America’s Conservation Capital
Nature-based Attractions in Springfield, MO
Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife is the centerpiece of America’s Conservation Capital in Missouri’s Ozark Mountains.
Known as America's Conservation Capital, Springfield, MO, offers a variety of nature-based attractions and experiences to connect with the outdoors. With activities like fishing on Table Rock Lake, golfing on world-class courses, shooting ranges, horseback riding and more, each experience includes signature details and natural beauty for which Johnny Morris is best known.
While you're here...
Check out the other attractions located inside Bass Pro Shops while you visit WOW.
Johnny Morris Foundation
To support conservation, wildlife and positive environmental change, the Johnny Morris Foundation gives our community opportunities to connect with the great outdoors and make a difference in conserving our natural resources. Using his entrepreneurial success as a platform for these causes, Johnny Morris has contributed time and resources to many significant conservation efforts.
Dogwood Canyon Nature Park
Lampe, Missouri
Dogwood Canyon is a 10,000-acre outdoor playground offering hiking, biking, Segway tours, wildlife tram tours, horseback riding and trout fishing amongst towering bluffs, waterfalls, creek beds, handcrafted bridges and wildlife such as American bison, Rocky Mountain elk and white-tailed deer.
Ancient Ozarks Museum
Ridgedale, Missouri
The Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum will take you back to a time when massive animals roamed the area. The Museum houses one of the most significant collections of Native American artifacts in the world and showcases the geological history of the Ozarks as well as rare Civil War and American West relics.
Nearby Experiences & Attractions
Big Cedar Lodge
Big Cedar Lodge is America’s premier wilderness resort. The 4,600-acre lakeside retreat connects families to the outdoors with a variety of nature-based experiences including fishing, shooting, boating, hiking, spa and wellness offerings, hosting more than 1.5 million guests annually. Named “Number One Resort in the Midwest” by the readers of Travel + Leisure for two consecutive years, the resort offers genuine Ozarks hospitality and a convenient location just south of Branson.
Top of the Rock Ozarks Heritage Preserve
Top of the Rock is a nature-based heritage preserve and majestic cliff top extension of the award-winning resort experience at Big Cedar Lodge. Remarkable restaurants and social spaces with jaw-dropping views accompany nature-based attractions including the Lost Canyon Cave Trail, a self-guided electric cart tour through an Ozarks landscape and cave, and the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum, celebrating the people, wildlife and history of the Ozarks region. The 462-acre development also offers award-winning golf and enchanting wedding and special event venues with genuine Ozarks hospitality and signature creativity.
Big Cedar Golf
World-class golf at Big Cedar Lodge combines the natural beauty and stunning views of the surrounding Ozark Mountains with challenging play for golfers of all ages and skill levels. Five courses in total, Big Cedar Golf offers course designs by some of the most prominent names in golf including Top of the Rock by Jack Nicklaus, Buffalo Ridge by Tom Fazio, Ozarks National by Coore & Crenshaw, Mountain Top by Gary Player, and Payne's Valley by Tiger Woods.
Table Rock Lake
Table Rock Lake offers 800 miles of wooded shoreline and 43,000 surface acres of blue green water, making it one of the premier fishing and recreation lakes anywhere in the country. Guests can enjoy boating, sailing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, hiking and shoreline camping amongst fishing for a healthy population of walleye, bluegill, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, white bass, spotted bass and flathead catfish.
On-site Attractions & Museums
While you're at Wonders of Wildlife, check out these other opportunities.
Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World - Known as the “grandaddy” of all outdoor stores, this is the number one tourist destination in Missouri attracting four million families, sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts every year. With nearly 500,000 square feet of immersive shopping fun, the original Bass Pro Shops location offers visitors one of the largest assortments of outdoor gear, apparel and gifts under one roof.
The Wonders of the Ozarks Learning Facility (WOLF) School - A comprehensive outdoor learning school operated in partnership with Springfield Public Schools, Missouri Department of Conservation and Bass Pro Shops is a national model for outdoor education. The school educates and inspires future conservation leaders by offering lucky 5th-grade students a full-time curriculum for an entire school year. While students spend significant time in nature, fully equipped classrooms and labs offer everything they need to learn about and protect the outdoors for life.
The John A. & Genny Morris Conservation Education Center - This education center beckons the conservation leaders of today and tomorrow to gather together at the completed 50,000-square-foot facility. Elaborate banquet spaces with a signature wilderness atmosphere are available for national conservation organizations as well as local community groups. Conferences, meetings, lectures, workshops and special functions can be accommodated with a full kitchen and hospitality team to support catering and events.
Bass Pro Shops Motorsports Museum - Located inside Bass Pro Shops, the Motorsports Museum features a variety of racing memorabilia, such as fire suits, helmets and racing collectibles. Visitors can get an up-close look at the actual cars used in races, such as the champion No. 3 car Dale Earnhardt drove for his Daytona 500 win in 1998. Learn More ›
Bass Pro Shops History Museum - Learn about the rich history of Bass Pro Shops and its humble beginnings when founder Johnny Morris got his start in 1972 by selling fishing tackle out of the back of his father’s store. Since then, Johnny has earned a reputation as one of the most visionary and influential retailers of the last 50 years.
NRA National Sporting Arms Museum - This free museum showcases the development and evolution of hunting arms in America from colonial times to today; home to the premier collection of sporting arms in the world. Learn More ›
Archery Hall of Fame - This free gallery seeks to preserve the sport’s history and tradition with more than 1,500 artifacts including a handmade bow made by the Native American Apache leader Geronimo. Learn More ›