Springfield, MO – Johnny Morris Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium

Featured Destinations: -Springfield, Missouri / is the third-largest city in the state of Missouri and the county seat of Greene County.  As of the 2010 census, its population was 159,498. As of 2016, the Census Bureau estimated its population at 167,319. It is one of the two principal cities of the Springfield-Branson Metropolitan Area, which has a population of 541,991 and includes the counties of Christian, Dallas, Greene, Polk, Webster, Stone and Taney. Springfield's nickname is "Queen City of the Ozarks" and it is known as the "Birthplace of Route 66". It is home to several universities, including Missouri State University, Drury University, and Evangel University. -Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium / this 350,000-square-foot Wonders of Wildlife (WOW) National Museum & Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri was recently opened by Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris. It took more than 10 years to complete the 350,000-square-foot compound adjacent to the sprawling Bass Pro Shops National Headquarters, about an hour's drive from Branson. WOW boasts 35,000 live fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds; 1.5 million gallons of freshwater and saltwater aquariums; and more than 1.5 miles of trails that meander through 4-D dioramas that share sights, sounds and smells of wildlife habitat, including the African savannah, the Amazon rainforest, ten U.S. National Parks and the Arctic. Notable galleries on the aquarium side of WOW include a 300,000-gallon wraparound aquarium; a two-story Shipwreck Room where visitors can touch stingrays, and a 3-story 'bait ball' created by thousands of herring on the defense against circling sharks. Also included is a gallery filled with photos, fishing artifacts and mementos associated with noted anglers like Ernest Hemingway, Zane Gray and several U.S. presidents (including George W. Bush and Carter). Featured Activities: -Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium ---------- Video Overview – Travel to Springfield, Missouri and tour of the Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium.

"World's largest wildlife attraction" opens in Springfield, Missouri

After nearly a decade, the 340,000-square-foot Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium is complete.

The long-awaited Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium opens this Thursday, September 21 in Springfield, Missouri. Museum visitors will be able to walk 1.5-plus miles of trails and 350,000 square feet of exhibits that contain 35,000 live fish, mammals, reptiles, and birds from around the world. 

An array of colorful tropical fish swim inside the museum's 300,000-gallon aquarium. The display of African Savanna animals includes a life-sized giraffe. And exhibits include galleries with 4-D dioramas.

READ MORE HERE:  https://www.stlmag.com/culture/grand-opening-of-johnny-morris%E2%80%99-wonders-of-wildlife-national/

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Update on the Ozark Mill in Ozark Missouri April 27th

Johnny Morris says he's fixing up the historic Ozark Mill Bass Pro's Johnny Morris owns the nearly 200-year-old mill. It weighs more than 400-tons, is more than 200-feet-long and 60-feet- wide. Amazingly, the whole thing, in one piece is being moved about 30-feet into the street so a new, "flood-proof" foundation can be built. Then, it will move back to it's spot on the Finley River.

 Bass Pro Shops' Johnny Morris founder still buying land near Ozark's old mill; plans remain unclear

By: Giacomo Bologna   August 5, 2016

Unused and locked up, Ozark's 19th-century mill represents a bygone time for a rural town that's become increasingly suburban, but some are hoping the mill could once again become an important feature of Ozark.

Johnny Morris, founder and president of Bass Pro Shops, bought Ozark's old mill more than two decades ago with a "dream" to develop it, according to a company spokesman. In recent years Morris has snapped up a few more properties near the Finley River and the historic mill.

And in July, Ozark city leadership met with neighbors of the mill who were concerned about possible developments at the mill.

But Bass Pro's director of communications, Jack Wlezien, said that's not an indication that anything is being planned for the mill. He said developing the mill is "not a priority at the moment."

According to the Christian County Assessor's Office, a company called The Ozark Mill owns 14 properties around and including the Ozark Mill. Records from the Missouri Secretary of State show The Ozark Mill is located at Bass Pro Shops headquarters.

The mill and several other properties were bought more than two decades ago. However, records from the assessor's office show a string of recent purchases. The Ozark Mill bought two nearby plots in 2012, one in 2014, another in October and then one as recently as March, records show.

Ozark City Administrator Steve Childers said it's "no secret" that Bass Pro Shops owns the historic mill."Everybody has always wanted to see something done to the old mill," Childers said, noting that he would like to see more use of the Finley River. "That guy (Morris) is extraordinarily creative."

Late last month, Childers met with concerned residents who lived near the mill to clear up rumors and answer questions, he said.

One of those residents in attendance was Andy Robinson.

Robinson said in June tours of the mill were being given at the Sunset Soiree, a public event held at the Finley River, and those tours "gave the appearance that there were more imminent plans for development."

About 25 residents attended the meeting, Robinson said, noting that the possible development of the mill has piqued people's interest. Residents were curious about the effect on traffic or property values if the mill is developed, he said. Robinson added that whether the mill area would be designated as blighted property for tax purposes was also discussed.

So what does the mill mean to Ozark?

Wayne Glenn is a local historian who has written 13 books about Christian County and the surrounding area. He said Ozark was originally centered around the mill.

Before the Civil War there was an important trail that came down from Springfield to Forsyth, Glenn said. "Wagon Road" crossed over the Finley River at the site of the mill, he said.

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"That has been the center of the economic development of Ozark ever since."

In fact, the town was originally named Hoover's Mill in 1839 after the mill's owner, John Hoover, Glenn said, and a year later, Hoover's Mill became the town of Ozark.

"I think it would be wonderful if the mill were utilized," Glenn said.

He said he's spoken to Morris twice in his life — and one of those times they discussed the old mill.

According to Glenn, one of the reasons Morris has an interest in that area is because at one point his parents lived "within a stone's throw" of the mill.

"(The mill is) where his momma brought him home to," Glenn said. "That's what he told me."

Bass Pro Shops' Johnny Morris Plans for the Ozark Mill

Update on the Ozark Mill in Ozark Missouri April 27th

Johnny Morris says he's fixing up the historic Ozark Mill Bass Pro's Johnny Morris owns the nearly 200-year-old mill. It weighs more than 400-tons, is more than 200-feet-long and 60-feet- wide. Amazingly, the whole thing, in one piece is being moved about 30-feet into the street so a new, "flood-proof" foundation can be built. Then, it will move back to it's spot on the Finley River.

 Bass Pro Shops' Johnny Morris founder still buying land near Ozark's old mill; plans remain unclear

By: Giacomo Bologna   August 5, 2016

Unused and locked up, Ozark's 19th-century mill represents a bygone time for a rural town that's become increasingly suburban, but some are hoping the mill could once again become an important feature of Ozark.

Johnny Morris, founder and president of Bass Pro Shops, bought Ozark's old mill more than two decades ago with a "dream" to develop it, according to a company spokesman. In recent years Morris has snapped up a few more properties near the Finley River and the historic mill.

And in July, Ozark city leadership met with neighbors of the mill who were concerned about possible developments at the mill.

But Bass Pro's director of communications, Jack Wlezien, said that's not an indication that anything is being planned for the mill. He said developing the mill is "not a priority at the moment."

According to the Christian County Assessor's Office, a company called The Ozark Mill owns 14 properties around and including the Ozark Mill. Records from the Missouri Secretary of State show The Ozark Mill is located at Bass Pro Shops headquarters.

The mill and several other properties were bought more than two decades ago. However, records from the assessor's office show a string of recent purchases. The Ozark Mill bought two nearby plots in 2012, one in 2014, another in October and then one as recently as March, records show.

Ozark City Administrator Steve Childers said it's "no secret" that Bass Pro Shops owns the historic mill."Everybody has always wanted to see something done to the old mill," Childers said, noting that he would like to see more use of the Finley River. "That guy (Morris) is extraordinarily creative."

Late last month, Childers met with concerned residents who lived near the mill to clear up rumors and answer questions, he said.

One of those residents in attendance was Andy Robinson.

Robinson said in June tours of the mill were being given at the Sunset Soiree, a public event held at the Finley River, and those tours "gave the appearance that there were more imminent plans for development."

About 25 residents attended the meeting, Robinson said, noting that the possible development of the mill has piqued people's interest. Residents were curious about the effect on traffic or property values if the mill is developed, he said. Robinson added that whether the mill area would be designated as blighted property for tax purposes was also discussed.

So what does the mill mean to Ozark?

Wayne Glenn is a local historian who has written 13 books about Christian County and the surrounding area. He said Ozark was originally centered around the mill.

Before the Civil War there was an important trail that came down from Springfield to Forsyth, Glenn said. "Wagon Road" crossed over the Finley River at the site of the mill, he said.

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$9.99 FOR A YEAR

for a limited time only

UNLOCK MY $9.99 OFFER

"That has been the center of the economic development of Ozark ever since."

In fact, the town was originally named Hoover's Mill in 1839 after the mill's owner, John Hoover, Glenn said, and a year later, Hoover's Mill became the town of Ozark.

"I think it would be wonderful if the mill were utilized," Glenn said.

He said he's spoken to Morris twice in his life — and one of those times they discussed the old mill.

According to Glenn, one of the reasons Morris has an interest in that area is because at one point his parents lived "within a stone's throw" of the mill.

"(The mill is) where his momma brought him home to," Glenn said. "That's what he told me."