The Mississippi River will always have its own way; no engineering skill can persuade it to do otherwise...
- Mark Twain
Much like Memphis, the Mississippi River carries with it a free-flowing attitude, an edge, an unabridged heritage of making its own path, storming through barriers, and leaving a poignant path of respect The Mississippi is more than just a river in Memphis, it is representative of the city’s Mississippi River Delta culture.
Memphians have made the most of the mighty Mississippi. From the water’s edge to the water itself, there are several ways to enjoy this fascinating attraction.
As if Memphis by land wasn’t exciting enough, the city begs to be explored via the river. Hit the water with river kayaking in the harbor or venture onto a Mississippi riverboat for a dinner tour.
Off the water, the setting is equally as brilliant. Tom Lee Park, a 33 acre riverfront area that plays host every year to the International Barbeque Cooking Contest and Beale Street Music Festival, runs along the banks of the river and provides locals and visitors alike a place to get away from the city life - walk your dog, play Frisbee or go for a jog.
Mud Island River Park may be the most famed riverside attraction. The park features a riverside Amphitheatre where live performances are prominent, the
Mississippi River Museum — which contains remnants of the river’s first settlers, Civil War antiques of river battles and even musical relics. The park includes the
River Walk, a five-block, detailed model of the lower Mississippi River.
You can feel the spirit of the Mississippi River Delta around every corner...from the Orpheum Theatre on Main Street to the Gibson Guitar Factory on Lt. George W. Lee Ave. and even as far as the Stax Museum on East McLemore.
Whether it’s for the adventure, for the romance, or for the kids, the mighty Mississippi always delivers with breathtaking settings and memorable Memphis memories.