Bass Pro Shops is an immersive shopping experience dedicated to celebrating the great outdoors. With over 500,000 square feet, Bass Pro has one of the largest assortments of outdoor gear, apparel, and souvenirs all under one roof.
But Bass Pro Shops is more than just a shopping destination. It has several free museums to learn the history of everything from archery to motorsports and fly-fishing. For an amazing aquarium experience, you can also purchase tickets to visit Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium.
You could easily spend hours exploring the building without seeing everything. So, let's take a closer look at the must-see museums that you can explore for free within Bass Pro Shops.
Bass Pro Shops History Museum
As bass fishing grew in popularity, so did the clear waters of the Ozarks. At the same time, Bass Pro Shops began to expand as well.
What started as a small shop run by Johnny Morris quickly became a family operation, and in 1974, Johnny launched the very first Bass Pro Shops catalog. With 180 pages and over 1,500 listed products, it sold worldwide for $2 a copy.
The Bass Pro Shops History Museum tells the story of how it evolved into the “Grandaddy of All Outdoor Stores” that nature lovers know today. Bass Pro Shops now has over 100 locations around the country, all dedicated to a love of nature and a passion for outdoor adventure.
Archery Hall of Fame & Museum
The Archery Hall of Fame and Museum was created to honor the legends of the archery community by inducting them into its Hall of Fame. The museum is home to more than 1,500 artifacts, including a personal bow crafted by the legendary Apache Chief, Geronimo.
One of the standout exhibits is dedicated to Fred Bear, often called “The Father of Modern Bowhunting.” The display includes his personal archery toolbox, original workshop equipment, and other memorabilia.
You’ll even find the actual bear and photos of the World Record Alaskan Brown Bear he famously took down with a single arrow from 20 yards away in May 1960.
Bass Pro Shops Motorsports Museum
You’ll find the Bass Pro Shops Motorsports Museum upstairs, just inside the main entrance of the store. It’s a must-visit for any racing fan or anyone who loves motorsport history.
The museum has a huge collection of racing memorabilia, including actual race cars, fire suits, helmets, and rare collectibles from the world of motorsports.
One of the highlights is the chance to see some famous race cars, like Dale Earnhardt's No. 3 car that won the Daytona 500 in 1998.
National Sporting Arms Museum
If you want to check out how hunting gear has changed over time in the US, the National Sporting Arms Museum is the place to go. They've got a huge collection, from old-school colonial tools all the way to modern hunting equipment.
The world's premier collection of sporting arms, including Teddy Roosevelt's personal hunting rifle and the iconic rifle from the movie The Lone Survivor, can all be found on display here. You can even explore exhibits like the one dedicated to Lewis and Clark, with original artifacts from their iconic expedition.
The museum is not just for showing historic weapons, though. It is committed to the study of wildlife and ecosystem preservation, helping us better understand the natural world and our place in it.
The American Museum of Fly Fishing
The American Museum of Fly Fishing was first founded in 1968 in Manchester, Vermont by a group who believed the story of fly-fishing is an important piece of American culture.
50 years after its founding, the museum partnered with Bass Pro Shops to share the story in the Ozark Mountains. The museum is dedicated to preserving the legacy of fly fishing and has been collecting and preserving artifacts, artwork, and literature ever since.
Today, the museum has the largest collection of fly-fishing tools in the world, including more than 22,000 flies, 1,400 rods, 1,200 reels, and more than 700 prints and paintings.
Through these collections, the museum hopes to educate visitors and keep the spirit of fly fishing alive for future generations to come.
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