The Mississippi River has been delivering people to Memphis for a long time. Like, a really long time. So when it comes to planning how you’ll experience our mightiest natural feature, you’ll find plenty of advice. So much, in fact, you may need to filter your choices. Just think of Memphis’ riverfront as a choose-your-own adventure novel and jump to what you like.
The Mississippi River has been delivering people to Memphis for a long time. Like, a really long time. So when it comes to planning how you’ll experience our mightiest natural feature, you’ll find plenty of advice. So much, in fact, you may need to filter your choices. Just think of Memphis’ riverfront as a choose-your-own adventure novel and jump to what you like.
EXPERIENCE THE NEW TOM LEE PARK
Memphis' iconic Tom Lee Park revealed its much-anticipated transformation into a newly reimagined riverfront. If you've enjoyed the park before, you'll remember wide-open river views, seemingly endless green space and a memorial to local hero Tom Lee, who saved dozens of passengers from a Mississippi River steamship disaster a century ago. On your next visit, check out the fully transformed space, with added river "lounges," a themed playground and onsite food-and-beverage options. Unchanged: those amazing river views.
WALK ACROSS THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER'S LONGEST PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE
- At night, Big River Crossing and the adjacent Hernando de Soto Bridge put on a light display that's full of color. Learn more about Mighty Lights here.
- Where Big River Crossing delivers you into Arkansas, explore Ducks Unlimited Park for an additional seven miles of paved trail, blooming sunflowers (in season) and views from the "opposite" side of the river.
Explore MUD ISLAND River Park
Take a quick stroll across the walking bridge to Mud Island River Park. While the park is undergoing some construction, you can still snap a selfie with the MEMPHIS sign, take in panoramic views of the Mighty Mississippi and Downtown Memphis. Then step inside the world of Baron Von Opperbean and the River of Time, an immersive world of art, adventure play, and interactive technology inside the historic Mississippi River Museum where portals, alternate universes, and story-driven discovery blur the line between exploration and imagination. End your night and grab a bite at the upscale southern creole restaurant, Mahogany Memphis.
