Downtown Aquarium, Denver

The Downtown Aquarium in Denver, originally known as Colorado's Ocean Journey, is a unique and expansive aquarium and restaurant located at the intersection of I-25 and 23rd Avenue, near the South Platte River. This facility occupies a 107,000-square-foot main building on a 17-acre site and features a diverse array of freshwater and marine exhibits, with its aquaria holding approximately 1,000,000 gallons of water.

The aquarium, owned and operated by Landry's Restaurants, Inc., is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), which underscores its commitment to animal care and conservation. Initially founded by Bill Fleming and Judy Petersen Fleming as a nonprofit entity, the aquarium was designed to educate visitors about the connections between inland freshwater ecosystems and the ocean, with a focus on two major river systems: the Colorado River in North America and the Kampar River in Indonesia.

When it first opened as Ocean Journey, the facility featured two immersive experiences. The Colorado River Journey highlighted species such as endangered desert pupfish, gamefish like bass, and North American river otters, culminating in a depiction of the Sea of Cortez. The Kampar River Journey showcased animals like Asian Arowana, rainbowfish, and endangered Sumatran tigers, ending with an exhibit of the southern Pacific Ocean.

In 2005, the aquarium underwent significant renovations, adding a full-service restaurant, bar, ballroom, and a 150,000-gallon marine aquarium within the dining area. Upon its reopening on July 14, 2005, it was renamed Downtown Aquarium. While the original river journeys remain a core part of the experience, the exhibits are now more diverse, featuring species from African and South American freshwater ecosystems, alongside mixed community tanks.

The facility also offers interactive exhibits, such as a horseshoe crab touch tank and a stingray touch-and-feed tank, providing hands-on learning opportunities for visitors. Continuing its focus on conservation, the aquarium is home to numerous endangered and threatened species, including twelve species of fish, six reptiles, two mammals, and two birds, reflecting its ongoing dedication to environmental stewardship and education.