With a history of more than 80 years, Shedd Aquarium is one of the premier aquariums throughout the country. The aquarium has an impressive collection of underwater life. It houses 1,500 species, like marine mammals, fish, birds, amphibians and snakes and more. These animals at Shedd Aquarium will connect you to the living world and inspire you to make a difference. A visit to the aquarium can be entertaining and instructive at the same time.

Dive into Shedd Aquarium

http://www.sheddaquarium.org/aboutshedd.html

Shedd Aquarium features many popular exhibits. Five permanent exhibits at the aquarium include the newest Wild Reef, Caribbean Reef, Amazon Rising, the Oceanarium and Waters of the World. There're also many fascinating temporary exhibits, like the Lizards and the Komodo King. When coming to the Shedd, you're sure to have much more to explore.

Explore by Exhibit at the Shedd Aquarium

http://www.sheddaquarium.org/explore_by_exhibit.html

Animal Exploration at the Shedd Aquarium

http://www.sheddaquarium.org/explore_by_animal.html

Situated on Lake Shore Drive, Shedd Aquarium provides convenient transportation for aquarium visitors. Public transportation, CTA bus and train, can be one of the quickest and most economical method to get to the Shedd Aquarium and nearby attractions at the Museum Campus, like the Soldier Field, Field Museum and Adler Planetarium. Of course, you can drive to the Shedd Aquarium. Ample parking spaces are provided for tourists.

Driving Directions and Map of Museum Campus

http://www.chicagotraveler.com/attraction-maps/shedd-aquarium-map.html

Soldier Field North Garage provides parking for guests of Museum Campus, including Shedd Aquarium. The garage has 2,500 underground parking spaces. Its nearby buildings include the Children's Garden, Gold Star Memorial Park, Veteran's Sculpture and Water Wall. You can enter the North Garage either through the main entrance on Museum Campus Drive or the second entrance from McFetridge Drive.

The North Garage entrance is open to visitors from 5 AM to 5 PM. First 4-hour parking at North Garage charges $16. You can pay $19 for parking from 4 hours to 12 hours. You can also reserve overnight parking at North Garage. The rate for overnight parking for 12 hours or less is $19. If you enter North Garage after 5 PM and park for 12 hours or less, you need to pay $19. Parking over 12 hours will cost $38.

Parking is also available in the East Museum surface lot. The entrance is situated on Museum Campus Drive. This small parking lot is open from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. You can always exit after closing hours. But overnight parking is not permitted unless you reserve in advance. Overnight parking rate at East Lot is $19. Evening parking is allowed at East Lot and charges $19 for museum and Soldier Field rentals.

Note: Handicap parking is available in both parking garages. There's another additional handicap parking at the East Museum surface lot that is open from 10 AM to 3 PM.

Aquarium guests can enjoy valet parking on weekends with a charge of $25. Just have your car parked at the guest drop-off area on the south side of the Shedd Aquarium. You can make the best use of the convenience offered to save your parking time. Remember this is subject to limited availability as well. It's better to be an early bird.

You may be charged higher cash-only special event parking rates when there's a game or some other special events at the Soldier Field or on the Northerly Island. Soldier Field North Garage and East Museum surface lot will charge $19 or more on these days. And you can only pay in cash. Credit cards will not be accepted. Don't worry! You can find ATMs in the garage.

Buses, campers and RVs can be parked at the Adler Planetarium surface parking lot on Lyn White Drive that is just northeast of the Soldier Field. You need to pay $22 to $32 for bus/RV parking on non-event days. Event day parking may vary. You can check the availability of bus/RV parking spaces. You cannot park your bus or RV in the Museum drop-off areas or on Solidarity Drive.

Events Parking at Soldier Filed

http://soldierfield.clickandpark.com

Shedd Aquarium Parking Driving Directions

http://www.soldierfieldparking.com/Source/ParkingDirections.aspx

Hotel parking is available if you enjoy room services at nearby hotels. For several days' visiting, you can rest at many nearby hotels, like Best Western Grant Park Hotel, Hilton Chicago and Renaissance Blackstone Chicago Hotel. Howard Johnson Inn Downtown Chicago even offers free parking for guests.

Map of Hotels near Shedd Aquarium

http://www.tripadvisor.com/LocalMaps-g35805-d103788-Shedd_Aquarium-Area.html