Are you planning your next weekend getaway? Consider visiting Big Cypress Lodge in Memphis, Tennessee!
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A Decade of Hospitality in Memphis: The Past, Present and Future of Big Cypress Lodge
Visit Big Cypress Lodge to celebrate their 10-year anniversary.
By Jordan Blomquist
Apr 2025
Big Cypress Lodge is celebrating 10 years in Memphis with special events and deals to mark the milestone.
What began as a lighthearted fishing bet between Bass Pro Shops founder and noted conservationist Johnny Morris and his friends has transformed into a one-of-a-kind destination. A decade later, Big Cypress Lodge and Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid continue to offer unforgettable experiences.
“Celebrating 10 years is a testament to the unforgettable experiences we’ve created for guests,” says Madison Horner, Big Cedar Lodge public relations manager. “It reflects a decade of adventure, hospitality and lasting memories, and we’re incredibly grateful for our associates who offer genuine hospitality to every guest who walks through the doors.”
Photo courtesy of Big Cypress LodgeThis photo was taken at Big Cypress Lodge’s grand opening in 2015. To celebrate the 10-year anniversary, guests can look forward to special events, exclusive promotions and exciting giveaways throughout 2025.
Past: The Memphis Pyramid’s Transformation into Bass Pro Shops
Do you know the story of Bass Pro Shops Pyramid? Before it became the Bass Pro Shops Pyramid, the Memphis Pyramid, built in 1991, hosted sporting and entertainment events, including basketball tournaments, concerts and even a Mike Tyson boxing match.
In 2005, Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris was fishing on the Mississippi River with renowned angler Bill Dance and Bass Pro’s first fishing manager, Jack Emmitt. As they neared the Pyramid, Morris joked that if they caught a 30-pound catfish, he would build a store inside. With just an hour left on their trip, Emmitt reeled in a monster catfish—and the rest is history.
After a complete renovation, Big Cypress Lodge and Bass Pro Shops opened inside the Pyramid in April 2015. Since then, millions of visitors have explored this truly one-of-a-kind hotel and retail destination in the heart of Memphis.
Photos courtesy of Big Cypress Lodge
Photos courtesy of Big Cypress Lodge
Photos courtesy of Big Cypress Lodge
Photos courtesy of Big Cypress Lodge
Photos courtesy of Big Cypress Lodge
Photos courtesy of Big Cypress Lodge
Present: Big Cypress Lodge Blends Outdoor Adventure with Luxury in the Heart of Memphis
Inside the 535,000-square-foot Pyramid, the space is designed to feel like an upscale camping experience.
The lodge features 103 rustic yet refined guest rooms, 100-foot-tall cypress trees and an indoor swamp with fish and live alligators. Guests can take in beautiful views from the Sky-High Ride, the United States’ tallest freestanding elevator, or explore a variety of dining options (like Wahlburgers Wild, The Fishbowl and The Lookout at the Pyramid) attractions and the immersive Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid, all under one roof.
The Mississippi Terrace at the Pyramid provides full views of Downtown Memphis and the illuminated Hernando de Soto Bridge, offering the perfect spot to unwind by the fire pit with a s’mores kit or while enjoying a cocktail from The Den. Designed like a grand hunting lodge, The Den at Big Cypress Lodge features a cozy fireplace, antler chandeliers and a full-service bar.
Accommodations: Big Cypress Lodge offers 103 rooms, including treehouse retreats, private cabins and luxurious suites.
• Premier Rooms: Big Cypress Lodge’s premier rustic accommodations offer oversized beds, electric fireplaces, luxury bath features and private balconies with views of Bass Pro Shops. Guests can choose between an interior king or interior double queen, both featuring private balconies overlooking the cypress swamp and retail floor.
• Exterior Rooms: As the largest hotel rooms in Memphis, Big Cypress Lodge’s deluxe rustic accommodations offer oversized beds, electric fireplaces and luxury bath features. Some rooms also include outside-facing windows. Guests can choose between an exterior king or exterior double queen room.
• Suites: From treehouse retreats to vintage duck cabins, each suite offers a distinctive charm while providing modern comforts. Guests can enjoy views of the indoor cypress swamp or downtown Memphis, with all suites featuring Sleep Experience bedding and wireless internet access.
Photo courtesy of Big Cypress Lodge.
Future: Celebrating 10 Years with Events, Promotions and Outdoor Adventures
This year marks a decade since Big Cypress Lodge and Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid opened its doors in Memphis, creating lasting memories for guests near and far.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we reflect on a decade of adventure, hospitality and unforgettable memories,” says Horner. “Here’s to the next 10 years of outdoor-inspired magic in the heart of one of America’s most historic cities.”
To honor the milestone, guests can expect a lineup of special events, exclusive promotions and exciting giveaways throughout the year. As part of the celebration, Big Cypress Lodge is partnering with Fish Memphis, offering guests the opportunity to fish year-round in the shadows of the Pyramid. Also, the U.S. Open Bowfishing Championship will take place at the Bass Pro Shops Pyramid on May 17–18, where participants have the chance to fish the Mississippi River and relive that moment between Morris, Dance and Emmitt—where Bass Pro Shops Pyramid all began. In September, the Mississippi River Monsters Tournament, an annual catfishing competition, will host its weigh-in at Big Cypress Lodge.
Plan your visit today and experience all that Big Cypress Lodge and the Bass Pro Shops Pyramid have to offer. Visit the 10-year anniversary sale page here for special offers on your stay.
