National Museum and Aquarium

WONDERS OF WILDLIFE are showcased in the National Museum and Aquarium. It's the brainchild of founder Johnny Morris, and located in Springfield, Missouri - considered to be America's conservation capital. This Ozarks' setting is the ultimate for anyone who loves the outdoors.

The Museum and Aquarium are both open to visitors every day of the year except Christmas. The facility includes the Fish Tales Cafe and a gift shop. Scooters, strollers, and wheelchairs are all available. Open hours are 10 am to 8 pm, but may vary slightly on a seasonal basis. The address is 500 W. Sunshine Street in Springfield.

Two great leisure experiences are available for every guest: the Wildlife Galleries and the Aquarium Adventure. 

The Galleries take visitors on a journey around the world. They completely immerse onlookers, and transport them to the wildest places on Earth by engaging all their senses. Each individual can go eye-to-eye with wildlife and discover the greatest collection of record-setting big game animals ever assembled. All of it is entertaining and educational. It emphasizes the critical role hunters and anglers play in conserving the great outdoors.

The Aquarium gives visitors the opportunity to dive into the excitement of the world's oceans, lakes, and streams. There are 1.5 million gallons of saltwater and freshwater aquariums teeming with more than 35,000 live fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds. It's possible to touch a stingray; to go underwater with the biggest river monsters on the planet; or, to be surrounded by piranhas. The Great Oceans Hall is a 350,000-square-foot space which features boats used by Ernest Hemingway and Zane Grey. The Hall is also home to a 300,000-gallon "open ocean" habitat of saltwater marine life. This is an adventure enabling visitors to "discover an ocean" in the heart of America!

For further information call 888-222-6060, or check out www.wondersofwildlife.org online.

This is truly an amazing - almost unbelievable - place. Children, youth, and adults of all ages will be enthralled! There are no words to adequately describe this world-class Wonders of Wildlife experience. Yes, it's a 10 on a 10-point scale.