Wonders of Wildlife voted No. 1 in USA Today readership poll

Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium has been named the best aquarium in the United States by USA Today readers.

The honor marks the eighth time WOW has received the recognition since its opening in 2017, according to a news release. Nominations for the award come from a panel of experts in zoos, aquariums and travel, and editors narrow the field to a final set of nominees.

“Being recognized by so many guests from across the country and around the world means a great deal to all of us, and more importantly we’re proud WOW is having a positive impact on the future of conservation,” Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris said in the release. “We’re very grateful to everyone who voted for Wonders of Wildlife and all those who wake up every day with a passion to support conservation.”

Nearly 9 million people have visited WOW since its 2017 debut.

WOW spans 350,000 square feet and features 1.5 million gallons of freshwater and saltwater aquariums, according to the release.

On USA Today’s 10Best travel and lifestyle website, WOW is followed by No. 2 Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and No. 3 Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga.