West Tennessee is Calling: Explore the Great Outdoors
Sponsored by: Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee
Looking for epic adventure in the great outdoors? Make West Tennessee your next travel destination. No matter the season, West Tennessee is an appealing destination for outdoor explorers with an abundance of things to do year-round, including boating, hiking, fishing, water sports, camping, wildflower viewing and birdwatching.
The region borders the mighty Mississippi River, providing a variety of recreational activities including scenic cruises, riverfront parks and trails with views of the river.
The Tennessee River provides the eastern border of West Tennessee, with the massive Kentucky Lake running alongside it. The largest manmade lake in the eastern U.S., Kentucky Lake provides plentiful opportunities for boating and fishing, particularly for bass and catfish. Paris Landing State Park in Buchanan offers beautiful lake vistas with cabins, camping and a marina.
When you choose Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee, you’ll have peace of mind when you embark on any West Tennessee adventure. The local insurance agents are deeply connected to their Tennessee communities. Whether you need RV, boating, watercraft or auto insurance or coverage for your life, home or rental property, Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee can cover certain personal belongings at home and while you’re traveling.
In This Article
Memphis, TN, Attractions
Memphis is Tennessee’s second-largest city, and its location along the edge of the widest part of the Mississippi River makes it a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Take in all the sights and sounds of the river by taking a cruise with Memphis Riverboats. Choose from several cruise options, including the Sightseeing Cruise that takes you downriver with commentary that’s both entertaining and educational. Other options include the Sunday Blues Cruise with lunch and a live blues band or the evening dinner cruise featuring Memphis-style barbecue and live music.
While in Memphis, you can’t miss the Memphis Pyramid, a local landmark at the bank of the Mississippi River. Built in 1991, the pyramid was originally used as a sports and entertainment arena until it reopened as a Bass Pro Shops megastore in 2015. The pyramid houses the nature-inspired Big Cypress Lodge, restaurants, retail shops, a bowling alley, and the Sky High Ride & Observation Deck that lets you experience the best views of the Mississippi River and downtown Memphis.
Thirteen miles north of Memphis, Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park is a perfect place to pitch your tent or park your RV and camp for a few days.
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The park campground offers 49 campsites as well as six vacation cabins surrounded by woods. Park activities include paddling and boating on Poplar Tree Lake, a 36-hole disc golf course, 20 miles of hiking trails, a 5-mile bike trail, fishing, horseback riding and birdwatching. More than 240 species of birds have been documented in the park.
Glenn Springs Lake in Drummonds is another option for outdoor recreation with two fishing piers, a covered boat dock, two launching ramps, picnic pavilions and a bait and tackle shop.
Attractions Near Jackson, TN
The second-largest city in West Tennessee, Jackson features plenty of parks, farmers markets and several attractions within Casey Jones Village. Venture out into the surrounding counties for even more outdoor opportunities.
Named for the Chickasaw Tribe that once lived in West Tennessee, Chickasaw State Park in Henderson covers 1,400 acres on some of the highest terrain in the region. Visitors can hike or bike on 4 miles of trails, rent rowboats and pedal boats on Lake Placid or camp at one of the park’s RV or tent campsites. Chickasaw has one of the few Wrangler Campgrounds in the region, designed for visitors traveling with their horses. Guests who don’t own horses can rent horses from the park stables.
At Tennessee Safari Park in Alamo, you can hand-feed exotic animals from your car window. This hilariously fun experience includes a 7.5-mile drive-through safari and a 20-acre walk-through zoo. In nearby Clarksburg, Southland Safari does the driving for you, providing guided rides in their off-road safari vehicles through the 125-acre property that features more than 50 unique species of animals, ranging from giraffes and zebras to flamingos and kangaroos.
In Stanton, Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge is regarded by locals as one of West Tennessee’s hidden outdoor gems along the Hatchie River. While it primarily serves as a refuge for plants, fish and wildlife, this natural area is open to the public for activities including hunting, fishing, photography, wildlife watching and more.
Union City, TN, Attractions
The small West Tennessee town of Union City is big on fun, thanks to Discovery Park of America. Walk the grounds of this 50-acre outdoor heritage park to discover waterfalls, bridges, gardens, art installations, a nature-inspired playground and a reproduction of a mid-19th-century frontier settlement.
Just 26 miles west of Union City, Reelfoot Lake State Park is a prime spot for fishing, boating and wildlife viewing.
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The park’s 15,000-acre lake was created by a series of earthquakes in 1811 and 1812, causing the Mississippi River to flow backward creating Reelfoot Lake. During winter, Reelfoot Lake has thousands of American bald eagles, and park naturalists lead bald eagle and waterfowl tours.
Savannah, TN, Area Attractions
For history buffs, Shiloh National Military Park near Savannah, TN, is a must-see attraction. Spanning nearly 4,000 acres, Shiloh is one of the best-preserved Civil War battlefields, having been the site of the bloody Battle of Shiloh in April 1862. Visitors can hike or bike the battlefield or follow the National Park Service’s Audio Driving Tour Route and get out to explore each stop.
Fourteen miles south of Savannah, Pickwick Landing State Park offers fishing, boating, swimming and a marina. Guests can stay overnight in the park lodge or cabins, or take a more rustic approach and book a campsite. Golfing, birdwatching, nature walks, tennis and disc golf are other popular activities at Pickwick Landing.
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Festivals in West Tennessee
Calling all foodies! Head to Paris, TN, the last full week of April to indulge in all-you-can-eat catfish at the World’s Biggest Fish Fry. A beloved Henry County tradition for 72 years, the highly anticipated event celebrates the county’s rich fishing heritage.
Love strawberry season? The small town of Humboldt hosts the West Tennessee Strawberry Festival, a local tradition since 1934. The seven-day festival happens in early May and includes a recipe contest, a carnival, live entertainment, parades, fireworks, pageants, homemade strawberry shortcake and more.
In September, historic downtown Martin hosts the Tennessee Soybean Festival in celebration of the state’s top agricultural product. Festivalgoers can experience food vendors, a community barbecue cook-off, carnival rides, live music and a whole lot more.
Where to Eat: Memphis Barbecue and Tennessee Catfish
When all that outdoor recreation makes you work up an appetite, there is no shortage of delicious dining destinations in West Tennessee. Memphis is regarded by many as the “Barbecue Capital of the World” and offers some of the best barbecue in West Tennessee. Take your pick from Central BBQ, A&R Barbeque or Interstate Bar-B-Que, just to name a few.
West Tennessee is also known for excellent catfish, thanks to its proximity to the Tennessee and Mississippi Rivers, which both offer prime catfish fishing opportunities. Savannah has been called the “Catfish Capital of the World” and is home to several down-home eateries that specialize in the dish. In nearby Shiloh, don’t miss the chance to dine at Hagy’s Catfish Hotel Restaurant, a family-run eatery with an interesting history dating back to before the Civil War.