Bass Pro's Johnny Morris plans huge Top of the Rock Lodge at sinkhole site

Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris announced Tuesday plans to build a new Top of the Rock Lodge adjacent to and overlooking the famous sinkhole that opened at Branson's Top of the Rock Golf Course in 2015.

The sinkhole, which Morris has excavated so far to a depth of 200 feet, also has been formally named and is now called the "Cathedral of Nature."

A news release described the new lodge as a wilderness resort whose "soaring timber-and-stone-clad structure will sit directly on the edge of" the Cathedral of Nature. Some of the guests will be able to view the sinkhole's limestone spires from their rooms.

Construction of the lodge, which will have more than 100 rooms — each with its own fireplace — is scheduled to begin this summer, according to the news release. No cost estimate was provided.

“Our guests consistently tell us visiting Top of the Rock is one the best parts of their Big Cedar Lodge experience," Morris said in the news release. "This is a very special place and we couldn’t be more excited to further immerse people in the spectacular natural beauty and genuine Ozarks hospitality found here."

Morris founded nearby Big Cedar Lodge as a fishing resort more than 30 years ago and has continued to develop the area with outdoor-related amenities.

The sinkhole formed on a portion of the driving range, and Morris, a cave enthusiast, decided to excavate it rather than filling it in.

So far, crews have removed 70,215 truckloads of dirt and rock, expanded the opening from 70 feet to 350 feet, and dug out the base of the rock spires to a depth of 200 feet.

According to the news release, guests staying at Top of the Rock Lodge will be able to swim close to the edge of the sinkhole in an "infinity pool" next to the lodge.

Additional amenities will include an onsite spa, fitness center, meeting space, and a covered wooden bridge that will connect guests to Top of the Rock Ozarks Heritage Preserve, with its various dining offerings and nature-based attractions.

More information about the project will be available in the future at bigcedarlodge.com.

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