MaST Center Aquarium — Attraction in Des Moines

The most amazing place for anyone to learn about our local marine animals. Inside you'll be able to see a real gray whale squleton among other marine mammal squeletons that are hanging from the ceiling. You'll be able to learn about their habitad and also how they ended up at the aquarium. This place is also part of highline community college, it has its own laboratory. In there they come jelly fish and you are able to see many of them at the aquarium located at the end of MasT's dock. The aquarium has over 250 marine creatures, some from collection dives and many others that come in naturally through the pipes. There's touch tanks and there's is a beautiful view. They have the best sunsets and the best informational events. Super friendly staff, the best people I have ever met. They are very knowledgeable on their field and they are more than happy to help you. Don't miss out on...

My experience started with a volunteer outside the aquarium who had skulls of a few marine animals and talked a little about each. Then, we went inside and walked through a hallway that had beautiful photos on the walls, marine animal skins, and skeletons. Then, to get to the aquarium you walk on a pier that had hilarious jokes on both sides. Truly enjoyed the walk (: "what do you call a fish that hoards all its sand dollars? Shellfish!" The aquarium itself is super cute. They've got little stingrays, anemone, starfish, fish, sand dollars, jellyfish, etc. Love seeing all that fauna up close and personal. The student volunteers had interesting lab coats with drawings/paintings on the back. Overall...

I come here often and my 3 year old son loves going here! The staff and volunteers are great! Just don't go in expecting the Seattle aquarium - but it's phenomenal for what it is. So what is it? A local college's free teaching aquarium with a couple touch tanks, a dozen fish tanks with various local fish, crabs, sea horse, eels, and lots of PNW ocean life.

It also has a large room that has revolving exhibits that teach about the ocean and its inhabitants. There is also usually ocean themed art on display and MANY skeletons are on display. I recommend you donate while there - but if you can't you'll never be shamed or...