Lava to Lakes

People have been drawn to the Great Lakes region since time immemorial for the vast opportunities the area provides. These diverse ecosystems were shaped by geologic history- thousands of lakes both big and small, prairies, bluffs, river valleys, hills, and mountains. In fact, the ancient stories of life on Earth itself are written in the landscape all around us.

Throughout Minnesota's ancient history there is evidence that modest changes to Earth's systems have lasting and long-term impacts on life. These systems are dynamic and continuously reacting to subtle variations within the system. Some of those changes are related to weather patterns and the availability of water resources. These effect the homes and behaviors of both humans and animals alike.

The result of these cause-and-effect relationships created communities rooted in the resources of our landscape: agriculture, forestry, fisheries, raw materials, and recreation and tourism. Scientists use their understanding of the past to plan for Earth's future. When the public understands the ancient patterns of our landscape, they are better equipped to address major issues such as climate change, resource management, and human safety.

Great Lakes Aquarium reveals the wonder of freshwater education and conservation through learning, play, and animal encounters for all ages. We engage and inspire more than 200,000 visitors with water and wildlife each year. Lava to Lakes explores these topics through immersive interactives, hands-on learning, and expanded touchpool opportunities. Our approach to is to make them accessible through experience and play. Understanding Earth's systems, and how they interact with us today, is vital to ensuring a healthy and vibrant Minnesota.

Throughout the 2,500-square-foot exhibit, guests will reach into the past to engage with animals and the waters of our region's ancient seas. Exhibit elements will uncover the inextricable connection between land and life at the center of this tactile story. From the volatile beginning of Earth itself to the lakes in our backyards today, Lava to Lakes will reveal the impacts of incremental changes on the diversity of life. Opportunities to explore the connection between geologic history and human cultural history will be woven into the tactile experience. Strategically placed social cues pose questions to stimulate conversations and intergenerational learning.

Touchpools are a key interactive component of Lava to Lakes. Each touchpool exhibit will allow guests a close encounter with a species that represents a key moment of change for ancient life: from jellies to sea stars to sharks. Guests will be guided through the gallery in chronological order of events as they interact with exhibit components, observe new animals, and engage in conversations to deepen meaning and understanding of major geologic and life events.