ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center - Burlington, Vermont - A Hands-On Exhibit in Ecology, History and the Stewardship of Lake Champlain

In 2003 the Lake Champlain Basin Science Center was rebuilt and renamed the ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center located at the Leahy Center for Lake Champlain. The name ECHO is an acronym standing for ecology, culture, history and opportunity for the stewardship of Lake Champlain. Visitors are welcomed into a world of exhibits and experiences that display Lake Champlain and its watershed.

The exhibits at ECHO are ever changing. There are permanent exhibits on display but most of the exhibits change periodically. A schedule of upcoming exhibits is updated on the center's website. Some of the popular permanent exhibits include Frog World - a showcase of 15 different frog species from six different continents, the Burlington Waterfront - provides insight and history of the area, Contraptions - one of the newest exhibits at ECHO that provides a unique fusion of art and science where visitors can explore gadgets, gizmos and the roots of inventions.

A large resource room is also open to visitors to ask questions and look at hands-on exhibits. Here visitors will find videos, books, research reports, DVDs and a children's book nook. There is also school curricula for teachers and home-schooling parents to browse through for inspiration. Computer stations with internet access are also available to viewers.

ECHO is located on One College Street in Burlington, Vermont and can be accessed via automobile from Interstate 89 North or South by exit 14 west toward Burlington. The science center has ample parking at a rate of $8 for full day parking and $4 for ECHO members. The center is open year round from 10 am to 5 pm and closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas day. Paid admission allows visitors to come and go as they please and as many times until closing time that same day.

Admission rates to the aquarium and science center are free to members and children ages 2 and younger. Adult non-members are $9.50, seniors age 60 and up are $8.50, college students with college identification are also $8.50 and children ages 3-17 are $7.50 each. Many locals of the area become members to this center because of the free rate. A membership fee of $35 is required for a single adult or one child, $60 for dual couple or one adult and one child), and $100 for a small family. The membership fee includes free admittance to the center each and every time as well as inexpensive $4 parking rates.

The facility can be rented for special events and parties. The facility has a popular lakefront location and views of the Adirondacks which make the venue a great wedding reception hall. There are three floors filled with aquariums, ample indoor and outdoor space suitable for dining, dancing and ceremonies. The science center is becoming more and more popular due to its prime location.