Bass Pro Shops in Memphis, Tennessee
The Most Extra Outdoor Store on the Planet – Or At Least in Tennessee
If you think Bass Pro Shops is just a place to grab some fishing gear, think again. The Memphis location took things to an entirely different level by setting up shop inside a 32-story glass pyramid. Yes, really. This massive structure—originally built as a sports and entertainment complex—now houses everything from a swamp (with actual alligators) to a hotel. Because why not?
From Sports Arena to Outdoor Wonderland
The Pyramid wasn’t always a retail wonderland. Originally named the Great American Pyramid, this colossal glass structure was built in 1991 as a multi-purpose venue for concerts and sporting events. For over a decade, it hosted everything from basketball games to concerts, but despite its impressive size and design, it never quite lived up to expectations. By the early 2000s, the Pyramid closed its doors and sat empty—becoming Memphis’ biggest, weirdest, and most expensive paperweight.
Then Bass Pro Shops swooped in. After years of planning (and some serious structural renovations), the Pyramid was reborn in 2015 as the ultimate outdoor retail destination. Because, apparently, Memphis decided the best use for a giant glass building was stuffing it with boats, wildlife, and a high-end hotel.
What’s Inside the Pyramid?
It’s not just a store—it’s a full-blown experience. Here’s what you’ll find inside this massive monument to outdoor enthusiasm:
- Big Cypress Lodge – Because after an exhausting day of shopping, bowling, and staring at alligators, why not stay overnight inside a retail store?
- A Swamp… Indoors – Featuring live alligators, cypress trees, and even a network of ponds stocked with fish. Because shopping is more fun when you feel like you’re trekking through the bayou.
- A Giant Aquarium – If you don’t have the patience to catch a fish, at least you can watch them swim around in their massive tank.
- A 13-lane Bowling Alley – But not just any bowling alley—this one is decorated like an underwater seascape. Because why should bowling be boring?
- The Country’s Tallest Freestanding Elevator – A 28-story ride up to The Lookout at the Pyramid, where you’ll find panoramic views, a unique restaurant, and (if you’re lucky) a small refund on your elevator ride.
The Lookout at the Pyramid: The Best View in Memphis
The Lookout at the Pyramid isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a full-on experience. First, you take a $10 elevator ride up 28 floors. On the way, you’ll get a narrated history of how this bizarrely wonderful place came to be. (But here’s a pro tip: if you dine at The Lookout, they’ll knock that $10 off your bill, so it’s practically free.)
At the top, you’ll find:
- A giant aquarium in the center of the restaurant – Because regular dining room decor is overrated.
- Steampunk-inspired fish sculptures – Because apparently, the only thing better than a massive fish tank is a massive fish tank surrounded by floating metal fish.
- An outdoor observation deck – If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re on top of the world (or at least on top of a really big sporting goods store), this is the place to do it.
- A 360-degree view of Memphis – From the mighty Mississippi River to the city skyline, this is easily one of the best vantage points in town.
Big Cypress Lodge: The Most Unexpected Hotel in a Sporting Goods Store
The most unexpected part of this entire setup? There’s a full-on 103-room luxury hotel inside the Pyramid. Big Cypress Lodge is designed to feel like a high-end hunting lodge, complete with rustic decor, private balconies, and fireplaces. Some rooms even overlook the swamp below, so you can wake up, stretch, and gaze out at the alligators before grabbing your morning coffee.
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind place to stay in Memphis, you can’t get much more unique than this. It’s the only hotel where you can buy a rifle, bowl a few frames, eat some alligator tacos, and then crash in a room that looks like a wilderness retreat—all without ever stepping outside.
Dining Options Inside the Pyramid
Feeling hungry after all that exploring? The Pyramid has multiple places to grab a bite:
- The Lookout at the Pyramid – Enjoy upscale dining with unbeatable views. And don’t forget: that $10 elevator ride gets credited to your bill.
- Wahlburgers Wild – The first-ever Bass Pro Shops location of the Wahlberg family’s burger joint. (Yes, that Wahlberg family—Mark, Donnie, and their chef brother Paul.) Expect juicy burgers, fries, and some serious comfort food.
- The Fishbowl – A casual eatery attached to the bowling alley. Grab pizza, wings, sliders, and nachos while watching others attempt to bowl strikes.
- Mississippi Terrace – An outdoor patio and bar open seasonally to guests at Big Cypress Lodge, offers drinks and one of the best panoramic views of Memphis.
About Bass Pro Shops
The company was founded by Johnny Morris in 1972. In 2017, Bass Pro Shop and Cabela’s merged in a $4 billion deal. What started in only 8 square feet of space in the back of Morris’ father’s liquor store is now in 160 locations across the United States and Canada. When you dominate the outdoor retail world, you might as well go all in, right?
Important Info for Your Visit
Bonus: If you time it right, you might catch staff feeding the alligators or hosting a live fish feeding in the aquarium.
Admission: Free (but bring your wallet—you’ll probably find something you didn’t know you needed).
Hours: Monday–Saturday: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m and Sunday: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Bass Pro Shops Memphis is what happens when someone says, “Let’s build a sporting goods store,” and someone else replies, “Go big or go home.” Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie, or just someone looking for an offbeat experience, this place is worth a visit.
Where else can you buy a hunting rifle, ride an elevator to a fine dining restaurant, stare at alligators, go bowling, and sleep in a treehouse-style hotel—all in the same building?
Now, who’s ready to check it out?
