There Is a Bass Pro Shop Hotel — And It’s Nothing Like You Would Imagine

Find out why this is a vacation destination like no other.

By Holly Humbert

Edited by Chris Kissell

Updated Oct. 1, 2024

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Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid in Memphis, Tennessee, is more than just a sporting goods store. The 32-story steel pyramid also contains restaurants, aquariums, waterfalls, a bowling alley, and a cypress swamp with live alligators.

You'll also find a hotel at the base of the pyramid, the Big Cypress Lodge. Find out more about this dream come true for Bass Pro Shop fans. Then, step up your travel game and book a trip to this special hotel.

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What is Big Cypress Lodge?

Big Cypress Lodge is a 103-room hotel located inside the iconic Memphis Pyramid. The lodge is just one of the many attractions housed in the structure.

The hotel brings the wilderness straight to the city.

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The lodge’s history

The Memphis Pyramid was constructed in 1991 as an entertainment venue. It changed hands over the years.

Then, Johnny Morris went fishing with friends on the Mississippi River in 2005. As the story goes, as the boat went past the Memphis Pyramid, Morris — the founder of Bass Pro Shops — made a bet that if they caught a 30-pound catfish, he would build a store inside the iconic structure.

With the fishing trip coming to a close, his buddy caught a giant catfish, and Johnny said, “It’s a deal, we’re gonna do it.”

After a massive renovation, the Bass Pro Shop and Big Cypress Lodge opened in 2015.

Accommodations

When you stay at the Big Cypress Lodge, you can expect rustic elegance at every turn.

Each room includes an electric fireplace to make sure your stay feels cozy. You sit and sleep on handcrafted furniture — and don’t forget to relax in the jetted tub.

Rooms can accommodate up to six people, and there are options that provide accessibility to those with disabilities.

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What can you do at the Bass Pro Shop?

Inside the 535,000-square-foot Bass Pro Shop, there is something for everyone. On top of two stories of retail shopping, you can visit any one of these attractions:

Interactive wetlands museum
Aquarium with 36 varieties of native fish
Archery range
Pistol range
Beretta gun shop
Bowling alley
General store with homemade fudge and cinnamon glazed pecans

If that’s still not enough, you can check the events calendar for family movie nights, bingo night, yoga on the river, or stories and s’mores by the fire.

Perks and amenities

Hotel guests can take a complimentary 28-story elevator ride up to the top and enjoy the observation deck. Other visitors must pay to get to the top of the massive structure, with rates of $8 for adults and $5 for kids.

When you stay at the lodge you can also enjoy many other freebies, including:

Morning coffee
Hotel shuttle
Internet access
24-hour fitness center access
24-hour business center access
Complimentary snack basket
Board games
Family and movie nights

Dining

Visitors can enjoy a variety of dining options. Wahlburgers Wild offers creative burger options. The Lookout offers inventive drinks and meals as you enjoy panoramic views of Memphis.

Visit The Fishbowl for island-themed fare between bowling games. Hotel guests can enjoy a breakfast buffet in the morning and a full bar in the evening at The Den bar.

Guests of the lodge can also enjoy in-room dining every day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

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Can you schedule a wedding?

Outdoor enthusiasts or anyone looking for a unique venue can book a wedding at the Big Cypress Lodge. You can celebrate your nuptials overlooking the Memphis skyline or in one of the rustic indoor spaces.

You can choose to schedule the rehearsal dinner, ceremony, wedding reception, or entire weekend at the venue. The lodge can accommodate up to 280 wedding guests. The staff can customize the space to help celebrate your big day.

What does it cost?

Rates change based on the room size and the time of year you are visiting. For example, in late June, the Duck Cabin was renting for $429 per night.

In late July, you can get an interior room with a king bed for $319. During the same period, the Governor's Suite — with one king-size bed, two queen-size beds and three bathrooms — costs $1,229 a night.

Bottom line

When you stay at the Big Cypress Lodge, you get to enjoy all the Memphis Pyramid has to offer. With its list of amenities and attractions, Big Cypress Lodge is sure to be a hit with outdoor lovers or Bass Pro Shop fans

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