This year, Big Cypress Lodge proudly celebrates its 10-year anniversary as an outdoor haven inside the iconic Memphis Pyramid. Since opening in 2015, this one-of-a-kind hotel has welcomed visitors from around the world to experience its rustic charm, world-class amenities, and heartfelt hospitality.
Housed in the 535,000-square-foot Memphis Pyramid, the lodge is part of Johnny Morris’ vision to bring the outdoors in and create spaces that connect people with nature. Featuring 103 uniquely designed rooms, towering indoor cypress trees, a swamp with live alligators, and the nation’s tallest freestanding elevator, Big Cypress Lodge is more than just a hotel it’s an unforgettable destination in the heart of Memphis.
History of the Memphis Pyramid
This iconic building wasn’t always an outdoor paradise. Originally built in 1991, the Memphis Pyramid was a venue for sporting and entertainment events, hosting basketball tournaments, concerts by legends like Mary J. Blige and The Rolling Stones, and even a Mike Tyson boxing match. From 2002 to 2006, the building was repurposed as a church with its future uncertain.
That all changed in 2005 during a fishing trip on the Mississippi River. Bass Pro Shops founder, Johnny Morris, set out with famed angler, Bill Dance, and Bass Pro’s first fishing manager, Jack Emmitt. As they passed the Pyramid, Morris joked that if they caught a 30-pound catfish, he’d build a Bass Pro Shops inside. Sure enough, with just an hour left in the trip, Jack reeled in the big fish and the rest is history.
A decade later, that bold idea became reality. After an extensive transformation, the Memphis Pyramid reopened in 2015 as one of the most unique attractions in the world. Inside, visitors discovered more than just a Bass Pro Shops. Big Cypress Lodge offers rustic elegant accommodations, including treehouse retreats, private cabins, and luxurious rooms overlooking the indoor swamp. Beyond the lodge, guests can explore a bowling alley, the nation’s tallest freestanding elevator, and some of the most unique dining options in Memphis. From breathtaking skyline views at The Lookout Restaurant to the world’s only Wahlburgers Wild, the Pyramid blends adventure, entertainment, and world-class hospitality like nowhere else.
The Heart and Soul of the Lodge
While the Pyramid itself is a wonder, it’s the people inside who bring the Big Cypress Lodge experience to life. In honor of the Big Cypress Lodge 10-year anniversary, we interviewed a few of the first associates about what this milestone means to them along with some special stories along the way.
If you’ve read a review of Big Cypress Lodge, chances are you’ve seen Jeffrey Hill’s name. Whether it’s on TripAdvisor, a guest comment card, or even word of mouth, guests rave about his kind spirit and knack for storytelling. Jeffrey has been with Big Cypress Lodge since its grand opening in 2015.
When you arrive, his smile is often the first thing you’ll see, and his genuine interest in people is what keeps guests coming back.
“You have to be friendly and spoil the guest,” said Jeffrey. “They love it when you can do any little, small things for them. The key is being nice and coming to work and enjoying your work.” His advice captures the heart of the lodge’s approach to hospitality.
Big Cypress Lodge Assistant General Manager Taffie Jones is another associate who’s been with the lodge since day one. Jones reflected on the transformative journey leading to the grand opening. “We worked long hours, but it was so much fun seeing it all come together,” she said. “Working opening day was exciting. I was standing on the second floor watching all the guests come in. It was a great day. We were so excited and proud to be a part of it all.”
Over the years, Big Cypress Lodge has created countless memories for guests and team members alike, from hosting celebrities like Kid Rock and Eddie Griffin to creating meaningful moments for families.
“We had a family that came and stayed with us through St. Jude for the first three years, and on year four, they came to spend their child’s last Christmas with us,” said Jones. “This was before we had Christmas trees in the rooms, so we did Christmas decorations and put gifts in the room for the children. I will never forget that family. I think of them every Christmas.”
Moments like this emphasize the importance of crafting an exceptional experience for every guest who walks in the door.
For April Wingate, celebrating 10 years with Big Cypress Lodge is deeply meaningful. “It means the world to me,” she shared. “April 29, 2015, will be 10 years I have been here, and I don’t see myself going anywhere else. I have seen a lot of people come and go throughout the years, but you have to love your job to make it last. Working here at Big Cypress Lodge feels like a family, and I will be here as long as the company will have me.”
April also had simple but impactful advice for new employees: “This is an amazing company to work for. Come to work and do your job, and it will be well worth it. It is a place where you can work your way up through positions. Always smile, be polite, and greet everyone you see. That smile just might be what changes a person’s whole day,” said Wingate.
For many associates, Big Cypress Lodge has been more than a workplace but also a community of support. Jones reflected on this, saying, “It’s an honor to work for a company such as this. We have gone through losses together, celebrated life rewards, watched our kids grow. It’s the type of company you feel love from even five hours away. I am truly honored to be a part of this team, and cheers to many more years to come.”
Working at Big Cypress Lodge also comes with its quirks, thanks to the Pyramid’s unique layout. Big Cypress associates laughed about the mysterious door on the second floor that opens to nowhere and the missing room numbers on the third floor.
For long-time associates like April, these unique details are just part of what makes working here special. “Seeing the guests open the doors and say WOW this amazing, this place is beautiful. You get to meet so many people from all over the world.”
Others say it’s the excitement of new experiences each day that set Big Cypress Lodge apart as a place of work. “We have the most unique rooms in Memphis. The atmosphere is amazing, and it’s not just work for me because I actually love what I do here,” said Jones.
Looking Ahead
As Big Cypress Lodge celebrates this milestone, the team reflects on 10 years of adventure, hospitality, and creating stories worth telling. From its unique beginnings to becoming an iconic Memphis treasure, the lodge continues to welcome guests with open arms and a promise of unforgettable memories.
Here’s to the next 10 years of outdoor-inspired magic right here in the heart of Memphis, one of America’s most historic cities.
About Big Cypress Lodge
Located in the heart of Memphis, Tennessee is a one-of-a-kind rustic retreat inspired by the great outdoors known as Big Cypress Lodge. Inside of the 535,000-square-foot pyramid, this destination features 103 guest rooms, 100-foot-tall trees, a swamp with live alligators and a variety of fish, the nation’s tallest freestanding elevator, numerous dining options, Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid and many additional attractions. Learn more about the hotel here.
