Some of America's best aquariums and wildlife museums are hiding inside Bass Pro Shops stores — and most won't cost you a dime.

While most people think of Bass Pro as the place to grab fishing gear, these stores are actually designed as full-blown experiential destinations. We're talking massive aquariums you don't pay admission for, museum-quality wildlife displays, indoor shooting ranges, and even a hotel inside a pyramid.

Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly weekend activity or planning a road trip with the family, Bass Pro Shops attractions deliver way more entertainment value than you'd expect—and you'll save a bundle compared to traditional tourist spots.

Why Bass Pro Shops Is More Than Just Shopping

Bass Pro Shops locations—especially the flagship stores—aren't just retail spaces. They're entertainment hubs that attract millions of visitors annually. The Springfield, Missouri flagship alone draws over 3 million visitors every year, and admission to the store itself is completely free.

Think of it this way: you're getting the experience of a natural history museum, an aquarium, and sometimes even a resort—without the hefty ticket prices.

What you'll find at Bass Pro Shops locations:

• Free aquariums stocked with native fish species
• Museum-quality wildlife displays featuring lifelike taxidermy
• Restaurants and dining experiences like Uncle Buck's Fishbowl & Grill
• Shooting and archery ranges (varies by location)
• Lodging options at select flagship stores
• Educational exhibits and heritage centers

Top Flagship Attractions Worth the Drive

Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife (Springfield, MO)

Adjacent to the Bass Pro Shops flagship store in Springfield sits Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium—a separate, ticketed attraction that's been voted "America's Best Aquarium" by USA TODAY readers seven times.

This isn't your average aquarium. We're talking about a 1.5-million-gallon aquarium complex housing 35,000 live animals. The 350,000-square-foot facility combines immersive wildlife exhibits with world-class aquatic displays that rival anything you'd find in major cities.

The Bass Pro Shops Pyramid (Memphis, TN)

Natural history museums charge $15+ for what you'll see here for free. The Bass Pro Shops Pyramid is a 535,000-square-foot store built inside a transformed sports arena—and it's packed with attractions that go way beyond shopping.

What makes the Memphis Pyramid worth visiting:

• Big Cypress Lodge: A 103-room hotel inside the pyramid with a cypress swamp theme
• Observation Deck: Take the tallest freestanding elevator in North America to a glass-floored deck with panoramic views of the Mississippi River
• Uncle Buck's Fishbowl & Grill: An underwater-themed bowling alley paired with casual dining
• Ducks Unlimited National Waterfowling Heritage Center: A museum dedicated to wetlands conservation
• Multiple restaurants: Including a full-service restaurant at the top of the pyramid

You can literally stay overnight inside a pyramid, bowl a few frames in an ocean-themed alley, and grab dinner—all without leaving the building.

Bass Pro Shops Springfield (MO)—The Original

The original 500,000-square-foot flagship store in Springfield, Missouri is where it all started. This place attracts over 3 million visitors annually, and admission is completely free.

Walk in and you're greeted by a 30,000-gallon saltwater aquarium, cascading waterfalls, and live ducks swimming in indoor ponds. It's like stepping into a nature lodge that happens to sell fishing rods.

The Springfield store also features an indoor firing range and the NRA National Sporting Arms Museum, which showcases historic firearms and the role of hunting in American culture.

Free Attractions at Most Locations

Aquariums You Don't Pay For

Most Bass Pro Shops stores feature large, free-to-view aquariums stocked with native fish species. These aren't tiny desktop tanks—we're talking substantial installations that kids (and adults) can spend serious time watching.

What to expect:

• Tank sizes: Many feature multi-thousand-gallon displays
• Fish species: Typically native to the region (bass, catfish, trout, etc.)
• Feeding times: Some stores schedule public feedings—ask an associate
• Kid-friendly viewing: Low viewing windows and educational signage

Museum-Quality Wildlife Displays

If you've ever paid $15+ to visit a natural history museum, you'll appreciate the free taxidermy displays at Bass Pro Shops. These aren't dusty mounts shoved in a corner—they're lifelike dioramas featuring local wildlife in realistic settings.

You'll see everything from white-tailed deer and black bears to trophy fish and waterfowl, all professionally mounted and displayed. The craftsmanship rivals what you'd find in a dedicated museum, and it's a great way to teach kids about regional wildlife without spending a dime.

Uncle Buck's Fishbowl & Grill

Uncle Buck's Fishbowl & Grill combines casual dining with an underwater-themed bowling alley—and yes, it's as fun as it sounds. The lanes are surrounded by aquatic decor, and the whole vibe is family-friendly without being cheesy.

Hands-On Experiences

Some Bass Pro Shops locations offer hands-on experiences like archery and shooting ranges. The Springfield flagship, for example, has an indoor firing range where you can test firearms under supervision or take lessons from certified instructors.

Possible experiences (varies by location):

• Indoor shooting ranges with rental firearms and safety instruction
• Archery ranges for testing bows and improving your aim
• Fishing demos and casting clinics (seasonal or event-based)
• Outdoor skills workshops covering topics like fly-tying or wildlife tracking

Not every store offers these, so check your local store's services page before making a special trip.

How to Save Even More on Your Visit

Here's how to squeeze every bit of value out of your Bass Pro Shops experience:

1. Join the CLUB for points redemption. Bass Pro Shops CLUB members can redeem points at Wonders of Wildlife, Big Cypress Lodge, Big Cedar Lodge, and all Bass Pro restaurants. You'll need the mobile app to enroll in "Pay with CLUB Points."
2. Check store websites for specific services. Not all Bass Pro locations offer the same attractions. Before you drive an hour to try the archery range, confirm it's available at your local store.
3. Plan around feeding times and events. Many stores schedule aquarium feedings or host seasonal events like fishing clinics. Call ahead or check the store's event calendar.
4. Combine store visits with nearby attractions. If you're visiting the Springfield flagship, pair it with Wonders of Wildlife next door. In Memphis, make a day of it by exploring the Pyramid's observation deck and dining options.
5. Bring the kids (seriously). Bass Pro Shops attractions are ridiculously kid-friendly, and most of the best stuff—aquariums, wildlife displays, waterfalls—is completely free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Bass Pro Shops attractions free?

Yes — aquariums, wildlife displays, and waterfalls inside the stores are free. Wonders of Wildlife and Big Cypress Lodge are separate ticketed attractions.

Can you visit the aquarium at Bass Pro Shops for free?

Yes—most Bass Pro Shops stores have free aquariums stocked with native fish. However, Wonders of Wildlife in Springfield is a separate, ticketed attraction with a much larger aquarium complex.

What's the best Bass Pro Shops location for attractions?

Springfield, Missouri (the flagship store plus Wonders of Wildlife) and Memphis, Tennessee (the Pyramid with Big Cypress Lodge, observation deck, and Uncle Buck's Fishbowl) are the top two destinations. Both offer a mix of free and ticketed attractions worth planning a trip around.

Can CLUB members use points at Bass Pro attractions?

Yes—Bass Pro Shops CLUB members can redeem points at Wonders of Wildlife, Big Cypress Lodge, Big Cedar Lodge, and all Bass Pro Shops restaurants. You'll need to enroll in "Pay with CLUB Points" via the mobile app to access this feature.