This is the flagship location of the Bass Pro Shops chain, and it goes well beyond a typical retail store with large aquariums, taxidermy displays, indoor waterfalls, and a bowling alley on site. It draws visitors who have no interest in hunting or fishing gear simply to see the scale of the building and its wildlife exhibits. Springfield is the company's hometown, so this store carries a scope and level of detail the newer locations don't match.
The Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World Original Store in Springfield, Missouri is the flagship location of the national outdoor retail chain, founded by Johnny Morris in 1972 in the back of his father's liquor store in this same city. Today the Springfield store occupies more than 500,000 square feet — making it one of the largest retail stores in the United States — and functions as much as a tourist attraction as a sporting goods retailer. The interior is designed around a mountain-themed environment with a soaring atrium containing taxidermied wildlife displays — including full-mounted elk, bears, mountain lions, and waterfowl — in naturalistic diorama scenes that extend from floor to ceiling. A 64,000-gallon freshwater aquarium stocked with native Missouri and Ozark fish species anchors the center of the store, providing an eye-level view of largemouth bass, catfish, paddlefish, and gar in a recreated river-bottom habitat. The store includes a shooting range, bow range, fudge shop, Hemingway's Blue Water Cafe restaurant, a barber shop, and a Conservation Hall that traces the history of the American conservation movement. Bass Pro Shops has invested in genuine wildlife programming at the site — the aquarium features regular feeding events that draw observers year-round. The store is approximately 3 miles from Springfield-Branson National Airport and serves as a popular pre-flight stop for hunting and fishing gear. Guided fishing and hunting trips can be booked through the store's outfitter desk. Weekend visits are significantly busier than weekdays, particularly the aquarium and wildlife display sections which attract non-shopping visitors.
| Admission | Adult Free (shopping attraction) · Child Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Mon–Sat 8am–10pm, Sun 9am–8pm |
| Typical visit | 1–3 hours |
| Best time | Weekday mornings; the freshwater aquarium and wildlife displays draw crowds on weekends |
| Getting there | Located in southwest Springfield. From I-44, take Exit 77 (Campbell Ave), then south on Campbell to Bass Pro Dr. Free parking on-site. About 3 miles from Springfield-Branson National Airport. |
| Address | 1 Bass Pro Dr, Springfield, MO 65807 |
Location
1 Bass Pro Dr, Springfield, MO 65807
37.1860, -93.3025 View on map
Highlights
- Explore the 64,000-gallon freshwater aquarium stocked with native Missouri fish including bass, gar, and paddlefish
- See full-mounted wildlife displays — elk, bears, mountain lions, and waterfowl — in floor-to-ceiling diorama scenes
- Visit Conservation Hall, tracing the history of American wildlife conservation and the Bass Pro Shops brand origin story
- Dine at Hemingway's Blue Water Cafe inside the store, with aquarium views and an outdoor sporting theme
- Book a guided fishing or hunting outfitter trip through the store's in-house outfitter desk
Tips for visiting
- Weekday morning visits offer the most relaxed exploration of the aquarium and wildlife displays without weekend crowd pressure
- Hemingway's Blue Water Cafe inside the store is a full-service restaurant — lunch reservations are useful on weekends
- The store's shooting range and archery range are open to the public for a small fee and do not require purchasing equipment
- Aquarium feeding times are posted at the tank — watching staff feed the large catfish and bass is a popular free activity
- The store stocks full hunting and fishing licensing services; Missouri residents and non-residents can obtain licenses at the front desk
- Free parking is available in the large on-site lot; the store is about 3 miles from Springfield-Branson National Airport for travelers with layovers
When to visit
Weekday mornings from Tuesday through Friday offer the most comfortable exploration of the aquarium and wildlife displays. Weekend afternoons are the most crowded, with families gathering around the aquarium particularly on Saturdays. The store is open year-round with consistent hours.
Accessibility
The Bass Pro Shops Original Store is fully wheelchair accessible throughout all retail and exhibition areas. Wide aisles accommodate wheelchairs and mobility devices. Accessible restrooms are located throughout the building. The freshwater aquarium viewing area is at floor level with unobstructed wheelchair access. Accessible parking is available near the main entrance.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Bass Pro Shops Original Store worth visiting if you are not a hunter or fisherman?
Yes. The freshwater aquarium, taxidermied wildlife dioramas, Conservation Hall exhibits, and scale of the building itself make it a genuine tourist attraction rather than just a retail store. Many visitors come specifically for the aquarium and wildlife displays without purchasing anything.
How long does a visit take?
A casual visitor who explores the aquarium, wildlife displays, and Conservation Hall without shopping spends about 60–90 minutes. Serious shoppers or those dining at Hemingway's Cafe easily spend 2–3 hours.
Is the store free to enter?
Yes. The entire store including the aquarium, wildlife displays, and Conservation Hall is free to enter. The shooting range and archery range charge a small usage fee. Dining and shopping carry normal costs.