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

500 W. Sunshine StreetSpringfield, MO 65807
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$36.00
Total Price: $36.00 (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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835lenah
"Great Day Trip"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed January 07, 2025
This is a lovely place to spend an afternoon! It has so much to see, all varieties of fish and some wildlife and different habitats. This was my second time going, and I loved it just as much both times. I'm not a big "fish person," but this place really is impressive. Some of my favorite parts: the jellies exhibit, petting and feeding the eels, and the penguins. We were tired out by the end and really went through the natural history museum quickly to get to the penguins. But overall it's a great attraction and worth our small road trip to get here and the 2-4 hrs it takes to get through the place. Will be going back for sure.
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jessicak756
Tarpon Springs, Florida
"Aquarium extravaganza"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed December 31, 2024
Really well thought out aquarium and museum. We especially enjoyed the aquarium - each display was well designed and the animals looked healthy and content. It had an almost Disney like feel in the details. One thing to note is the lighting is very dim for the entire aquarium experience, so this encourages one to slow down and really take everything in. The museum aspect is a lot of taxidermy animals and dioramas, something not very interesting for my family, but it was well laid out for those that enjoy that kind of museum. For us it was all about the aquarium! We spent a little over 4 hours here. Like everything it’s pricey - $45/person. But given the aquarium experience, and we’ve been to a lot of aquariums in our travels, this one is in the top 3.
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IllinoisKate1
Illinois
"All three generations loved this attraction"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed December 15, 2024
Wow, we walked away with such fond family memories. It's pricey but can easily spend 4-5 hours here. We have a couple items where it could be improved: have more signs of what fish, reptiles....etc are in the tanks. Also, need a better map how to navigate in the aquarium building. Grandpa took the elevator while we took the escalator and we both ended up in different areas. Thankful that an employee brought him to us. This is a place we will return every 3-4 years as the children grow up.
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StacyD7175
Ozark, Missouri
"This review is for the service only and not the Aquarium "
TripAdvisor user rating 1.0 out of 5
Reviewed November 27, 2024
Usually I really enjoy this place but we bought passes this year and not happy with the service. We bought the free refill cups and one of the grandkids lost the lid so I asked for another lid after standing on line 10 minutes and the gal said she would have to ask her manager. Manager said no. The grandkids spilled the drink throughout the aquarium. They made a mess accidentally throughout. This review is not for the aquarium but for the help we couldn't receive. Will not buy family passes again nor the expensive refill cups. How hard would it have been to give a lid?
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810onyxf
"Waste of time and misinformed employees"
TripAdvisor user rating 1.0 out of 5
Reviewed November 25, 2024
We have been trying to bring my daughter for 3 days in a row. We drove 20 hours because this has been one of her dreams to visit your aquarium. We went Saturday at 5pm as soon as we arrived. We were told that it would take 3 hours to complete the walk and with your aquarium closing at 7 we wouldn't be able to complete the tour. preferably come back another day atleast 3 hours before 7pm. We tried again yesterday Sunday 24th when we were done running our errands around 230. Arrived at 4pm and we're told the exact samething. Today Monday 11/25 we called ahead of time and was transfered to the aquarium representative she said if we came in at 3 it was okay because your aquarium takes the last visitor 15minutes before closing at 5pm. That's when I inquire about being told, yall closed at 7pm and she gave me the correct hours. On our way which is less than a mile, my husband called again to confirm that we could come in at 3 and we could do the aquarium tour. And once again, we were transfered to the aquarium center and was told "Yes you can come in and complete the tour" "Since our last customer we're allowed to take it's at 15 minutes before closing" we get there to the aquarium section and was told that 3pm is too late to do the tour and come back another day. We mentioned the phone conversation and the representative denied the details given to us. Stating that we won't be able to complete the tour because the aquarium closes at 5pm and that no one is allowed to join the tour 15 minutes before closing neither. Seems like your employees are confused with their job guidelines or there's some kind of miscommunication between your employees. I won't put pass that 1 of them really dislikes her job. I've worked in retail my whole life. Seen misinformed employees, rude employees and lazy ones. Never leave a review or complaint. Because it can cause someone's livelihood but this is insane, since we drove 20 hrs to get told NO every single time. At this point my daughter is discouraged and doesn't want to go anymore. Never seen her so hurt over being not allowed to visit your center. And yes I will share this experience in every platform and review websites. Not to hurt your business, but hopefully someone will listen and help your employees get informed better in their job roles and fix this issue. We leave tomorrow night. And as much as a country loving family and fans of bass pro shops this was enough for me to not visit or shop in any of your stores again.
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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.