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NPR’s Journeys of Discovery Podcast Visits Springfield, Missouri – Episode 4

  • November 11, 2022

The Springfield region in Missouri is a great place for companies looking to grow, make, move, and connect. The region recently caught the attention of award-winning NPR podcast host Tom Wilmer. He spent several days in Missouri visiting with leaders in the community to learn more about what makes Springfield a leading destination for businesses, residents and tourists.

In the fourth episode of the series, Tom visits Johnny Morris’ Top of the Rock in the heart of the Ozarks.

Tom Wilmer, Journeys of Discovery Podcast Host:

Johnny Morris, his claim to fame back in the day was?

Jeff Wilhoit, Big Cedar Lodge

In 1972, he founded this little bait shop called Bass Pro Shops, in eight feet of retail space in his dad’s liquor store, where he started selling fishing lures, and it has turned into the largest outdoor company in the country.

Tom Wilmer, Journeys of Discovery Podcast Host:

So here we are, just one of his enterprises, where are we exactly?

Jeff Wilhoit, Big Cedar Lodge

So, Bass Pro Shops has a hospitality division, and so we are at Top of the Rock, which is part of Big Cedar Lodge, a resort which is in Southwest Missouri, just a couple miles from the Arkansas border. This is 4,600 acres, and Top of the Rock is part of that, and is the highest point in the county, and has lots of different activities and dining options.

Tom Wilmer, Journeys of Discovery Podcast Host:

My favorite thing that we saw and did was your Native American Museum. That was incredible.

Jeff Wilhoit, Big Cedar Lodge

Yes. I think it is the greatest collection of Native American artifacts in the country. Especially, privately held by one individual. It’s just incredible.

Check out the full conversation on the Journeys of Discovery podcast here.

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