The #1 Aquarium in the U.S. Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium

by Whitney Alaniz, MOT OTR/L

The #1 Aquarium in the U.S. Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium

Every year, my family visits Branson, MO, to enjoy time at Table Rock Lake and explore the many museums, golf courses, and attractions. We love visiting the Aquarium at the Boardwalk, but this year decided to visit another popular aquarium located just 45 minutes north.

Voted the #1 aquarium in the US by USA Today, the Johnny Morris Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium is a must-visit to explore over 35,000 fish, mammals, reptiles, and birds. It will be particularly interesting for fishing enthusiasts, as it features multiple exhibits showcasing various Fishing Halls of Fame.

Looking to plan a vacation to Branson, MO? Check out the posts below:

Begin your journey through the Great Oceans Hall, featuring replicas of mammals like the orca whale hanging overhead and view the sister ship of writer Ernest Hemingway’s boat, the Pilar.

Continue to the two-story Open Ocean where you will be surrounded by a 360-degree view of over 80 different animal species, including turtles and a variety of fish.

After viewing the Don Tyson Fishing Heritage Hall featuring saltwater game, visit Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. This three-story saltwater aquarium showcases species including grouper and eels

Observe more Fishing Halls of Fame before going to our favorite exhibit, Shipwreck Reef. Color a picture and watch it come to life on the wall as a fish or buried treasure. Next, touch the many large rays that circle the reef or purchase small fish to feed them. My boys loved this, and we spent the most time here.

Afterward, step into the Swamp at Night, which features mostly nocturnal animals. Observe owls, eagles and hawks and view the alligator gar, the largest gar species in the world.

Next visit Rivers and Streams to see adorable otters and pass through the Mangroves of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas, home to mangrove trees.

If you’re looking for up-close experiences, explore Out to Sea. My kids loved the tide pool touch tank with sea stars, hermit crabs, horseshoe crabs and anemones. Those 10 and up can purchase a special encounter to experience meal time with the sharks or dive with them. Nobody in our group chose this option, but if you are adventurous, you might love it!

Stroll through the Amazon Rainforest to see snakes, piranhas and dart frogs, and pass through the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame to the Under River exhibit. This was featured on Animal Planet’s show, Tanked. Watch fish like bass and bluegill swim above and around you.

View sturgeon at the Community Pond, seahorses, jellyfish, and a giant Pacific octopus at Marvels of the Deep and then go into a limestone cave at Caves: The Dark Wonder. View blind cave fish, bats, and learn about this fragile ecosystem.

The tour concludes with River Monsters as you walk through a giant underwater tunnel surrounded by species like gulper feeders.

Our kids were tired at the end of the tour, but those who want to keep exploring can visit the Wildlife Galleries in the same building and even experience an up-close encounter with penguins at Penguin Cove.

The aquarium is connected to Bass Pro, so you could also spend time walking around the shop. My husband is from Texas, so we stopped at Whataburger, his favorite lunch spot, before heading back to Branson. And our boys fell asleep on the way home!