Originally known as the founder and CEO of Bass Pro Shops, Johnny Morris currently boasts a diverse brand with a commitment to conservation at its core. From nature-based resorts to championship golf courses to award-winning restaurants, Morris has certainly created an empire on which he can hang his hat. With a myriad of new developments underway at Top of the Rock, Finley Farms, Thunder Ridge Nature Arena and more, visitors to Morris’s properties are in for the experience of a lifetime.
Payne’s Valley
This championship golf course, located at Top of the Rock and designed by Tiger Woods is about to get even more enticing. This year will see the addition of the Crow’s Nest, a swanky turn station situated at the halfway point of the course. In signature Johnny Morris fashion, the decorative style of this structure will reference the land in which it is enveloped. Comforts such as bison hot dogs, drinks, and exclusive merchandise will be available for purchase.
The 19th hole of Payne’s Valley, referred to as the Big Rock, is a bonus par 3 set amongst a colossal limestone wall and a stunning waterfall. Here, four-bedroom cottages will soon be available as nightly rentals. Each of these lavish accommodations comes with its own putting green and pool, offering the pinnacle of luxury for guests to enjoy during their stay.
The Garrison at Finley Farms
The Garrison has been open to the public for under a year, and already it is a hugely popular destination for upscale hors d’oeuvres, steaks, seafood, and craft cocktails. Its place beneath The Ozark Mill at Finley Farms is one of the most alluring elements of this dreamy spot. The mill itself was built in 1833, survived three fires, and was the last commercially operating watermill in Missouri, with its closure occurring in 1992.
Taking inspiration from Prohibition-era speakeasies, The Garrison evokes the feeling that you’ve just been let in on a succulent secret. Soft lighting emanating from opulent chandeliers, cushioned seating allowing for supreme dining comfort, a dreamy patio; all of these beckon guests to this intimate atmosphere. The rustic materials used throughout confirm that The Garrison is, unmistakably, a Johnny Morris creation.
Thunder Ridge Nature Arena
Music and nature enthusiasts alike, this one's for you. Thunder Ridge is a 20,000-seat outdoor amphitheater located at Big Cedar, set against the backdrop of Table Rock Lake and the sprawling hills of the Ozarks. No stone was left unturned during the construction of this project, with the terrain actually being raised to reveal an even more beautiful view of the area’s picturesque landscape. This venue is fit for concerts of epic proportions, and is also home to the Missouri Thunder Professional Bull Riding Team.
Last October, Garth Brooks put on a hugely anticipated performance at Thunder Ridge. Brooks’ concert garnered a massive turnout, and Route 86 experienced a dramatically higher number of cars on the road than usual. Locals can attest to the severity of the traffic; thankfully, it won’t happen again, because Route 86 is being expanded to four lanes between Highway 65 and Thunder Ridge. The road work has already begun and will be completed on June 30.
