Great Lakes Aquarium (GLA) is known for its educational programs and impactful exhibits about animals and habitats found within the Great Lakes basin and other worldwide water-based ecosystems. However, aquatic life is not the only thing it brings to the Duluth area. A study conducted by the Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER) evaluated the economic impact GLA has on the city of Duluth.
The study found that in a typical year, GLA contributes nearly $43.0 million in output to the Duluth economy. This comes from GLA spending and the numerous visitors it has.
In 2025, the attraction hit another attendance record in its 25th anniversary year with a projected 235,000 visitors, up from 225,400 in 2024. Of these visitors, nearly 90% come from outside Duluth, and 75% of all visitors come from farther than 100 miles away. Those that stay overnight spend $168 per day, on average, while day visitors spend $54 each day in Duluth. A breakdown of the spending is listed in the table below.
In addition to the $43.0 million that GLA adds to the Duluth economy, the BBER found that in total, GLA creates 387 jobs, generates nearly $15 million in wages and benefits, and contributes almost $25 million to the city’s GDP (employee compensation, proprietor income, and other property income and taxes). In other words, thanks to GLA’s contributions to the local economy, an additional 82 new jobs are created in Duluth with $4.4 million in wages and benefits each year. Additionally, other industries see $15.1 million in spending that adds $8.1 million to the GDP.
GLA is more than a world-class tourist attraction; it is an economic engine for Northern Minnesota. By drawing 235,000 annual visitors to our waterfront, the Aquarium ensures that Duluth’s restaurants, hotels, and shops continue to thrive. Read more by viewing the BBER’s full report on the U of M’s Digital Conservancy.