Wonders of Wildlife: A Guide to the World of Wonder Museum Springfield MO

“We wanted to have this special tribute to them because in many respects they were our first conservationists,” said Morris. “They lived off the land and were good stewards of the land and they had a profound and deep appreciation for fish and wildlife.” This sentiment encapsulates the core mission behind the World Of Wonder Museum Springfield Mo, officially known as the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium. Situated in Springfield, Missouri, this expansive attraction aims to connect visitors with the natural world and the importance of conservation through immersive exhibits.

From the dedication to early conservationists, the museum guides visitors through vibrant wildlife galleries. These displays bring guests eye-to-eye with an unparalleled collection of record-setting game animals ever assembled. Adjacent to this, an all-new 1.5 million gallon aquarium adventure showcases a vast array of aquatic life, including 35,000 live fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds. It’s an experience designed to educate and inspire a deep appreciation for nature.

“Our conservation partners have spent literally hours and literally years studying these habitats to share them accurately and I’m very proud of them,” Morris added, highlighting the dedication behind the museum’s realistic portrayals of various ecosystems. Planning a visit to this significant attraction in the Ozarks? You can explore more about the various attractions and features that make up worlds of wonder springfield mo.

Bison exhibit under northern lights at Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium in Springfield, MO.

Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri.

A Historic Opening Celebration

The grand opening of the museum in September 2017 was a landmark event, attended by prominent figures including former Presidents Jimmy Carter and George W. Bush, alongside other dignitaries and conservationists. The presence of such notable individuals underscored the national significance of Wonders of Wildlife and its mission.

During the opening ceremonies, former President George W. Bush commented on the museum’s potential impact. “Laura sends her best and I can’t wait to tell her how cool this place is,” he said. “This is the story of America’s future. I value Johnny for promoting the idea of being a good steward of God’s creation and I applaud you for your willingness to educate a group of youngsters coming up about how vital the outdoors is to our nation’s future.” His words echoed the museum’s goal of inspiring future generations to protect wildlife and natural habitats.

Bush also shared a statement from his father, the late former President George H.W. Bush, a long-time friend of Johnny Morris. “What my friend, Johnny Morris, has created with this museum is a treasured gift to America and our proud outdoor heritage,” the elder Bush wrote. “What excites me the most is the impact I know this facility will have on our young people.” These endorsements from national leaders reinforced the museum’s standing as a vital institution for conservation education.

With a mission centered on celebrating individuals who hunt, fish, and serve as stewards of land and water resources, Johnny Morris’s creation ensures his legacy of conservation will endure for generations. The world of wonder museum Springfield Missouri is a testament to this dedication.

Guided tour at Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium, Springfield Missouri.

Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri.

By the Numbers

The scale of the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium is impressive. Vibrant and expansive aquariums and aquatic habitats offer unique immersive experiences. Visitors can explore diverse environments, from a river teeming with piranhas to an underwater tunnel surrounded by large river creatures, or even plunge to the depths of the ocean amidst sharks. The world of wonder aquarium springfield mo section is a key highlight, offering breathtaking underwater journeys.

Key figures for this vast attraction include:

• 350,000-square-foot total fish and wildlife attraction space.
• More than 1.5 miles of trails winding through immersive exhibits and displays.
• 1.5 million gallons dedicated to world-class aquarium adventures, featuring both freshwater and saltwater habitats.
• 35,000 live fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds, representing over 800 species.
• Contributions from more than 40 leading conservation organizations, highlighting a collaborative effort in bringing this vision to life.

These numbers underline the magnitude and scope of what the world of wonder springfield missouri attraction offers to its visitors.

Whale exhibit centerpiece in the Wonders of Wildlife Aquarium, Springfield Missouri.

Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri.

Highlights

Several specific exhibits stand out within the World Of Wonder Museum Springfield Mo:

• Great Oceans Hall: This breathtaking exhibit brings the vastness of the ocean inland. After viewing historic fishing boats once owned by icons like Ernest Hemingway, visitors encounter a 300,000-gallon circular “open ocean” habitat filled with diverse marine life, including zebra sharks, leopard rays, and sea turtles. (Original Source: https://wondersofwildlife.org/aquarium/)
• Shipwreck Reef: Explore the mysteries of the ocean floor as you traverse a recreated sunken shipwreck that now serves as a home to colorful reef creatures such as eels, goliath groupers, and lobsters.
• The Great African Hall: A dramatically presented exhibit immersing guests in the African savannah. It features iconic species like elephants, giraffes, rhinos, and zebras, capturing the continent’s raw beauty and daily struggles while paying tribute to crucial African wildlife conservation efforts. (Original Source: https://wondersofwildlife.org/wildlife-galleries/)
• Sheep Mountain: This section showcases the impressive personal collection of avid hunter Arthur Dubbs, featuring over 40 record-setting sheep species from around the world displayed on rugged cliffside replicas.
• Penguin Cove: Home to a lively colony of Gentoo penguins, this exhibit uniquely features two 360-degree “pop-up” bubbles, allowing guests to get an up-close, immersive view directly inside the habitat. (Original Source: https://wondersofwildlife.org/ticket/penguin-encounter/)
• Out to Sea Shark Dive: For the truly adventurous, this experience lets guests enter the water inside a secure metal cage. Using state-of-the-art air helmets (no diving certification required), visitors can come face-to-face with sand tiger sharks, brown sharks, barracuda, and Atlantic goliath groupers. (Original Source: https://wondersofwildlife.org/ticket/shark-dive/)

Free of Charge: A Tribute to Bass Pro Shops and Motorsports

Just outside the paid entrance to the wildlife galleries, located inside the sprawling Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World flagship store, are two additional museums open free to the public during store hours. One section features an exact replica of the original Bass Pro Shops bait shop in Springfield, along with memorabilia chronicling the company’s journey to becoming a major outdoor retailer.

Replica of the original Bass Pro Shops store inside the museum section in Springfield, Missouri.

Re-creation of the original Bass Pro Shops in the Bass Pro Shops Museum in Springfield, Missouri.

Adjacent to the Bass Pro Museum is a museum dedicated to NASCAR and the broader motorsports industry. Visitors can see winning race cars up close and explore other memorabilia that highlights the excitement and history of motorsports. Both of these areas provide added value for visitors to the Springfield complex.

Conclusion

The Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium, often searched for as the world of wonder museum Springfield MO, stands as a monumental achievement in conservation education and immersive entertainment. With its vast collection of wildlife, stunning aquarium exhibits, and dedication to Johnny Morris’s vision of stewardship, it offers a world-class experience. From the historic grand opening attended by former presidents to the detailed “By the Numbers” statistics and engaging highlights, the museum effectively conveys the beauty and importance of the natural world. Including free sections celebrating Bass Pro Shops and motorsports adds further appeal. Wonders of Wildlife is open to the public daily from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. (hours may vary on off-peak dates). For detailed ticket information and to plan your visit, you can check their official website.