri, where visitors can embark on an aquatic adventure like no other.
1. Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium
- Location: Springfield
- Size: Over 350,000 square feet
- Number of Species: Thousands
- Notable Exhibits: Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, Wildlife Galleries
- Wonders of Wildlife offers an unparalleled blend of museum and aquarium experiences, featuring immersive aquatic exhibits and breathtaking wildlife galleries.
2. Sea Life Kansas City
- Location: Kansas City
- Size: Over 30,000 square feet
- Number of Species: Hundreds
- Notable Exhibits: Ocean Tunnel, Interactive Touch Pools, Seahorse Kingdom
- Sea Life Kansas City provides an interactive and educational journey through a variety of underwater habitats, including the awe-inspiring ocean tunnel.
3. Aquarium At The Boardwalk
- Location: Branson
- Size: Over 46,000 square feet
- Number of Species: Diverse marine life
- Notable Exhibits: Kelp Forest, Mermaid Palace, Touch Tanks
- The Aquarium At The Boardwalk transports visitors to the enchanting world of the oceans, offering a mix of informative exhibits and interactive experiences.
4. Kansas City Zoo
- Location: Kansas City
- Size: Over 202 acres (includes an aquarium)
- Number of Species: Aquatic and land species
- Notable Exhibits: Helzberg Penguin Plaza, Tropics, Australia
- The Kansas City Zoo features a comprehensive aquarium section that complements its land animal exhibits, allowing visitors to explore aquatic habitats as well.
5. Dickerson Park Zoo
- Location: Springfield
- Size: Over 93 acres (includes an aquarium)
- Number of Species: Various aquatic and land animals
- Notable Exhibits: Outback Corral, Predator’s Den, Discovery Center
- Dickerson Park Zoo offers a unique combination of land and aquatic exhibits, providing insight into both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
6. Grant’s Farm
- Location: St. Louis
- Size: Over 281 acres (includes an aquatic area)
- Number of Species: Various domestic and exotic animals
- Notable Exhibits: Animal Encounters, Clydesdale Stables
- Grant’s Farm offers a diverse experience, featuring both land animals and an aquatic area where visitors can observe aquatic creatures.
7. Wild Animal Safari
- Location: Strafford
- Size: Over 600 acres (includes a safari park)
- Number of Species: Various exotic animals
- Notable Exhibits: Drive-Thru Safari, Walk-Thru Safari
- Wild Animal Safari offers both drive-thru and walk-thru experiences, showcasing land and aquatic animals in naturalistic settings.
8. Branson’s Promised Land Zoo
- Location: Branson
- Size: Over 75 acres (includes a petting zoo and aquarium)
- Number of Species: Various animals
- Notable Exhibits: Parakeet Paradise, Foot Safari, VIP Encounters
- Branson’s Promised Land Zoo boasts an aquarium as part of its diverse animal attractions, allowing visitors to explore aquatic wonders alongside land animals.
9. Raccoon Mountain Wildlife Park
- Location: Springfield
- Size: Over 110 acres (includes a safari park)
- Number of Species: Various exotic animals
- Notable Exhibits: Safari Tours, Animal Encounters
- Raccoon Mountain Wildlife Park offers a safari adventure where visitors can observe a variety of land and aquatic creatures.
10. Meramec Caverns
- Location: Stanton
- Size: Over 4,300 acres (includes cave tours)
- Number of Species: Creatures within the cave system
- Notable Exhibits: Cave Tours, Exploration Adventures
- Meramec Caverns offers a unique underground experience, showcasing the fascinating creatures that inhabit the cave environment.
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Missouri’s biggest aquariums offer a magical journey into the captivating world beneath the waves. From majestic sea creatures to playful river inhabitants, these aquatic wonderlands bring us closer to the incredible biodiversity of Earth’s waters.
Whether through interactive exhibits, immersive tunnels, or insightful galleries, these aquariums provide both education and entertainment, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for marine life and the ecosystems they call home.
