Fort Fisher, N.C.- Here’s another reason to plan a trip to the Cape Fear region. You’ve got to come and check out our aquarium! The TravelAwaits website has ranked the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher as one of the top 12 in the nation.
Officially the site, which is one of three state run aquariums in North Carolina, ranked number 8. The facility opened in 1976 with a massive expansion in 1999. Exhibits include freshwater streams, coastline habitats, reefs, the open ocean, swamps, and even sea turtles. Habitats and animals are from North Carolina and around the world.
TravelAwaits writer Peggy Cleveland was responsible for ranking the different facilities. She wrote about her trip to Fort Fisher: “The highlight of my visit was seeing the Asian small-clawed otters in their expansive habitat in the aquarium’s conservatory. I could have watched these guys all day.”
JFB recently published a photo gallery of those Otter pups.
The Fort Fisher Aquarium aims to introduce visitors to the aquatic life found just off the North Carolina shores with a focus on conservation and research. The facility is opened daily from 9am to 5pm.
To see the complete ranking of America’s Best Aquariums click here.