In 1971 young Johnny Morris, frustrated by the lack of tackle in local stores, rented a U-Haul trailer and took off across the country filling it with the newest premium fishing tackle he could find.
When he returned home to Springfield, Missouri, Johnny started in the fishing business with eight feet of space in his dad’s liquor store which became a popular stopping-off place for local and out-of-state fishermen on the way to the Ozark’s famous bass lakes.
A number of these anglers started calling when they got back home wanting Johnny to send them some of his specialized Bass Pro Shops tackle. In 1974, in response to this demand, he printed and mailed his first Bass Pro Shops catalog. Today, outdoor enthusiasts around the world look forward to opening the mail and getting their favorite Bass Pro Shops catalog, while many enjoy visiting and shopping basspro.com.
In 1978, Johnny introduced the first professionally rigged boat, motor and trailer fish-ready package. The Bass Tracker boat “package” revolutionized the marine industry. Huge boat showrooms are featured in every Bass Pro Shops store.
Bass Pro Shops today isn’t just fishing. It is an outdoor retail leader in hunting, camping, nature gifts, outdoor cooking, and much more.
From that simple beginning, Bass Pro Shops has become one of America’s premier outdoor retailers with destination outdoor retail stores across America and Canada, serving over 75 million sportsmen a year. Each store is unique and offers a truly unforgettable shopping experience - as close to the Great Outdoors as you can get indoors!
Unique as its namesake Dolly Parton, Dollywood theme park is a one-of-a-kind Smoky Mountain Family Adventure! Spanning 125 acres and nestled in the lush foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, near Gatlinburg, Dollywood is one of the most popular family vacation destinations. The family vacation fun at Dollywood features kiddie rides and 10 new family attractions in our expanded Country Fair area. Dollywood's live entertainment showcases the best in country, bluegrass, mountain and gospel music with more than a dozen stage shows. Master craftsmen demonstrate centuries-old crafts including blacksmithing, glass blowing and wood carving.
Located in the heart of the beautiful Smoky Mountains, this all indoor RainForest is open year round. Featuring over 500 live animals, representing over 150 species, we are home to unique and beautiful creatures from the Rain Forests of the world. You will also see some amazing creatures from right here in the Smoky Mountains! Your Jungle Expedition begins once you pass through our faithfully recreated ancient ruins, past a 25 foot tall jungle waterfall, and enter the RainForest. Beautiful birds, ancient tortoises, deadly cobras & giant pythons await you in this amazing place. Live, educational programs are conducted daily by trained staff members who will let your family get up close and personal with some of our family! Don't forget your camera when you visit Rainforest Adventures!