ZooMissouri, US

Wonders of Wildlife Museum & Aquarium

Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium offers an unparalleled immersive journey into the natural world, celebrated as America's Best Aquarium and Best New Attraction by USA Today readers.

Official website Open in Maps

About

Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium offers an unparalleled immersive journey into the natural world, celebrated as America's Best Aquarium and Best New Attraction by USA Today readers. This massive 350,000-square-foot facility seamlessly blends a world-class aquarium with an expansive wildlife museum, captivating visitors with its dedication to conservation and the outdoor heritage. It's a place where the marvels of aquatic life meet meticulously crafted terrestrial habitats, creating an educational and inspiring experience for all ages.

Prepare to be mesmerized by 1.5 million gallons of freshwater and saltwater habitats teeming with 35,000 live animals representing over 800 species. Explore the vibrant, three-story Great Barrier Reef, complete with colorful fish and life-size whale replicas swimming overhead, or plunge into the depths of Shipwreck Reef where you can interact with circling stingrays. The Amazon exhibit transports you to a lush rainforest with piranhas and unique aquatic creatures, while Penguin Cove delights with its playful colony of live penguins. Beyond the aquatic wonders, the Wildlife Galleries feature state-of-the-art 4D dioramas, showcasing taxidermied animals in breathtakingly realistic global habitats, from the African savanna with its elephants and giraffes to the icy Arctic and American prairies with bears, elk, and record-setting game animals.

Wonders of Wildlife is more than just a collection of exhibits; it's an immersive adventure designed to connect you deeply with nature. Guests can experience changing temperatures, sounds, and even smells that recreate diverse ecosystems, enhancing the feeling of truly being there. This commitment to detail, combined with interactive displays and educational narratives, fosters a profound appreciation for wildlife and inspires a commitment to conservation. Located adjacent to the Bass Pro Shops National Headquarters, it stands as a testament to the vision of its founder, Johnny Morris, and his lifelong passion for the outdoors. Take the ultimate field guide with you: use the Snappit app to identify birds, plants, and animals on your trip.

Wonders of Wildlife was conceived by Johnny Morris, the visionary founder of Bass Pro Shops, who envisioned a national institution dedicated to conservation and celebrating outdoor heritage. The original facility first opened its doors in 2001, featuring 92,000 square feet of space and housing 225 species of live animals. After welcoming over a million visitors, the attraction closed in December 2007 for extensive renovations and an ambitious expansion project. It grandly reopened on September 21, 2017, as Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium, significantly expanded to 350,000 square feet. The reopening was a notable event, attended by former Presidents Jimmy Carter and George W. Bush, highlighting its national importance in conservation. Today, it operates as a non-profit educational conservation attraction, continuously advocating for wildlife preservation.

What to do here

Explore diverse freshwater and saltwater ecosystems, observe live animals, marvel at the lifelike 4D taxidermy dioramas, learn about conservation efforts, and consider unique experiences like the shark dive or penguin encounters. Keep an eye out for divers feeding the fish in some tanks.

Seasonal info

Holidays and summer weekends are typically the busiest times. The venue also hosts special seasonal events, such as "Scuba Claus" during November and December, featuring divers in Santa costumes in the Great Barrier Reef exhibit.

Accessibility

Wonders of Wildlife is fully wheelchair accessible and stroller-friendly, with elevators and ramps conveniently located throughout the facility. Complimentary manual wheelchairs are available, and electric scooters, single, and double strollers can be rented. Sensory kits with headphones and fidgets are also provided at ticketing locations to enhance the experience for those with sensory sensitivities.

Plan your visit

Suggested duration: Wonders of Wildlife encompasses over 1.5 miles of immersive exhibits. While some visitors may move quickly through in 3-4 hours, it's recommended to allow at least 4-6 hours to fully experience both the aquarium and wildlife galleries. Those who enjoy reading all the information and engaging with exhibits can easily spend a full day (6-7 hours) or even split the visit over two days, especially if exploring the adjacent Bass Pro Shops.
Best time to visit: To avoid larger crowds, consider visiting during the late fall and winter months, excluding major holidays. If planning a trip in spring or summer, weekdays (Monday through Thursday) are generally less busy than weekends.
Location: Missouri, US
Species in this guide: 12

Best for

Families With ChildrenWildlife And Conservation EnthusiastsPhotography EnthusiastsCouples And Adults Seeking Immersive Educational Experiences

Official website Open in Maps

Don't miss

Don't miss the awe-inspiring Great Barrier Reef, the interactive touch tanks with stingrays, the immersive Shipwreck Reef, and the captivating Penguin Cove. The Great African Hall and other detailed wildlife dioramas are also must-sees. For an adrenaline rush, consider the "Out to Sea Shark Dive."

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Monarch Butterfly

American Bullfrog

Eastern Gray Squirrel

Asian Lady Beetle

Great Spangled Fritillary

Bee

American Robin

Common Buckeye

Carpenter Bee

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

Loading map…

Good to know before you go

Plan your time wisely

** This attraction is vast. Allocate at least 4-6 hours, or even a full day, to fully appreciate all the exhibits without feeling rushed.

Wear comfortable shoes

You'll be walking extensively through 1.5 miles of exhibits, so comfortable footwear is essential.

Purchase tickets online

Booking your tickets in advance online can often result in lower prices compared to purchasing them in person on the day of your visit.

Utilize free parking

Ample free parking is available on the Bass Pro Shops property, adjacent to the aquarium entrance.

Turn off your flash

Flash photography is prohibited inside the museum and aquarium to avoid disturbing the animals.

Consider special encounters

Enhance your visit with add-on experiences like the Out to Sea Shark Dive or a Penguin Encounter for a closer look at these fascinating creatures.

Visit during off-peak times

For a less crowded experience, aim for late fall/winter (excluding holidays) or weekdays during spring/summer.

Frequently asked questions

: No, outside food and drinks are generally not permitted inside Wonders of Wildlife due to limited seating in their cafes and to maintain cleanliness. However, guests with dietary restrictions, allergies, or those needing to bring baby formula or small children's snacks may be accommodated. You are welcome to leave and re-enter the museum on the same day if you wish to eat elsewhere, provided you retain proof of purchase.
: Wonders of Wildlife recommends allowing 3-4 hours for the experience, as it features over 1.5 miles of exhibits. However, many visitors report spending 4-6 hours, and those who thoroughly enjoy reading all exhibit information or have young children could easily spend a full day (6-7 hours).
: Yes, Wonders of Wildlife is fully wheelchair accessible and stroller-friendly. The facility is equipped with elevators and ramps throughout to ensure ease of navigation for all guests. Manual wheelchairs are available for complimentary use, and electric scooters, single, and double strollers can be rented on a first-come, first-served basis.