I had a wonderful time at Bass Pro in Springfield, MO. I bought some socks and they were the best socks I ever had.
I had no idea I would be so impressed with a place like that.
Is the Bass Pro near where you live, Glenda?

If you get a chance, go see a "Cabala" sporting goods store. A new one opened in our area last year. It has museum quality displays inside. Some of the items not for sale:

1. Display of collector guns behind glass. Examples were dueling pistols; 1850s, 50 caliber buffalo rifle; a gun owned by Cody, etc.

2. Mounted African game animals.

3. Floor to ceiling fish tank stocked with local species.

4. Fire arm appraisal service. I watched an appraiser disassemble a collector's gun to authenicate and date it. He was trying to determine if the gun was "real" or a copy. They were puzzled because it looked like a gun he was familar with, but key markings were missing. He did find an hidden mark, an unknown name and then the appriaser got a clue. He identified it as a student's gun and the mark was the name of the student. Gunsmith Appreticies training under this maker was required to make a gun to gain certification. The student was required to make all parts, assemble the gun, test fire it, and sight it in. The gun had to work well for the student to pass.

I was impressed that the resident expert was that familar with a particular gun made 150 years ago. I thought I was on the set of the "Antiques Road Show".

Oh, by the way, the store is filled with all sorts of clothing for the outdoors. Its the place to buy thermal underwear if you are so inclined.

We got our first store in Balzac (which is a hamlet across quite literally across the street from Calgary), about a year and a half ago. I think if you don't want to spend any money, but want something intersting to see, it's the place to go.

I asked about all the mounted animals that are there and was told most are road kill. You're allowed to take pictures, which I did in the link below. It's my flickr account. I love the HUGE aquarium with all the salmon in it. The shooting range, that's only a quarter to use lazer rifles to shoot targets. And if you're serious about wanting to buy a bow, they have a room where you can test them out too. The campping gear is unreal!

Here is a link that might be useful: Pro Bass in Balzac Alberta

There is one in St. Charles, MO too. The one in Springfield, MO is much better though as they also have a museum upstairs and an awesome restaurant.

It's a fun place to go even if you are not interested in 'outdoor' stuff.

Bass Pro opened here less than a year ago.

I got lost just trying to get out of the parking lot. Ended up on the nature trail and followed a maintenance truck and had to ask him how to get out. He laughed and says he's asked that all the time :o)

The one in Springfield, Missouri is the best. There is one local. We love to visit the aquarium and just walk around the store to see all the animals and shopping. We have a shooting arcade up top and a restaurant on the bottom and a Starbucks. The service has always been good.

I'm challenged at gift giving so I always head in there when I need a present that I know is good quality. I bought dh a nice coffee mug last year. He loves because it keeps it coffee warm for hours.

which boat did you decide on?

The Pond Prowler

The food in the resturant is good:)It is like a day outing for us~~~

We have one here in Foxboro Ma. and it is a real experience... great store for the kids and grown ups alike.

Haven't been to the one in Leeds yet even though we always stop at the Marathon gas station there. We usually go to the one in Gwinnett county, GA. It's about an hour from the house.

I bought a new jacket there a couple of weeks ago. I think I'm going to need it tomorrow since it's supposed to get cold tonight.

Linda

Linda, the one in Leeds is awesome! Of course, that was the first Bass Pro I have ever been in. It's about 20 minutes from my place to it.

Are you in town here?

I have never been in a Bass Pro, but have been in a Cabelas and I felt like I was in an Animal cemetery. Not impressed with the booty of trophy hunters. There was a restaurant here where every where you looked there was a stuffed animal 'looking' at you. Although the food was good, the ambiance was unsettling. They closed down recently.