Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife Museum & Aquarium in Springfield, MO

500 W. Sunshine StreetSpringfield, MO 65807
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$40.00
Total Price: $40.00 (USD)
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Overview

Discover Wonders of Wildlife Museum & Aquarium in Springfield, MO, an immersive 350,000-square-foot attraction blending conservation, education, and awe-inspiring exhibits. Enjoy access to both a world-class aquarium and an extensive wildlife museum with over 1.5 miles of trails and 800+ species. Perfect for all ages!

up to 4 hrs 1 or more people

Good To Know

  • Over 1.5 miles of immersive trails.
  • More than 35,000 live animals representing 800+ species.
  • Interactive exhibits, including touch pools and underwater tunnels.
  • Start at the Aquarium lobby and enter through the Nature's Best Photography exhibit.
  • Plan for up to 4 hours to explore at your own pace.
  • Final entry allowed 15 minutes before closing.
  • Located next to Bass Pro Shops National Headquarters in Springfield, MO.
  • Perfect for families, kids of all ages, and nature-loving adults.

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Insights from Tripster's own team members
Diana K. Tripster User Profile Image

Diana K.

The reviews say it, and I agree - it doesn't get better than this and it's in the middle of America! Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium is the largest immersive wildlife attraction in the world. Explore a 1.5-million-gallon aquarium adventure showcasing 35,000 live fish, mammals, reptiles and birds and a wildlife museum offering a tour of the wildest places on earth. The 350,000-square foot experience features more than 1.5 miles of immersive trails and exhibits.

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Description

Dive into the heart of Springfield, Missouri, and explore the Wonders of Wildlife Museum and Aquarium, a 350,000-square-foot marvel adjacent to Bass Pro Shops National Headquarters. Recognized as America's Best Aquarium, this expansive attraction features over 1.5 miles of immersive trails, bringing you face-to-face with more than 35,000 live fish, mammals, reptiles, and birds.

All Wonders of Wildlife tickets include access to the Wildlife Galleries and Aquarium Adventure.

Wildlife Galleries
Enjoy state-of-the-art 4D dioramas highlighting record-setting game animals in their natural habitats. These exhibits celebrate the rich heritage of hunters and anglers while emphasizing the importance of wildlife conservation.

Inside the Wildlife Galleries, explore the Nature’s Best Photography Exhibit, showcasing award-winning wildlife photography and videos from the prestigious Windland Smith Rice International Awards. Spanning 10,000 feet of gallery space, this collection will transport you to some of the most stunning places in the world.

Aquarium Adventure
Step into Aquarium Adventure and explore breathtaking underwater worlds. Walk through a sunken shipwreck teeming with colorful reef creatures, traverse an underwater tunnel surrounded by river monsters, and marvel at the vibrant life within the Great Barrier Reef exhibit. Interactive touch pools and the mesmerizing Open Ocean habitat offer hands-on experiences that delight visitors of all ages.

Beyond its exhibits, the museum is committed to education and conservation, offering unique programs and field trips designed to inspire a love for the outdoors and an understanding of the natural world.

Whether you're a family seeking an educational adventure or a wildlife enthusiast eager to explore, the Wonders of Wildlife Museum and Aquarium provides an unforgettable experience that celebrates the beauty and diversity of our planet.

Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium Reviews

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LovesPhotoOps
Hoover, Alabama
"Impressive and well worth the money"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed June 30, 2025 NEW
I loved this and my hunting/fishing husband loved it even more. If you have all day, you should be able to see the whole place. Our travel schedule meant we had two partial days available so we bought two-day passes online ($123.26 for two people) and spent a total of six hours over the two days. Each half of the place is laid out in a way where you have to follow a single route all the way through, but it is possible to miss a few of the galleries that are off to the side if you are not careful. They do not have any printed maps on site. You may want to print the online map ahead of time and take it with you to make sure you don’t miss anything. This will also help you know where the restrooms are. The whole campus including the Bass Pro Shops, conference center, and the museum/aquarium has similar décor throughout and it all looks like no expense was spared making it look attractive with luxurious wood trim and artistic light fixtures. The “Wildlife Galleries” museum begins with a short film in the theater. Then you pass through beautiful galleries about Native Americans, Theodore Roosevelt, and Lewis and Clark, followed by a series of habitat dioramas with taxidermy animals from different parts of the world. Don’t miss the gallery of Boone & Crockett Big Game Award trophy antlers, horns, and tusks that is on the left as you pass through the main level – when you see the antler arch on your left, go into that room and then return to the museum route. The exhibit of live Gentoo penguins is in the museum, not the aquarium. From the aquarium entrance lobby there was a separate “Nature’s Best Photography” gallery – well worth seeing, don’t miss that. The aquarium itself was amazing with sea turtles, jellyfish, eels, rays, all kinds of fish, and more. And the décor is visually stunning with large whales suspended from the ceiling, full size boats, and more. I liked the area with photos, quotes, and artifacts from US presidents who enjoyed fishing. There are several places in the museum and aquarium where you can sit for a few minutes and watch a very good short film (e.g. US national parks, wild sheep conservation, African wildlife, wildlife photography). Some of the films were about Johnny Morris and his fishing trips. It’s wonderful that Johnny Morris has used his fortune and fame to promote conservation, but be prepared to get a large dose of promotion of Mr. Morris himself throughout this campus. Outside the ticketed area, in the Bass Pro Shops store there are several galleries that are free to enter: history of Bass Pro Shops; archery hall of fame; firearms museum; motorsports that have been sponsored by Bass Pro Shops; and taxidermy exhibits all over the store.
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334kelliw
Temple, Texas
"WOW is right"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed June 29, 2025 NEW
There are truly no words to describe this aquarium and wildlife museum. It can be pricey, but we found an online “Happy Hour” deal. It was $30 each, including a $5 drink voucher each and 10% off souvenir. It was for entrance after 2 PM, Monday-Friday. Such a great great time. Do it! And don’t sleep on the wildlife museum that is included. It was amazing as well.
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Global12835616204
"We highly recommend for all ages"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed June 24, 2025 NEW
I rarely leave reviews, but I can’t begin to describe this highly impressive museum/aquarium. From top to bottom, every exhibit is so well-designed, immersive, clean and just spectacular. We attended the Wonders of Wildlife Museum and Aquarium with my 80 year old parents. My dad has trouble walking more than a few feet at a time. Luckily we were able to borrow a push wheelchair (limited availability) for him so he could enjoy the visit. There is a lot of walking, so keep that in mind if you have trouble walking long distances. Regarding accessibility, we were easily able to navigate the museum with the wheelchair via ramps and elevators. My dad could easily see the exhibits from the wheelchair with multiple viewing areas. We spent over 4 hours here with a short break at the snack bar area, and enjoyed a wonderful afternoon at this lovely attraction. I would definitely like to visit again.
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aaryn528
Columbus, Kansas
"Awesome Aquarium and photo exhibit"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed June 22, 2025 NEW
Excellent a must see attraction! Will definitely go back in the future! There are numerous aquariums and museum like features. Beautiful;)
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edwardnW711WZ
"Museum Problem for Senior Citizens"
TripAdvisor user rating 3.0 out of 5
Reviewed May 28, 2025
This is an excellent museum but with a major problem of signage telling one where to go. Saw a jumbotron for the museum but ended up at the attached Outdoor World store. Entered the museum there but when we ended up in the Aquarium got lost. The elevator had many floors listed but didn't list what floor to go to for the exit. When we exited we discovered we were on the totally opposite side of the building from where we parked. We had to walk a long way to get back to our car. Since my wife & I have some disability walking, this was very hard! This museum does not account for senior citizens who might get easily confused much less have walking problems!
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Frequently Asked Questions about Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium

Where is Wonders of Wildlife located?

The conservation-themed Wonders of Wildlife attraction is located in Springfield, Missouri at 500 W Sunshine Street, next to Bass Pro Shops National Headquarters.

Are the Wildlife Galleries and Aquarium Adventure two separate tickets?

No, both experiences are included with a one-day or two-day Wonders of Wildlife ticket.

When is the best time to visit?

We recommend visiting during the late fall and winter months, excluding holidays. If visiting in the spring or summer months, we recommend visiting Monday through Thursday.

How much time should we allocate for a visit?

To fully experience both the Wildlife Galleries and Aquarium Adventure, plan to spend at least 3 to 4 hours. The Wonders of Wildlife complex contains over 1.5 miles of trails. Wear a good pair of shoes to accommodate for walking.

Is this museum suitable for children?

Yes, the museum and aquarium are family-friendly and children will enjoy exciting, interactive experiences, while adults explore handcrafted exhibits and fascinating displays. Please note that children under age 15 must be accompanied by an adult.

Where do I park?

Free parking is located across the Wonders of Wildlife and Bass Pro Shops campus. ADA-accessible parking is available in front of the primary entrance at 1935 S Campbell, as well as outside the Aquarium’s Great Oceans Hall at 500 W Sunshine. Both entries also offer space for pick-up and drop-off access. Overflow parking is available at the Cherokee Street entrance to Outdoor World located on the south side of the building.

Is the museum accessible for strollers and wheelchairs?

Yes, the facility is wheelchair accessible and stroller-friendly (push-style only) with elevators and ramps available throughout. Wagons or wagon-style strollers are not permitted in the museum due to narrow walkways.

Does Wonders of Wildlife offer wheelchair, scooter, or stroller rentals?

Yes, wheelchairs, scooters, and strollers are available to rent during your visit for a nominal fee, and manual wheelchairs are available free of charge. All rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Can I take pictures inside the museum?

Yes, however, flash photography is prohibited. Guests are encouraged to take as many photos and videos as they would like of all shows and experiences.

Are dining options available?

Yes, the museum offers on-site dining options, including Fish Tales Cafe and the Shipwreck Snack Bar. Hemingway's Bluewater Cafe is also located nearby in Bass Pro Shops.

Can I leave the museum and return on the same day?

Definitely! You are welcome to leave and come back during the day. Re-entry will require proof of purchase, such as your ticket stub and/or receipt.

Are there accommodations for nursing mothers?

Yes, a mother’s nursing room is available in the Great Oceans Hall, near the Hemmingway boat, toward the gift shop exit. Changing tables are also provided in every restroom.