Springfield's Wonders of Wildlife named best aquarium in the country by USA Today readers

Springfield's Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium was once again named the best aquarium in the country, according to USA Today's 10Best list for 2024. This is the fifth year in a row that WoW has earned the title.

When Wonders of Wildlife opened in 2017, it was named "America's Best New Attraction" by 10Best. A panel of travel experts nominated the aquarium as part of USA Today’s annual Reader’s Choice Awards, and then members of the public voted on a winner. WoW previously earned the best aquarium designation in 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023.

WoW has more than 1.5 million gallons of freshwater and saltwater habitats and more than 35,000 animals, including a colony of Gentoo penguins.

The aquarium and museum at 500 W. Sunshine St. is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday through Tuesday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: USA Today readers name Wonders of Wildlife nation's top aquarium