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History & Facts

History and Facts about The Long Island Aquarium

Check out the history & facts of the Long Island Aquarium. Long Island Aquarium is located in downtown Riverhead, Long Island, on 3.2 acres along the scenic Peconic River.

Construction on Long Island Aquarium began in late spring of 1999. The facility officially opened on June 15, 2000, becoming the first large-scale Aquarium to open in New York State in more than 35 years.

Today, millions of  people have visited the Long Island Aquarium, making it one of Long Island’s most popular year-round attractions.

Notable Facts

  • Home to one of the Western hemisphere’s largest all-living Coral Reef display.
  • More than one million gallons of water.
  • Exhibit ocean water delivered by tanker truck from Shinnecock Bay.
  • Houses one of the largest living insect exhibitions in North America.
  • Named one of the Top 10 Interactive Aquariums by Parents Magazine.
  • Featured on several TV/Reality TV Shows such as Tanked,  Project Runway Allstars, Sesame Street
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