A Bird’s-Eye View from the Lookout at the Memphis Pyramid

During my recent visit to Memphis to attend the Country Cares for St. Jude Kid's Radio Seminar, I just had to stop off on my way home and check out the world's largest Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid. And to tell you the truth, it didn't disappoint! From the grand entrance into the glass pyramid to the huge lobby, this place will astound and mesmerize the moment you walk in the front doors. I told some guy there, this is like Disneyland for adults minus the rides. But wait, there is a ride, sort of. It's called The Lookout at The Pyramid where you can take a ride in the nation's tallest free-standing glass elevator and experience what's it's like to get a Bird's-eye view of Memphis from 300 feet in the air. You can also enjoy exquisite fine dining in the restaurant with spectacular views of the city while you sip on a cool drink and gaze at the aquarium bar.  You can also walk out on the 32-story high observation deck to get a personal view of the Mississippi river and the surrounding area below.

Take a Ride

There is so much to take in from the huge, realistic cypress trees towering skyward toward the Big Cypress Lodge three floors up. That's right, you get the feeling you are staying the night in the great outdoors. This lodge boasts 103 rooms and suites with balconies including the Treehouse Suites that overlook the shops. Each room is made to look like a vintage waterfowl hunting cabin with Ducks Unlimited artwork that feature rustic settings with virtual fireplaces, handcrafted furniture and bathrooms with jetted tubs.

Walking around the Bass Pro Shops, you are totally immersed in the scenery that surrounds you. This region is known as the Delta, and Bass Pro has brought the feel of the Cypress Swamp Waterfowl Habitat to you as you walk over footbridges, ponds, streams and waterfalls, bringing you to a section of fishing boats and pontoons that are for sale. I liked how everything ties into one another throughout the store. You can tell the layout was really thought out by the designers. From the live ducks, catfish, sturgeons and yes, even alligators, this is a definite sportsman's paradise.

And if that's not enough, how about an undersea themed full-sized  bowling alley in the main restaurant that features bowling balls that resemble fish eyes, and decor hanging from the ceiling includes sharks, hammerheads and other undersea creatures? The place also has separate shooting and archery ranges and a duck gallery where you can learn through an interactive experience about the world of ducks. In addition to the huge aquarium on the ground floor and the various wildlife exhibits that you see at every turn, this place is an amazement of wonder for families and kids of all ages. Hard to believe that the sixth largest Pyramid in the world was once home to the NBA Memphis Grizzlies until 2004 and then sat empty for years before becoming the new home to the world's largest Bass Pro Shops.

With so many things to see and do in Memphis, I highly recommend that if you are planning a trip there anytime soon that this become a must-see on your list.