Some familiar animals have made Niagara Falls their new home, and now the public can finally see them.
Great Lakes 360, the first major expansion in the Aquarium of Niagara’s nearly 60-year history, opened Friday to local officials and state parks employees. The festivities featured local leaders and aquarium employees touring the new space, even having four employees dressed as a sturgeon that’s featured there.
“Great Lakes 360 was pivotal in my excitement to join this organization to serve as president and CEO,” said Chad Fifer, who joined the aquarium this past June. “It demonstrates the organization’s existing momentum and the community’s hunger for growth.”
The $5.2 million refurbishment of the former Niagara Gorge Discovery Center features 16 living exhibits showcasing 38 different species of fish, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and invertebrates from the Great Lakes region. There are also eight interactive activities inside including a fishing simulator and a sturgeon touch pool.
The donut-shaped interior has a capacity of 75 people, with some test runs reportedly taking as little as 15 minutes and up to one hour. The walkway to the building’s roof is still intact, offering views of the Niagara Gorge.
“It celebrates the significance of the Great Lakes and the ecosystems and species they support, including humans,” Fifer said.
The idea had been in the works since 2021 under former President Gary Siddal. The former Niagara Gorge Discovery Center operated from 1971 to 2020, closing in part due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
By that time, the section of the former Robert Moses Parkway directly in front of the aquarium had been removed, making the building 500 feet away from the aquarium more accessible.
“At that time, we were struggling,” said Mark Mistretta, the Niagara Region director for State Parks. “We had some ideas and we weren’t sure. But with continued conversations, one thing led to another. Long story short, here we are.”
While the built exhibits inside are permanent, the aquarium can always change which species are on display.
Funding for this comes from a $1 million capital grant through the Market New York program, a $900,000 Cataract Grant Fund award, a $675,000 Empire State Development grant, appropriations from the State Assembly, and other contributions from various supporters.
Alongside this new expansion, USA Niagara Development Corp. named the aquarium the preferred developer for several Second Street lots for another expansion. The $18 million project announced last July would have more exhibit space and an inclusive playground.
Fifer said as the new head of the organization, they may end up with a vision similar to the info already released or they may decide to go in a different direction. He wants the aquarium to take a step back to think about the community and staff needs along with staff strengths.
He also hopes this expansion brings people back inside the main aquarium building, changing their perception about not changing much since they were kids.
“I think its worth coming back out to see us not just to see Great Lakes 360, but to get back into the main building,” Fifer said.
Great Lakes 360 will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.