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LegaSea Aquarium
45550 Van Dyke Avenue, Utica
Metro Detroit just got a lot more fun for animal lovers with the opening of LegaSea Aquarium after their recent expansion. Born from the vision of beloved founder Brian Barczyk, LegaSea Aquarium is Michigan’s newest aquatic and zoological attraction. The expansive 30,000-square-foot facility is a dream come true for Brian, passionately brought to life and finished by his wife, Lori (Co-Founder and CEO), best friend, Steve (Co-Founder), and the amazing community of millions of followers that rallied together after Brian passed from pancreatic cancer in January 2024.
Originally known to Metro Detroiters as the Reptarium, the popular attraction doubled in size in 2020 and then expanded again with the move to the newly launched LegaSea Aquarium across the street. Stephanie Kent, LegaSea Aquarium’s Marketing Director, shares, “Our facility offers hands-on reptile experiences, stingray touch tanks, feeding encounters, and up-close interactions with mammals like our giant capybara.”
Visitors to LegaSea Aquarium will see an ever-growing diversity of species, which has dramatically increased since the facility started its expansions. With more than 100 new species added, visitors will see vibrant marine life and captivating reptiles all within an interactive environment for all ages.
A highlight at LegaSea Aquarium is the hands-on experiences available to guests, as mentioned by their Marketing Director. Popular feeding encounters with reptiles and marine animals are both exciting and educational about wildlife behavior. These encounters are family favorites, designed to create memorable moments for all.
Daily shows add another layer of excitement to each visit, including presentations featuring reptiles, sharks, freshwater predators, big snakes, stingrays, and other surprise creatures. Each species being shown off fascinates and educates, making every visit special.
Adding to the charm and connection at LegaSea, some species have names lovingly chosen by visitors, a direct reflection of the close-knit relationship between the community and the aquarium. Some examples include Marshmallow, an Ivory Burmese Python, Salt, the Albino American Alligator, and Elvis, an Asian Water Monitor, but many residents have fun pop-culture names.
Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, there’s even more excitement on the horizon! Over the next few months, LegaSea plans to introduce new mammals and mesmerizing jellyfish exhibits. Ongoing expansions and continuous additions promise new experiences for returning guests, enhancing the experience even more.
Don’t miss out on the mammals either! Meet the lovable giant capybara, the leisurely two-toed sloth, and the intriguing binturong. Each interaction is meant to inspire curiosity and create lasting memories.
LegaSea Aquarium is a tribute to the life and legacy of Brian Barczyk, offering a place where the community can come together to learn, explore, and connect with wildlife in personable ways. Whether you’re touching a stingray, inspecting the insects, or simply admiring the beauty of wildlife, every moment at LegaSea Aquarium is designed to educate and awe.
