Downtown Aquarium: An Underwater Adventure in Denver

The Downtown Aquarium in Denver is more than just an aquarium; it's an aquatic adventure, theme park, educational center, retail store, and restaurant all rolled into one. Located at the intersection of I-25 and 23rd Avenue, it is easily accessible and offers a diverse range of attractions for all ages. The aquarium's Adventure Exhibit features over a million gallons of underwater exhibits, showcasing fascinating ecosystems from around the world. Visitors can explore various themed areas, including the Rainforest, Sunken Lagoon, At the Beach, and Under the Sea, each teeming with unique marine life. The interactive Stingray Reef touch tank allows for hands-on learning, while the Aquarium Restaurant offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience surrounded by a 150,000-gallon aquarium. Originally founded as Colorado's Ocean Journey, the aquarium aimed to educate visitors about the connection between freshwater ecosystems and the ocean. It highlighted the journeys of the Colorado River and the Kampar River in Indonesia. In 2003, Landry's Restaurants, Inc. purchased the facility and reopened it as the Downtown Aquarium in 2005, adding a full-service restaurant, bar, and ballroom. Today, the Downtown Aquarium continues its focus on conservation, housing numerous endangered and threatened species.