Downtown Aquarium: Denver's Underwater Oasis

The Downtown Aquarium in Denver, originally known as Colorado's Ocean Journey, is a captivating entertainment and dining complex centered around a public aquarium. Located at the intersection of I-25 and 23rd Avenue, near the South Platte River, the aquarium spans a 17-acre site with a 107,000-square-foot main building. Initially founded as a non-profit to educate visitors about the connection between freshwater ecosystems and the ocean, the aquarium highlights the journey of water from the mountains to the sea. It originally focused on the Colorado River in North America and the Kampar River in Indonesia. Exhibits showcase a diverse array of fish and other creatures, with a total tank volume of approximately 1 million gallons. In 2003, Landry's Restaurants, Inc. purchased the aquarium and reopened it in 2005 as the Downtown Aquarium after undergoing renovations. These renovations included the addition of a full-service restaurant, bar, and ballroom, along with a 150,000-gallon marine aquarium in the restaurant area. Today, visitors can explore various exhibits, including interactive touch tanks and a 4D cinema. The Aquarium Restaurant offers a unique dining experience with underwater views. Don't miss the Mystic Mermaid Dining Show for added entertainment.