Bass Pro Shops – White River Outpost
Branson , Missouri-Fishing along the White River conjures up memories of long summer days and getting up early to beat the heat and head to your favorite fishing hole. Once there, you made slow lazy casts on the water’s surface while the air and trees around you buzzed with insects and the call of birds. Somewhere along the bank, frogs croaked and turtles plopped into the water. Finally, your patience paid off as you got the long awaited bite and you played the fish catching glimpses of its sleek, silver body as it broke the surface. Soon, you had a fine “mess” of fish.
Maybe you stopped at one of the mom and pop bait and tackle shops along the way to buy your ‘minners’ and grab a cold pop to go with your cheese sandwich wrapped in waxed paper. Re-live that time again as you walk through the Bass Pro Shops White River Outpost.
This 40,000 square-foot Ozark Lodge themed store evokes memories of those long-ago golden days and is a tribute to the fishing and boating heritage along the White River, Lake Taneycomo, Table Rock Lake and Bull Shoals areas. Regarded as part historical museum, part regional art gallery, part education, conservation and entertainment center, the new store anchors the south end of the new 1.5 million square-foot Branson Landing development adjacent to downtown Branson and Lake Taneycomo.
Just driving up to the Bass Pro Shops White River Outpost you will be flooded with memories of the historic tomato factories, button factories and fishing guide camps that once stood on the banks of the White River. Indeed, the store itself reflects the amazing rustic detail and quality reminiscent of the heritage of the Ozarks craftsmen who built the buildings long ago.
Massive log and rock work frame the Grand Entrance where inside a fire crackles in the large stone fireplace which flanks the lodge entrance and opens to the 218′ long clerestory with log columns and antique heart pine siding and timbers. This construction culminates in a 20,000 gallon aquarium and waterfall complete with an old mill and waterwheel. The aquarium will be stocked with fish native to the area–rainbow and brown trout, large and small mouth bass, blue gill, crappie, catfish and more.
Inside, down the center of the building, a large, gabled clerestory reaches over 45′ in height allowing a tremendous amount of natural light to stream through a series of roof dormers. Giant, exquisitely crafted outdoor themed chandeliers, made by Bass Pro Shopsown artisans hang throughout the store. The ceiling is comprised of hand painted tin and wildlife tracks are imprinted and etched into the concrete floor.
Tribute is paid to the many diverse historical aspects that comprise this area of the Ozarks through the use of photographic and painted murals throughout the new Bass Pro Shops store. Indeed, the whole store is a memorial to the area and its people and, like other Bass Pro Shops stores, takes on the flavor and atmosphere of the region in which it is located. Using area artifacts, antiques and memorabilia the store becomes a living museum of the hunting, fishing, camping and other outdoor legacies of the Ozarks.
Museum quality wildlife exhibits adorn the entire store including state record fish mounts, turkeys, native waterfowl, quail, and full body whitetail mounts. One large animal diorama featured is that of deer running down the hillside by the aquarium and crossing over to the hunting area.
But the attention to detail doesn’t stop with store design and imagery elements. The same consideration is given to merchandise selection. Visitors will have a selection of freshwater rods, reels and fishing accessories, all hand-picked and specially selected for the area, to choose from. The cedar White River Fly Shop, with murals depicting the rich trout fishing history of the area, features antique and collectible fly fishing memorabilia, and has a vast selection of the latest in fly fishing gear. Experts will continue the art of hand-tying flies on site and assist customers in making the perfect selection.
More than a fishing and hunting store though, visitors will also find items perfect for camping, hiking, outdoor cooking, bird watching, men and women’s apparel, footwear, water sports and marine. A gift and nature center, reminiscent of a historical variety store, is stacked high with items from a bygone era, but also offers today’s customer a selection of items from artwork to lamps, to bird feeders and home decorating accessories and gifts for the holidays.
An incredible historical display of boat and trolling motors from the past adorn the walls of the Tracker boat sales area and would make “Big” Jim Owens of White River float fishing fame and legendary Ozarks boat builder Charlie Barnes smile with delight. Today’s customers will find exactly what they need with selections of boats from Tracker, Nitro, Tahoe, Mako, Kenner and more. The Branson store location will also include a 16-slip operating marina, guide recommendation service, and boat service center.
Another special feature of the Bass Pro Shops White River Outpost will be the unique floating White River Fish Company Restaurant which will offer 6,800 square-feet of interior dining as well as about 4,000 square feet of outside dining. Here you can relax on the banks of the Taneycomo and enjoy the great local taste of the Ozarks. It will also have a small fishing pier for children. The marina and restaurant will open at a later date.
The White River Outpost has hired associates from the Branson area that have a passion for the outdoors so customers will be assured of getting local skilled, knowledgeable assistance with questions and selections. The store will also offer Outdoor Skills Workshops for adults, kids and families that will help maximize outdoor fun by teaching new skills and improving existing ones. The store will also work closely with local conservation organizations to help continue the tradition of maintaining the great outdoors just as our Ozark ancestors did.
For the best in hunting and fishing gear, shop Bass Pro, your Branson sporting goods store. The Bass Pro Shops retail store in Branson is a leader among Branson fishing outfitters, with a great restaurant and amazing waterfall. Whether you need gear for fishing in Branson, or simply want to maximize your outdoor fun, shop Bass Pro.
Branson Ticket & Travel can help make planning your Branson vacation easier, more affordable and more convenient. Give us a call at 1-800-432-4202 to speak with one of our friendly staff.
