"A great place for the whole family. There are so many things to see! From the multitudes of products to the amazing mounted animals to the fish in the tanks. A very nice place to bring young people who like different animals. And don't forget the unique products like fish sandals!"

Brian Bakker

"The Good: An Immersive Outdoor Experience
* Stuffed Animals and Fish Displays (Your Favorite!): This is undeniably where Cabela's shines for many visitors. The expansive and elaborate taxidermy displays are a major draw. You'll find dioramas showcasing a wide variety of North American and even African wildlife, from towering bears and elk to intricate scenes of fish in their natural habitats. These displays are often beautifully designed, educational, and provide a fantastic opportunity to observe wildlife up close (albeit preserved) in a way that's rarely possible elsewhere. It's truly a walk-through museum for nature enthusiasts. Many visitors, like yourself, enjoy simply Browse these impressive exhibits.
* Atmosphere and Ambiance: Beyond the taxidermy, Cabela's stores are designed to evoke an outdoor lodge or wilderness setting. Expect rustic architecture, large fireplaces, aquariums stocked with local fish, and sometimes even indoor archery ranges or shooting galleries. This creates a highly engaging and family-friendly environment, making it more than just a place to shop.
* Wide Product Selection (Beyond Guns): While you noted gun pricing, Cabela's offers a vast array of products for hunting, fishing, camping, boating, shooting sports, and general outdoor recreation. This includes clothing, footwear, gear, optics, and much more. For those passionate about the outdoors, the sheer variety can be impressive.
* Sales and Promotions: As you mentioned, finding items on sale is key. Cabela's, especially since its acquisition by Bass Pro Shops, frequently runs promotions, loyalty program discounts (Cabela's CLUB), and seasonal sales. Keeping an eye out for these can lead to significant savings. Their price match policy also states they will match competitors' prices and even beat them by 5% for Club members.
The Not-So-Good: Areas for Improvement
* Gun Pricing: Your observation about overpriced guns is a common sentiment among customers. Many reviews indicate that firearms and related accessories can often be found cheaper at local gun shops or other online retailers. This could be due to their pricing strategy, which aims for perceived value and convenience within their expansive retail environment, rather than always being the lowest price leader in the firearms market. There are also frequent complaints about slow and cumbersome processes at the gun counter, including long wait times and bureaucratic paperwork.
* Customer Service Inconsistencies: While some customers report positive experiences, a recurring theme in reviews points to inconsistent customer service, particularly at the gun counter. Issues include long wait times, unhelpful staff, and a general feeling of being ignored. This can be frustrating for customers seeking assistance or looking to make a purchase.
* Inventory and Quality Concerns (Post-Bass Pro Shops Acquisition): Some long-time Cabela's patrons feel that the inventory selection has changed, with a perceived decrease in the quality of some gear and an increase in "impulse buy" type items since Bass Pro Shops acquired them. There are also mentions of empty shelves and a shift towards more Bass Pro branded products.
* Reliance on Sales: Your tendency to only buy on sale highlights a broader pricing strategy. While sales are great, it suggests that everyday prices might be perceived as high enough that customers wait for discounts.
Overall Impression:
Cabela's remains a unique destination. For someone who enjoys the immersive experience of Browse the elaborate wildlife displays and soaking in the outdoor ambiance, it's a great place to visit, even if you don't plan on buying anything specific. It's like a free mini-museum that caters to an appreciation for wildlife and the outdoors.
However, if your primary goal is to find the absolute best deal on specific outdoor gear, especially firearms, it pays to do your research and compare prices with other retailers. Being patient and waiting for sales or leveraging their price match policy is a smart approach for value-conscious shoppers."

John Devlin

"Very nice store and very nice people. I called in the afternoon inquiring if they allow overnight camper parking, and the individual on the phone informed me that, yes, they do allow overnight parking. They informed me that there are signs stating no overnight parking, but those are from a previous manager and that the signs are no longer applicable. Large lot for RVs out back. Enter from the south from 255th/East Spruce St and the camper lot is on the left. There were 3 other campers staying overnight with us."

Erich Scharf