Trip ideas while visiting Springfield in Missouri
The Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium is a massive conservation-focused attraction located in Springfield, Missouri. Founded by Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops, the museum opened in 2017 and has been consistently voted America’s Best Aquarium by USA Today readers. The 350,000-square-foot facility combines immersive wildlife galleries, freshwater and saltwater aquariums, and interactive exhibits that celebrate the natural world. The attraction is adjacent to the original Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World flagship store, creating a comprehensive destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike.
The museum was conceived as a tribute to hunters, anglers, and conservationists who have shaped the American conservation movement. Johnny Morris spent years collecting artifacts and commissioning massive taxidermy displays that depict animals in their natural habitats. The facility serves as a partnership with the National Wildlife Federation and other leading conservation organizations. The museum emphasizes the importance of habitat conservation and wildlife management through its education programs and hands-on exhibits.
The vision for Wonders of Wildlife took shape over more than a decade of planning and development. Johnny Morris traveled extensively, visiting museums and aquariums around the world to gather inspiration for what would become the largest immersive wildlife attraction in the United States. The museum celebrates the rich tradition of American hunting and fishing while promoting modern conservation ethics and practices. The Wall of Honor recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to wildlife conservation throughout American history.
The cultural significance of the museum extends beyond its exhibits, positioning Springfield as a national destination for outdoor recreation tourism. The facility hosts the annual Wonders of Wildlife Weekend, a special event featuring conservation experts, wildlife artists, and outdoor celebrities. The museum has been praised by conservation leaders and has received recognition from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums for its educational impact.
Visitors can explore the Aquarium Adventure featuring 1.5 million gallons of water and over 35,000 live fish, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. The experience includes a walk through a shipwreck setting where visitors can view massive sharks, rays, and schools of fish through floor-to-ceiling windows. The Louisiana Swamp exhibit recreates a cypress swamp complete with live alligators, while the Ozark stream exhibit showcases the native fish species of the region.
The Wildlife Galleries transport visitors to different regions of the world through meticulously crafted dioramas. The African Savannah exhibit features elephants, lions, and giraffes in a panoramic display. Visitors can experience the Arctic tundra with polar bears and other cold-weather species, then walk through the Amazon rainforest with its vibrant array of tropical wildlife. Interactive touch pools allow guests to get hands-on with stingrays and horseshoe crabs under the guidance of aquarium staff.
The King of Bucks gallery showcases some of the largest and most impressive whitetail deer ever recorded. This collection of record-setting antlers draws deer hunters and wildlife enthusiasts from across the country. The NRA National Sporting Arms Museum displays historic firearms, including guns once owned by Theodore Roosevelt, Ernest Hemingway, and other notable Americans. The collection spans the entire history of American firearm craftsmanship and innovation.
The Ocean Odyssey tunnel is a highlight of any visit, featuring a 360-degree acrylic tunnel surrounded by swimming sharks, giant groupers, and sea turtles. The Penguin Cove exhibit houses a colony of African penguins in a habitat that mimics their natural coastal environment. The Wildlife Taxidermy Gallery displays over 400 species of animals in realistic settings, each arranged to tell a story about conservation and the natural world.
The Wonders of Wildlife campus connects directly to the Finley Farms property along the Finley River, where visitors can experience additional outdoor activities. The adjacent Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, located about 30 minutes from the museum, features trout fishing streams, horseback riding trails, and wildlife tram tours through scenic Ozark landscapes. Visitors can combine their museum visit with a day of hiking or biking along the extensive trails in the nearby Mark Twain National Forest.
The Conservation Education Center offers outdoor workshops throughout the year, including archery training, fishing clinics, and wilderness survival courses. Families can participate in guided bird watching tours and nature photography walks led by museum naturalists. The outdoor plaza at the museum entrance features a naturalistic waterfall garden with native Missouri plants, providing a peaceful setting for rest between exhibits.
Beyond the aquarium and wildlife galleries, the adjacent Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World serves as an attraction in its own right. The store features additional aquariums, waterfalls, and taxidermy displays that complement the museum experience. The Hemingway’s Blue Water Cafe offers dining with views of a 220,000-gallon saltwater aquarium. Visitors can browse the Museum Store for unique wildlife art, books on conservation, and outdoor gear.
Special events at the museum include the annual Conservation Ball, Halloween at the Aquarium, and Santa’s Wildlife Workshop during the holiday season. The facility offers behind-the-scenes tours where visitors can see how the aquariums are maintained and learn about animal care from professional aquarists. The Dive With Sharks program allows certified divers to enter the main aquarium tank for an unforgettable underwater experience.
The museum is open year-round and offers a climate-controlled environment that makes it a comfortable destination in any season. Spring and fall provide the added benefit of pleasant weather for exploring the outdoor campus, while summer brings extended hours and special seasonal exhibits. Winter offers a quieter experience with fewer crowds and holiday-themed events throughout December. Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed exploration of the extensive exhibits. Plan to spend at least four to six hours to fully experience both the aquarium and the wildlife galleries.