What will you find on and around this Mississippi River island? Paddling excursions, free ways to play and a model of the Mississippi River that doubles as a water feature for kids.
What will you find on and around this Mississippi River island? Paddling excursions, free ways to play and a model of the Mississippi River that doubles as a water feature for kids.
Ready to explore an island in the Mississippi River? Here are a few things to know before you go to Memphis' Mud Island River Park:
It’s fun to get there
Take the Skybridge, accessible from the public parking lot at Front Street and Poplar Avenue. You could walk the bridge; it’s only a half-mile to the park (plus some stairs) and you’ll get to really savor those river views as you stroll above it. But with electric scooter rentals downtown and new Explore Bike Share stations on both sides of the bridge, why not cruise over?
If you prefer to drive, the best access point is paid parking in the North Lot, accessible from the A. W. Willis Bridge. Keep in mind, the elevators and escalators leading to Skybridge are currently under construction, so if you have a stroller or use a wheel chair or other mobility device, driving is probably best.
Playing in the park is free
Other than parking, entry into Mud Island River Park is free.
The centerpiece of Mud Island River Park is the Riverwalk, a scale replica of the Lower Mississippi River from Cairo, Illinois, to just south of New Orleans, Louisiana. New signage and displays are currently being installed around the Riverwalk to enhance the visitor experience.
Walk alongside it (or splash in it) and you’ll pass through six states in the span of roughly five city blocks. The Riverwalk ends at a million-gallon pool representing the Gulf of Mexico, surrounded by views of the river and downtown Memphis. Strolling this attraction — and soaking in those views — won’t cost you a thing.
There's a lot to see and do at Mud Island River Park
It’s a great place to get out on the water
Take advantage of Mud Island's locale and get out on the water.
- Kayak Memphis offers rentals for kayaks for you to explore the calm waters of Wolf River Harbor. Rentals are open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and are $30. Advanced booking is required. In the summer months, join Kayak Memphis at the boat ramp on Mud Island for Sunset Kayak. This free, 30-minute harbor kayaking experience runs on a first come, first served basis and features a floating DJ.
- SUP901 offers guided tours on stand-up paddle boards through Wolf River Harbor. Book ahead of time through their website.
Wild card: It's a great place to just hang out
Think of Mud Island River Park like any other park — with a bit more magic, thanks to its island location. Year-round from dusk to dawn, you can:
- Bring your dog (on a leash)
When you're done exploring Mud Island River Park, you can let Fido off leash at Mud Island Dog Park in Harbor Town. - Spin on a cheery yellow tire swing
- Enjoy a picnic in a grove of trees
- Claim a riverside hammock with an unforgettable view
- Get dressed up and bring your fiancé or family for a photo shoot (Mud Island River Park doesn’t charge a professional photographer fee)
- Snap that selfie with the MEMPHIS sculpture
- Walk or bike the trails
A new multi-use trail is under construction on the south end of the island near the MEMPHIS sculpture.
