7 Shocking Secrets Of The World's Biggest Bass Pro Shop (It's Not Where You Think)
The title of the world's largest Bass Pro Shops is a hotly debated topic among outdoor enthusiasts, but as of today, December 15, 2025, the undisputed champion for sheer retail size and unique architecture is the colossal Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid in Memphis, Tennessee. This is not just a store; it is a 535,000-square-foot retail and entertainment complex housed inside one of the city's most iconic structures, offering an outdoor experience unlike any other on the planet.
This massive retail destination completely overshadows the traditional "Grandaddy of All Bass Pro Shops" in Springfield, Missouri, which is the original flagship store. The Memphis Pyramid location represents the single largest investment in size and scope that the company has ever made outside of its national headquarters, transforming a dormant landmark into a vibrant hub for hunting, fishing, and outdoor adventure.
The Colossus of Commerce: Bass Pro Shops at the Memphis Pyramid
The Bass Pro Shops Pyramid is an architectural marvel that has become a destination in its own right. After years of sitting mostly empty, the iconic Memphis Pyramid was completely transformed by Bass Pro Shops founder, Johnny Morris, into a truly immersive outdoor experience.
- Location: Memphis, Tennessee
- Structure: The Memphis Pyramid (formerly the Great American Pyramid)
- Total Retail Size: Approximately 535,000 square feet
- Opening Date: April 29, 2015
- Developer/Visionary: Johnny Morris (Founder of Bass Pro Shops)
- Unique Feature: Houses the Big Cypress Lodge, a luxury wilderness hotel.
1. It's Nearly Five Times the Size of an Average Walmart
To truly grasp the scale of the Memphis Pyramid location, consider its retail footprint. At 535,000 square feet, the store is nearly five times the size of an average Walmart Supercenter. This immense space is required to house not only the massive inventory of outdoor gear but also the numerous attractions and immersive environments built within. It’s an overwhelming experience for first-time visitors.
2. A Luxury Hotel is Built Inside the Store
One of the most unique features of the Pyramid is the Big Cypress Lodge. This is not a separate building; it is a luxury wilderness hotel built directly into the store’s interior. Guests can stay in rustic-elegant rooms and suites that feature private screened-in porches, some of which overlook the store’s cypress swamp and retail space below.
Staying at the Big Cypress Lodge offers an unparalleled experience, allowing guests to literally live inside the world of Bass Pro Shops. It is the ultimate destination for any serious outdoor enthusiast or a traveler looking for a truly unique lodging experience in downtown Memphis.
3. It Features a 100-Foot-Tall Cypress Swamp
The centerpiece of the retail space is an enormous, man-made cypress swamp. This incredible feat of engineering features 100-foot-tall cypress trees that stretch up toward the pyramid’s apex. The swamp is part of the store’s two floors of immersive retail space, creating a breathtaking, naturalistic environment for shoppers.
The attention to detail in the natural exhibits is astounding. The store’s interior mimics the look and feel of a genuine Delta swamp, complete with realistic flora and fauna displays. This environmental design helps to connect shoppers with the wilderness that the gear is designed for.
4. Over 600,000 Gallons of Water in Aquariums
The Bass Pro Shops Pyramid is home to massive aquariums that hold over 600,000 gallons of water. These tanks are teeming with various species of live fish, showcasing the local aquatic life of the Mississippi River and the surrounding region. The aquariums are a major attraction, drawing in millions of visitors annually.
The sheer volume of water and the size of the fish habitats make this a must-see for families and fishing enthusiasts alike. It serves as a living, breathing educational exhibit on conservation and marine biology, a core value of the Bass Pro Shops brand.
More Than Just a Store: Attractions and Experiences
The Memphis Pyramid location has successfully blended retail with entertainment, turning a simple shopping trip into a full-day adventure. The combination of retail, dining, and interactive exhibits creates a high-value experience for visitors of all ages.
5. The Home of the National Waterfowling Heritage Center
For hunting enthusiasts, the Pyramid houses the National Waterfowling Heritage Center. This interactive museum is dedicated to the history and traditions of waterfowl hunting, particularly in the Mississippi Flyway. It boasts one of the largest assortments of waterfowl and related hunting equipment ever assembled in one location.
This center goes beyond just selling gear; it offers a deep dive into the culture and conservation efforts surrounding waterfowling. It provides a historical context for the sport, making it a powerful draw for hunters from across the country.
6. An Indoor Bowling Alley and Restaurant
Adding to the entertainment factor is Uncle Buck's Fishbowl & Grill. This is a themed restaurant and bowling alley located within the complex. The lanes and dining area are designed to look like a deep-sea environment, complete with underwater murals and aquatic-themed bowling balls.
This feature makes the Pyramid a perfect spot for a family outing or a date night, proving that Bass Pro Shops is committed to being an all-encompassing entertainment destination, not just a place to buy fishing lures. The blend of retail and leisure activities is a key strategy for the company.
7. The World's Tallest Freestanding Elevator
To reach the apex of the Pyramid, visitors can ride the world's tallest freestanding elevator. This impressive structure takes guests up to the observation deck, offering panoramic views of the Memphis skyline, the Mississippi River, and the Arkansas delta. The view from the top is a spectacular photo opportunity.
The observation deck is a key attraction, providing a breathtaking perspective that solidifies the Pyramid’s status as a major landmark. It offers a stunning contrast between the urban environment of Memphis and the vast natural landscape of the river valley, perfectly encapsulating the spirit of the Bass Pro Shops brand.
The Legacy of the Flagship Store in Springfield, MO
While the Memphis Pyramid holds the title of the largest single retail store, no discussion of the "biggest pro bass shop" is complete without mentioning the original flagship store in Springfield, Missouri. Often called the "Grandaddy," this location is almost 500,000 square feet on its own.
Crucially, the Springfield location is directly connected to the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium. When combining the retail space with the Wonders of Wildlife, the total complex spans an incredible 850,000 square feet of shopping and entertainment. This massive complex, also spearheaded by Johnny Morris, remains a monumental destination for conservation and outdoor education.
The Springfield store features its own impressive attractions, including waterfalls, aquariums, a firing range, and the Hemingway's Blue Water Café. While the Memphis Pyramid is the largest single retail space, the Springfield complex, with its Wonders of Wildlife connection, is arguably the largest *outdoor-themed entertainment complex* in the world, solidifying Bass Pro Shops' dominance in the outdoor retail sector.
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