It’s Official! Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife Vote “America’s Best Aquarium for an unprecedented fifth time!

Published March 17, 2023

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Located within the beautiful Ozark region of the central United States, Johnny Morris’ not-for-profit Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium 

is the largest and most important conservation attraction to open in America in more than 100 years.  

Wonders of Wildlife is Bass Pro Shops founder and noted conservationist Johnny Morris’ gift to sportsmen and women in America. This world-class educational venue is his way of repaying the blessings he has received from a life lived enjoying the outdoors.  

There is nothing like Wonders of Wildlife in the world! Johnny Morris’ passionate and unwavering focus to connect folks to the great outdoors reveals his commitment to future generations.Today, Wonders of Wildlife is a leading educational venue serving to pass on the conservation message to visitors of all ages. 

Each visit proves to be an inspirational journey into the natural habitats of the world’s most incredible species. Guests are reminded of the amazing natural resources found across our nation’s landscape, the story of our nation’s conservation history, and the unwavering commitment by sportsmen and women – hunters and anglers.   

With more than 35,000 live fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds, the 350,000-square foot complex is a wonder in and of itself. It contains 1.5 miles of trails through immersive habitats and features aquariums totaling more than 1.5 million gallons. And the WOW experience continues to grow with recent additions, including the Nature’s Best Photography exhibit, the American Museum of Fly Fishing, and a soon-to-arrive 7,000-gallon jellyfish aquarium. The venue is also involved in research and management efforts, including holding and propagating coral, rehabilitating sea turtles, and holding endangered Oronoco crocodiles, all while continuing public school programs worldwide.

For the past century, sportsmen and women have led the way in paying for fish and wildlife management. Through implementing fishing and hunting licenses and federal excise taxes on select outdoor products, funding has been provided for landmark conservation achievements. Thanks to hunters and anglers, our nation’s conservation success story is unlike any the world has ever seen. 

Committed to conservation education, Wonders of Wildlife, along with its education team and diverse partners (which include most major conservation organizations), reaches millions each year through on-site visits and distance learning programs.

This national recognition highlights our nation’s strong support for conservation and our outdoor heritage, including the activities of fishing and hunting.  

“We are honored to be recognized and are grateful to our guests, partners, staff and volunteers for their steadfast support,” said Johnny. “Every team member at Wonders of Wildlife is passionate about conservation and wildlife education, and we challenge ourselves every day to excite visitors and create the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts. We are excited to work with our partners in conservation, and will continue to inspire generations to connect and engage in the great outdoors.”