Bass Pro to open Independence store this week

The 180,000-square-foot, two-story store will offer outdoor gear, tackle, equipment and clothing. Other features include an 18,000-gallon aquarium stocked with 200 fish native to the area, a 30-foot climbing wall, a 15,000-gallon kayak demonstration pool, a 25-yard archery range, a laser rifle arcade, a marine and boat center, and a 12,995-square-foot Islamorada Fish Co. restaurant capable of seating 350, according to a Bass Pro news release.

The store also incorporates artifacts and memorabilia from northwest Missouri.

Prior to the grand opening, the store will host “Evening for Conservation” at 6 p.m. Wednesday. The event is part of Bass Pro’s initiatives to partner with local and state conservation agencies to promote the region’s natural resources, according to the release.

The Independence store is serving as anchor of The Falls lifestyle center that also has nature trails and a park with an 18-acre lake.