A model of Ethel the Largemouth Bass, "the largest largemouth
in captivity" |
SPRINGFIELD,
MISSOURI—
The phenomenon started 26 years ago, when John L. Morris asked his father
if he could set up an eight-foot display in his liquor store. Since then,
Bass Pro Shops have, well, grown. It was no eight-foot display we visited
the other day when we were stopping over in Springfield, Missouri, for
a radio interview. Outdoor World, the imposing successor to John
A grizzly stalks a motorhome on sale on Outdoor World's RV sales
floor |
Morris's
humble beginning, encloses 280,000 square feet of-- contrary to what the
name suggests-- indoor selling space.
It's big
enough to house steams, trees, a huge saltwater aquarium, and a four-story
waterfall. Dozens of boats, some big enough to merit "Own Your Own
Island!" signs fill one showroom, and another football field displays
RVs of all sizes. The fishing rod section offers at least three thousand
different models, and the camouflage clothing department is as big as
a Wal-Mart. The gun section could outfit the infantry of a Balkan state
without depleting its inventory. This place is huge.
 Marc
ties lures, from your own hair if you have the hankering |
Since I have
never been steeped in the lore and culture of fishing, hunting, or even
sports, stepping into Outdoor World was like entering a foreign kingdom.
I was awed by clothing guaranteed to "cover your stink," mugs
shaped like shotgun shells, and the notion of having a fishing lure made
out of my own hair. I marveled at videos titled "Way of the Walleye,"
and books with names like "Caught Me A Big 'Un."
Outdoor World
is still expanding. Upstairs, at the entrance to the extensive collection
of taxidermed animals and old-fashioned hunting and fishing equipment,
we pored
Start 'em young: Baby Camo |
over the
architectural drawing for the newest marvel. "Wonders of Wildlife"
will be opening in 2001, its mission "to preserve national resources
and wildlife." This new addition will have another waterfall, a river,
two aquariums, a shark display, a colony of live bats, and a "walkway
through the woods." Let's hear it for the great indoors.
Megan
8/99
Bass Pro
Shops Outdoor World
1935 S. Campbell, Springfield, MO
Online: www.outdoor-world.com
|
