Memphis, TN Activities

Mud Island River Park

Mud Island River Park Logo

You'll be an expert before the day is over when you visit Mud Island River Park.

The claim to fame for Memphis, Tennessee, is as a center for all types of music, including rock 'n' roll, blues, gospel and jazz. In addition to its amazing diversity of music, "The River City" has much more to offer, including family attractions, numerous parks and lots of history. With all the fun opportunities it holds, this bluff city on the mighty Mississippi promises to become your new favorite travel destination.

Mud Island River Park

Upon your arrival in Memphis, you'll want to head straight for Mud Island River Park, where your admission lets you take the Swiss monorail to visit the Mississippi River Museum, the Mississippi River Walk and the Adventure Center. The River Walk is a 5-block model of the River, and takes you on a 1,000 mile journey from the Mississippi's headwaters in Itasca, Minnesota all the way to the Memphis River Delta—all in just five blocks! At the Adventure Center, visitors can rent canoes, kayaks, pedal boats and bikes for an opportunity to test their skills in the water or to see the scenery while leisurely pedaling down the park's paths.

Graceland

After a visit to Mud Island River Park, head over to the nation's second most famous house: Elvis Presley's estate, Graceland. Take the Graceland Platinum Tour, and in 2 or 3 hours you'll have toured the 14-acre estate, including eight rooms in Graceland, and Elvis' fleet of airplanes, cars and motorcycles. At Graceland you'll get a chance to visit the Sincerely Elvis Memorabilia Museum to see Presley family home movies, photos and garments from Elvis' wardrobe. Graceland is the ultimate Elvis experience! For the closest lodging to Graceland, choose to stay at the Comfort Inn Airport, only 2 blocks from where Elvis lived. This hotel features a complimentary breakfast, morning paper and an outdoor pool.

Sun Studios

While Elvis may be Memphis' most famous musical son, the city also boasts many other music-themed historic sites. Visit Sun Studio for a guided tour of the "birthplace of rock 'n' roll," where you'll see historical music memorabilia and hear original recordings. Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum is another site dedicated to the city's musical heritage; here visitors learn about gospel, rock and blues on an audio tour with interactive displays.

National Civil Rights Museum

While musical history abounds in Memphis, other kinds of history flourish as well, and Memphis is home to several interesting and educational museums dedicated to sharing the culture and importance of Memphis. At The National Civil Rights Museum, numerous exhibits tell the story of important events that shaped the Civil Rights Movement, including the Montgomery Bus Boycott, The March on Washington and the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Museum actually resides in the hotel (now converted to a museum building) where Dr. King was assassinated in 1968. Another interesting history attraction is the Memphis Pink Palace Museum. Here visitors learn about the region's history, as well as seeing oddities like a shrunken head and a hand-carved miniature circus! After lots of walking around the city, visitors especially enjoy a chance to sit and enjoy a movie at the Museum's IMAX Theater or a dazzling sky show at the planetarium.

From the musical to the historical, Memphis offers something for everyone. No matter what time of year you visit Memphis, the people of the city will greet you with a smile and point you in the direction of seasonal festivals and year-round attractions. Memphis, Tennessee, is a sure-fire pick for an unforgettable vacation.