The hand of Johnny Morris is everywhere in southwestern Missouri, from the original Bass Pro Shops location in Springfield to the Wonders Of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium next door to Dogwood Canyon Nature Park in Lampe to Big Cedar Lodge, which started life as a place for customers to test fishing boats. All of them actually owe their existence to Johnny s father, John, who inspired his passion for the outdoors and conservation. Morris grew up fishing on the White River with his family and started Bass Pro in 1971, selling tackle from a shelf in his father s Brown Derby liquor store in Springfield.
Living almost smack dab in the middle of the state has its perks, one being there are a handful of destinations in the surrounding area for a quick and lively weekend getaway.