USA TODAY 10Best!

Cast your vote!

Vote Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies as the Best Aquarium!

We’re thrilled to share that Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies  has been nominated for Best Aquarium  in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards ! This exciting recognition comes from a panel of experts and the 10Best editorial team, who selected us as one of the top aquariums in the country. Now, it’s time for you —our incredible guests, fans, and supporters—to help us shine by casting your vote! Voting opens Monday, April 14, at noon EDT  and runs through Monday, May 11, at 11:59 a.m. EDT . Every vote counts, and we’d be honored to have yours!

This nomination is a celebration of the amazing experiences we create every day—from exploring the wonders of the ocean to unforgettable family adventures in the heart of the Smokies. Help us earn a top spot by visiting the official 10Best voting page and selecting Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. You can vote once per day , so mark your calendar and spread the word! Let’s make a splash together and show the world why Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is truly one of the best.

Need to Know Info

Details

We are o- FISH -ally nominated for North America’s Best Aquarium by USA TODAY 10Best ! With your help, we can swim to the top spot for 2026!

You can vote once per day until Monday, May 11, at 11:59 a.m. to help us sail our way to victory!

Click here to vote!

Swirling Pinstripe backdrop

Woah! The Aquarium sounds like alotl fun! But what are you doing all the way down here with the axolotls – some of the most secretive salamanders in the world?!

Did you know the Great Smoky Mountains are considered the Salamander Capital of the World? Salamanders are abundant in the Smokies and outnumber human visitors on even the park’s busiest days!