Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid
- Admission
- Free to enter; $10 for the elevator ride to the observation deck
- Hours
- Monday - Saturday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM, Sunday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Duration
- 2-3 hours
- Parking
- Large free outdoor parking lot surrounding the building
- Access
- Fully wheelchair accessible with elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms
Housed in a massive 32-story steel pyramid, this wild retail and entertainment destination is much more than a sporting goods store. It features a cypress swamp with live alligators, a bowling alley, and the country's tallest free-standing elevator leading to an observation deck.
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Originally opened in 1991 as a sports and entertainment arena, the iconic 32-story Memphis Pyramid underwent a massive transformation to reopen in 2015 as a colossal Bass Pro Shops. This architectural marvel now stands as one of the largest retail locations in the world, blending outdoor recreation shopping with immersive entertainment.
Inside, visitors are transported to a simulated cypress swamp environment complete with towering 100-foot-tall trees, massive fish-filled aquariums, and even live alligators. The space also features an underwater-themed bowling alley, multiple restaurants, and the rustic Big Cypress Lodge wilderness hotel.
The crowning jewel of the attraction is the world's tallest free-standing elevator, which whisks guests up 28 stories to the Apex Lookout. From this glass-floored observation deck, you can take in breathtaking, panoramic views of the Mississippi River and the Memphis skyline.
Ratings
attractionVisitor Tips
- ◆ Take the glass elevator to the Apex Lookout for panoramic views of the Mississippi River, especially during sunset.
- ◆ Allow at least two to three hours to fully explore the massive interior, including the aquariums and alligator pits.
- ◆ Grab a bite to eat or bowl a game at Uncle Buck's Fishbowl & Grill, which features an underwater-themed bowling alley.
- ◆ If you want a truly unique lodging experience, book a room at the Big Cypress Lodge, located inside the pyramid.
Heads Up
- ◆ The observation deck elevator requires a ticket fee, which may not be worth the cost on foggy or rainy days when visibility is low.
- ◆ The glass-bottomed observation deck at the top can be highly intimidating for visitors with a fear of heights.
- ◆ Parking can get incredibly crowded during weekends and holidays, so consider visiting during weekday mornings.
Common questions
How much does it cost to ride the elevator to the top of the Memphis Pyramid?
Riding the 28-story glass elevator to the Lookout observation deck costs $10 per person. Guests staying at the Big Cypress Lodge hotel inside the pyramid receive complimentary elevator access.
Can you stay overnight inside the Memphis Pyramid?
Yes, you can stay overnight at the Big Cypress Lodge, a rustic luxury hotel located inside the pyramid. Many of the cabin-style rooms feature balconies that overlook the indoor cypress swamp and retail ground floor.
Is parking free at the Memphis Bass Pro Shops Pyramid?
Yes, standard self-parking is free in the large lot surrounding the pyramid. Valet parking is also available for a fee, which is primarily utilized by hotel guests.