Outdoor World, Springfield, MO

In recent years the Bass Pro Shop company has built several new Outdoor World stores in major American cities, and I have visited several of them, in Orlando, Cincinnati, Nashville, etc. All of the stores are large and impressive, but none compares to the original and granddaddy of them all, Outdoor World of Springfield, MO, sprawling over several buildings with many acres of floorspace.

This is more than just a sportings goods shop - much more. Here you will find many delightful surprises including restaurants, wildlife museum, indoor waterfall, pistol range, archery range, trout streams complete with live fish and ducks, a live alligator and snapping turtle exhibit, and even a barber shop. Folks flock here from far and near, making Outdoor World the most visited tourist attraction in Missouri. Last time I was in the She-me State I drove many miles out of my way just to see it again. I spent two hours wandering around the 300,000-square-foot store in amazement, and walked out with only a bag of chocolate covered peanuts. What a bargain!

What To Buy: Everything you ever dreamed of finding in hunting, fishing, camping and other outdoor gear, plus a very fine selection of outdoor clothing. I have bought many of my sturdy travel clothes here.