Mississippi Aquarium
A central ocean habitat, river exhibits, touch experiences, birds, and outdoor spaces interpret Mississippi waters from headwaters to the Gulf.
Artwork inspired by Dusti Bongé
The aquarium’s organizing idea is water connection: Rivers and wetlands feed the Mississippi Sound and wider Gulf, carrying animals, sediment, nutrients, pollution, and human decisions. Begin with freshwater and coastal habitats before the large ocean window so sharks and rays remain part of a system rather than isolated spectacle.
Outdoor movement between buildings is central to the campus and exposes visitors to heat, rain, and wind. Animal programs, touch opportunities, and feedings vary by day and welfare needs; none should be treated as guaranteed performances. Read conservation messages about turtles, dolphins, fisheries, and plastic alongside the charismatic species.
- Best first move
- Freshwater-to-Gulf sequence
- Do not miss
- Central ocean habitat
- Plan for
- 2½–4 hours
Quick guide
- Follow
- River to marsh to open Gulf
- Observe
- Watch one animal before labels
Make the visit count
- Follow the watershed
- Move from river to marsh to sound and identify what changes in salinity and species.
- Watch behavior
- Follow spend several minutes with one animal before reading the label’s summary.
- Touch gently
- Follow staff direction and let animals choose whether to approach.
- Find the conservation action
- Connect rescue, fisheries, runoff, and plastic choices to a specific exhibit
Good to know
The campus requires outdoor walking between exhibit buildings, so intense sun or thunderstorms affect even an indoor-focused visit. Programs and animal visibility change with care needs; check the daily schedule but do not expect every feeding or touch interaction.
Notice these
- Freshwater-to-Gulf sequence
- Central ocean habitat
- Outdoor bird and wetland areas