Memphis has plenty of surprises, but nothing quite compares to rolling strikes inside a massive pyramid while aquatic creatures swim overhead. Big Cypress Lodge houses one of the most unusual bowling alleys you’ll ever encounter, where ocean-themed decor transforms a simple game into an underwater adventure. Whether you’re a serious bowler or just looking for a memorable family outing, this place delivers an experience that goes way beyond knocking down pins.
A Pyramid Setting That Defies Expectations
Standing 32 stories tall along the Mississippi River, the Memphis Pyramid isn’t your typical shopping destination or hotel. This massive structure once hosted basketball games and concerts before Bass Pro Shops transformed it into something completely different. Now the pyramid contains a full wilderness-themed retail experience, restaurants, an aquarium, and yes, that ocean-themed bowling alley that keeps visitors talking long after they leave.
Big Cypress Lodge sits inside this architectural marvel, making it the only hotel where guests literally sleep inside a pyramid. The interior balconies overlook the entire Bass Pro complex below, giving you a bird’s eye view of shoppers, diners, and bowlers going about their day. Watching the activity from your room feels like observing a small city that never quite settles down.
Guest rooms feature handmade log furniture, electric fireplaces, and pillow-top mattresses that make you forget you’re staying in what used to be a sports arena. Some suites include screened porches where you can rock in a chair while taking in the scope of this unusual space. The rustic decor works surprisingly well given the pyramid’s modern exterior, creating a hunting lodge vibe that outdoor enthusiasts absolutely love.
Getting around requires some planning since the pyramid’s shape means long walks from elevators to certain rooms. Lines for elevators can stretch during peak times, especially when everyone’s trying to reach the observation deck at once. But the staff handles crowds well, and valet service takes the edge off arrival and departure logistics.
The pyramid’s location near downtown Memphis puts you within easy reach of Beale Street and other attractions. A free shuttle service covers a three-mile radius, with drivers who know the area well enough to point out landmarks and share local stories. One driver named Willie Walker gets mentioned repeatedly in reviews for making guests feel like VIPs during their rides.
Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl Brings The Ocean Indoors
Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl takes bowling somewhere it’s never been before. The entire space mimics an underwater environment, with jellyfish hanging from ceilings, fish tanks built into walls, and blue lighting that makes you feel like you’re 20,000 leagues under the sea. Kids go absolutely wild for the theming, but adults find themselves just as enchanted by the attention to detail.
The bowling itself follows a slightly different format than traditional alleys. Instead of standard ten-pin setups, Uncle Buck’s uses a smaller ball and shorter lanes designed for all skill levels. This makes it perfect for families with young children who might struggle with regular bowling equipment.
Games move faster, and the casual atmosphere means nobody’s keeping serious score.
Aquarium features throughout the space showcase actual fish swimming in tanks that line the walls and frame certain lanes. Watching sturgeon glide past while you’re waiting for your turn adds an element you won’t find at your neighborhood bowling alley. The combination of live aquatic life and ocean theming creates an immersive experience that justifies the trip even if bowling isn’t your main interest.
Pricing runs higher than typical bowling venues, but you’re paying for the unique environment as much as the game itself. Food and drinks are available, though reviews suggest the menu offers standard bowling alley fare without much creativity. The real draw remains the setting, which photographs beautifully and gives you stories to share with friends back home.
Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends when both hotel guests and local families pack the lanes. The space can get loud when busy, with sound echoing off the pyramid’s interior walls. But that energy adds to the fun, creating a party atmosphere that works well for birthday celebrations or group outings.
The Observation Deck Offers Unmatched City Views
Riding the free-standing glass elevator 25 stories up feels like launching into space, especially if you’re not fond of heights. The elevator climbs the outside of the pyramid’s interior, giving you a constantly changing perspective as you rise above the Bass Pro floor. By the time you reach the top, you’ve traveled 300 feet straight up with nothing but glass between you and the drop below.
The observation deck wraps around three sides of the pyramid, offering views across the Mississippi River, downtown Memphis, and into Arkansas on clear days. A glass floor section lets brave visitors look straight down at the tiny figures shopping far below. Many people need a moment before stepping onto the transparent panels, and that hesitation is completely understandable given the dizzying height.
Hotel guests receive complimentary access to the deck, while non-guests pay a separate admission fee. This perk alone adds significant value to booking a room at Big Cypress Lodge. The deck stays open late, making sunset visits particularly spectacular when golden light spreads across the river and city buildings glow in the fading day.
The Lookout Restaurant shares this sky-high space, serving meals with those same incredible views. Reviews describe the food as decent but not exceptional, with prices reflecting the location more than the culinary execution. Still, eating dinner while watching the city transition from day to night creates memories that outlast any critique of the menu.
A campfire area with s’mores kits available for purchase adds a quirky touch to the observation experience. Roasting marshmallows 300 feet above ground while standing inside a pyramid feels delightfully absurd. Just confirm the fire is actually lit before buying your kit, as some guests have reported arriving to find cold fire pits and no staff around to help.
Interior Balcony Rooms Create A Theater Box Experience
Booking an interior balcony room means your private space opens onto a view of the entire Bass Pro complex below. Stepping onto your balcony in the morning with coffee feels like having a theater box at a show that never ends. Shoppers browse displays, children point at fish tanks, and the constant motion creates a surprisingly soothing backdrop to your stay.
The sound of running water from the indoor streams and waterfalls reaches your balcony, providing white noise that many guests find calming at night. Some reviews mention hearing dogs bark from neighboring balconies where pet owners let their animals sleep outside. This can disrupt light sleepers, so requesting a room away from known pet-friendly sections might be wise.
Rocking chairs on each balcony invite you to sit and people-watch for hours. You’ll spot families taking photos, couples debating purchases, and staff moving through their routines with practiced efficiency. The scale of the space below makes everyone look miniature, like watching a detailed model train display come to life.
Privacy isn’t an issue despite overlooking a public area. The height and angle of balconies means shoppers below rarely look up, and when they do, they’re too far away to see details. You can relax in pajamas without worrying about becoming part of someone else’s shopping experience.
Taxidermy animals positioned throughout the pyramid’s interior include pieces visible from certain balconies. One guest mentioned a raccoon mounted on a faux tree just outside their room, which became a talking point with front desk staff who knew exactly which room based on that detail. These little touches show how well employees know the property and care about guest experiences.
Jacuzzi Tubs Turn Bathrooms Into Personal Spas
The bathrooms at Big Cypress Lodge deserve their own section in reviews because they’re genuinely impressive. Garden-style jacuzzi tubs dominate the space, deep enough for a proper soak and wide enough that you’re not cramped. After a day exploring Memphis or shopping the Bass Pro floors, sliding into hot water with jets massaging your back feels like exactly what the doctor ordered.
Separate standup showers mean you don’t have to choose between a quick rinse and a long bath. Both fixtures offer good water pressure and stay hot as long as you need. Some guests report finding the showers among the best parts of their stay, which says something about the quality when bathrooms become a highlight.
Space is another bathroom strength. You’re not bumping elbows while getting ready, and there’s actually room to spread out toiletries without playing Tetris with limited counter space. A separate closet for the toilet adds privacy, which families with kids or groups of friends appreciate when sharing a room.
The air tubs run a drying cycle after use that can startle guests who don’t know it’s coming. The tub will turn on by itself during the night to complete this cycle, making noise that sounds concerning until you understand what’s happening. If you press the button thinking something’s wrong, you’ll just pause the cycle temporarily before it starts up again.
Let it finish its routine and it won’t bother you again.
Cleanliness standards in bathrooms vary based on reviews. Some guests found everything spotless, while others reported hairs in tubs or faucets that leaked. These inconsistencies suggest housekeeping quality depends on which team cleans your room.
Don’t hesitate to call the front desk if something isn’t right, as they seem responsive to concerns when guests speak up.
Bass Pro Shops Integration Creates Endless Entertainment
Having a massive Bass Pro Shops attached to your hotel means entertainment options extend far beyond your room. The retail space fills multiple levels with everything from fishing gear to home decor, all displayed amid elaborate wilderness dioramas. Even if you’re not shopping, walking through feels like touring a museum dedicated to outdoor recreation.
The aquarium holds some seriously large fish, including sturgeon that look prehistoric as they cruise past viewing windows. Kids press their faces against the glass for ages, watching catfish, bass, and other species swim through carefully designed habitats. Educational signage explains each species, making the experience informative as well as entertaining.
Wildlife mounts throughout the space include full-body taxidermy of bears, elk, deer, and dozens of other animals positioned in natural poses. The quality of these displays impresses even people who aren’t typically into hunting or taxidermy. Photography enthusiasts could spend hours capturing images of the elaborate scenes.
Wahlburgers restaurant serves meals on the main floor, offering a casual dining option when you don’t want to leave the pyramid. Reviews are mixed, with some guests enjoying their burgers while others found the service slow and food overpriced for what you get. The breakfast there isn’t included with room rates despite signage that confused some visitors, so clarify meal plans at check-in to avoid surprise charges.
Lincoln Logs play area on the third floor gives little kids a hands-on activity when they need a break from looking at things. A scavenger hunt program through the hotel keeps children engaged, with special rubber duckies as prizes that become treasured souvenirs. These family-friendly touches show the property understands its audience includes plenty of parents looking to keep kids happy.
Staff Excellence Makes The Unusual Setup Work
Running a hotel inside a pyramid attached to a retail store requires staff who can handle unusual situations with grace. Big Cypress Lodge seems to have found those people. From valet drivers to front desk clerks to housekeeping staff passing in hallways, employees consistently earn praise for friendliness and genuine helpfulness.
The front desk team knows the property inside and out, able to recommend everything from the best time to visit the observation deck to which rooms have views of specific taxidermy pieces. One clerk impressed guests by remembering room details and asking about specific features like the jacuzzi tub or balcony raccoon. That level of personal attention transforms a standard check-in into a conversation with someone who actually cares.
Shuttle drivers particularly stand out in guest reviews. Willie Walker gets mentioned by name multiple times for going above and beyond, pointing out Memphis landmarks during rides and making passengers feel like VIPs. That kind of service turns a simple transportation perk into a highlight of the trip.
Other drivers receive similar praise, suggesting the shuttle team overall understands their role in the guest experience.
Housekeeping quality shows more variation, with some guests finding rooms immaculate while others reported cleanliness issues. This inconsistency suggests management might need to strengthen training or quality control measures. When problems do arise, front desk staff seem willing to address concerns, though follow-through doesn’t always happen as promised.
The entire team seems to genuinely enjoy working in such an unusual venue. Their enthusiasm for the property comes through in interactions, making guests feel like they’re part of something special rather than just another room number. In hospitality, attitude matters as much as amenities, and Big Cypress Lodge staff deliver on both fronts more often than not.