By Garry Mason—Outdoors Editor

There are far away places that one may travel to see and enjoy wildlife… places such as Yellowstone, Yosemite National Parks, and the Florida Everglades. Closer to my home, we have the three sections of the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge. All are places to view and enjoy many species of mammals and birds, as well as a few reptiles, thrown in for good measure.

But… what if one does not have the opportunity to visit such places?

May I suggest the Johnny Morris Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri.

Visiting this magnificent museum and aquarium will take a visitor through huge displays of mounted creatures from all over the planet. Elephants, giraffes, zebras, and lots of other species of animals, native to the African Savana, are on display in the museum.

Huge displays of America’s wildlife is in the museum as well. From a whole herd of American Bison to one of the largest displays of White Tail Deer in the universe, no stone has been left unturned, in the creation of this fantastic museum.  Children and adults alike will walk through the displays in awe, as you view each.

Johnny has gone far and beyond the imagination, to put together natural settings around his wildlife mounts.  He has created everything from waterfalls to mountain tops for visitors to enjoy.

Once you walk through the Wildlife Museum comes to an end, a visitor is met by friendly employees, that will get one started on the next part of the journey, through the massive aquarium.

Once again… you will not be disappointed.

Each display in the aquarium houses creatures of either freshwater or oceanic fish and wildlife that is fascinating to all.   The museum has provided a view of these wonderful creatures in a habitat that is as close to natural as can be recreated by mankind. Walking the pathways of exhibits, a visitor finds himself drawn into the majesty of each display and the wonders of God’s creation.

Rounding every corner of the museum and aquarium, one is thrust into a new place and time in which the display before you exhibits. From mountain tops to swampy bayous, prairies, and caves… these are just a few of the exhibits that await you around every turn in the museum.  

Oceans, seas, freshwater streams, and lakes are all presented in a setting that generates the imagination of actually having been to that very place and setting as you travel throughout the museum and aquarium.

A visitor will also find that the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium has many great artifacts from early America and Native American artwork for viewing.  Exquisite artwork is also on display from other wildlife artists that will capture the awe of the visitor as you travel through the corridors of exhibits.

There is so much for one to see while visiting the museum and aquarium.... you may find yourself returning many times to visit.

Without a doubt the adventures of visiting the Johnny Morris Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium is a sight to see.....well worth the drive and time invested in going and very reasonably priced.

Side note: Johnny Morris is the founder of Bass Pro Shops and is one of America’s most noted Outdoor Sportsman, as well as a staunch Conservationist.

Mr. Morris has created many other displays for visitors to enjoy as they visit the Bass Pro Shops retail store in Springfield Missouri:

*The Archery Hall of Fame

*Uncle Bucks Conservatory

*Wonders of Wildlife Museum  And Aquarium

*The Bass Fishing Hall of fame