Big Doin's at Bass Pro Today

[BilletHead]

2 hours ago, kjackson said:

I toured the place Wednesday on a media preview.  It surpasses the Museum of Natural History in New York--at least the wildlife part did. The aquarium side is beyond belief as well.  My wife asked me what I thought was the coolest thing--the most impressive-- and I really had to think hard.  Zane Grey's day boat? The sister ship to Hemingway's Pilar?  The three-story circular aquarium with the bait ball constantly circling? Department of the Interior Secretary Zinke in the shark tank answering questions from the WOO kids?  (He was in a full-face breathing mask at the front of the aquarium  with two other divers to ward off the sharks. The Goliath Grouper got a bit too close at one point, though.)  I also was fond of the piranha tanks where, if you're agile, you can "swim" with the piranhas.  

I finally settled on the musk ox display: there was a small herd of the animals in a defensive circle with half a dozen wolves trying to get to the calf they were protecting. When I was there, it was dark, and the aurora borealis was in the night sky, constantly changing.  I didn't see the rest of the day-to-dark loop, but that sight was pretty impressive. I also liked the pride of lions surrounding the hunter's tent with the sky turning light in the east.  I watched that for a while to see the light change, but left before "sunrise".  

While the price is steep, IMO, it is worth it. When I go back, I'll pick one side or the other and focus. The group I was in did both plus the Zinke presentation, and it was a long day.  I ended feeling like I'd done 10 miles with a fairly heavy pack.  It's a big place; it really is.  And it's incredible. The quality of the exhibits and the effort of all involved is hard to imagine without seeing it yourself.  It really is one of those places you have to see at least once.

           Now this is a real report! Thanks,

BilletHead

[Ketchup]

15 hours ago, kjackson said:

I toured the place Wednesday on a media preview.  It surpasses the Museum of Natural History in New York--at least the wildlife part did. The aquarium side is beyond belief as well.  My wife asked me what I thought was the coolest thing--the most impressive-- and I really had to think hard.  Zane Grey's day boat? The sister ship to Hemingway's Pilar?  The three-story circular aquarium with the bait ball constantly circling? Department of the Interior Secretary Zinke in the shark tank answering questions from the WOO kids?  (He was in a full-face breathing mask at the front of the aquarium  with two other divers to ward off the sharks. The Goliath Grouper got a bit too close at one point, though.)  I also was fond of the piranha tanks where, if you're agile, you can "swim" with the piranhas.  

I finally settled on the musk ox display: there was a small herd of the animals in a defensive circle with half a dozen wolves trying to get to the calf they were protecting. When I was there, it was dark, and the aurora borealis was in the night sky, constantly changing.  I didn't see the rest of the day-to-dark loop, but that sight was pretty impressive. I also liked the pride of lions surrounding the hunter's tent with the sky turning light in the east.  I watched that for a while to see the light change, but left before "sunrise".  

While the price is steep, IMO, it is worth it. When I go back, I'll pick one side or the other and focus. The group I was in did both plus the Zinke presentation, and it was a long day.  I ended feeling like I'd done 10 miles with a fairly heavy pack.  It's a big place; it really is.  And it's incredible. The quality of the exhibits and the effort of all involved is hard to imagine without seeing it yourself.  It really is one of those places you have to see at least once.

And Eva Shockey was there.  ❤️

[tho1mas]

When you compare WOW prices with NFL or MLB I believe they are in line. Reports say to see everything it takes four hours. Ten dollars/ hour isn't too bad.

Johnny also paid the city of Springfield back the money it had spent on the failed first attempt to build it as per News Leader.

[Quillback]

Well I don't think that MLB or NFL tickets are a bargain either.    But, I remember when you could get a bleacher seat in Fenway park for $3. 

I'm not knocking JM either, good for him building this attraction and it's creating a few jobs I imagine.  I'll probably spring for the $40 one of these days because it does sound like a really cool thing to see. 

 

[Phil Lilley]

We attended the Missouri Heritage Foundation's Lewis and Clark Awards presentation last night.  Toured both museums first.  It was cool to see Houston, Martin and Dance up close and in person.  Their acceptance speaches were pretty funny.

The aquarium part was be far the best of the two.  If you only had time and funds for one, I'd go there, especially if you have kids.  It is way over the top...

Highlights-

• Walking under the stream and seeing the smallies from that view.
• The HUGE alligator gar.
• Beaver and Otter pens, again up close.
• Jellyfish Room - I've seen them at other aquariums but they're still a wonder to see.
• All the tanks including the HUGE ones all look like HD TV screens - you can't see the glass separating you and the fish.