Mississippi River Park
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Mississippi River Park offers a visually appealing natural environment with a unique, accessible wood and rope playground, extensive walking paths with labeled trees and wildflower gardens, and scenic city/river views ideal for photography and nature appreciation. However, be prepared for some areas being neglected or under renovation, with key amenities like the train ride and public restrooms potentially unavailable.
Key Highlights
- ✓Visually beautiful natural environment including a wide variety of trees, wildflower gardens, and bird houses.
- ✓Unique, large, and sturdy playground made of wood and rope, accommodating adults and children.
- ✓Playground includes a ramp for wheelchair users or people with mobility restraints.
- ✓Trees along walking paths are labeled with bronze plaques, offering educational opportunities.
- ✓Offers great views of the city and river, ideal for photography.
- ✓Access to fish from the Mississippi River bank is possible.
- ✓Features a boat ramp for river access.
Standout Features
- ⭐Accessible playground design (wood and rope, ramp).
- ⭐Natural educational elements (labeled trees, wildflower gardens, bird houses).
- ⭐Scenic photo opportunities (city view, river view).
- ⭐Fishing access from the river bank.
- ⭐Boat ramp for river access.
- ⭐Potential for various events (though specific events are not detailed).
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →Plan to use restrooms before arriving, as park bathrooms may be locked.
- →Be prepared for a significant walk if your destination is the Memphis sign from the parking area.
- →Bring a camera for scenic city and river photos.
- →Look for bronze plaques to identify trees for an educational experience.
- →Inquire about specific events if you're interested, as many are offered.
- →Consider bringing fishing gear if you wish to fish from the Mississippi River bank.
- →Manage expectations regarding park maintenance, as some areas are neglected or under renovation.
Things to Consider
- ⚠Park appears abandoned or neglected in certain areas.
- ⚠The train that takes you over the river is vandalized and not in use.
- ⚠The riverwalk has no water in it.
- ⚠Public bathrooms were reported as locked during a visit.
- ⚠Long walk from the parking area to the Memphis sign.
- ⚠Portions of the riverfront are still undergoing renovations or are untouched/unfinished.
Price & Value
Appears to be a free public park as no entry fees are mentioned. Offers good value for free access to an accessible playground, natural beauty, and river activities, despite some maintenance issues.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •Playground features a ramp to accommodate wheelchair users or people with mobility restraints.
- •Walking paths are wide, contributing to overall accessibility.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •No specific food and drink rules mentioned. As a public park, outside food is generally permitted, but this is not confirmed in reviews.
🚗Parking Info
- •Parking is available, but expect a considerable walk from the parking area to certain attractions like the Memphis sign.
👥Crowd Levels
- •Not mentioned in reviews.
🛡️Safety Features
- •No specific safety features like staff supervision or emergency services mentioned. Parents should practice standard park safety.
⏰When to Avoid
- • If your visit depends on readily available and functional public restrooms.
- • Families expecting a fully operational train ride or a riverwalk with flowing water.
- • If you prefer a highly maintained and fully renovated park experience, as some areas are described as neglected or unfinished.
Pricing/Package/Events
Events & Schedule
Special Events(Last 2 months - Next 6 months)
Silent Library: Audiobook Walk
Saturday, October 11, 2025
Free
Join Cossitt Library for a peaceful community stroll through Tom Lee Park, celebrating the Silent Library’s 10 year anniversary. Starts at The Terrace overlooking the Playground.
Shakespeare in the Park
Saturday, October 18, 2025
Free
Join Tennessee Shakespeare Company for the 9th Annual Free Autumn Shout-Out Shakespeare.
United Festival
Sunday, September 14, 2025
Free
An evening of music, dance, art, and conversation presented by La Prensa Latina and Bilingual Media Group, celebrating Hispanic and Latino culture. Family-friendly.
WE OUTSIDE - Youth Environment Day
Saturday, September 6, 2025
Free
A day filled with fun activities and learning about the environment. Organized by Young, Gifted & Green's Memphis Youth Environmental Justice Council and local community partners.
Tom Lee’s Mississippi River Gumption Revival Lantern Parade
Monday, September 1, 2025 (901 Day)
N/A (parade)
Honor Tom Lee's bravery and spark your own.
Lantern Workshop (21+) - Illuminated Parasol
Saturday, August 30, 2025
$12
Craft your own illuminated parasol for the Tom Lee Mississippi River Gumption Revival Lantern Parade.
Lantern Workshop (21+) - Catfish Lantern
Saturday, August 23, 2025
$12
Craft your own catfish lantern for the Tom Lee Mississippi River Gumption Revival Lantern Parade.
🍎Food Policy
- • Visitors are welcome to bring meals to enjoy with family and friends.
- • No alcohol allowed without all relevant city permits and prior authorization.
- • Vending or selling food or drinks without prior authorization is prohibited.
🛡️Safety Policy
- • Dogs must be kept on a leash unless in a designated dog park.
- • Be mindful of others during workouts/activities.
- • Destroying or tampering with grass, trees, plantings or flowers is prohibited.
📅Booking Policy
- • Private events and weddings require a rental fee and may incur damages charges.
- • Inquire about park rentals through the website.
- • Educational groups are invited to visit parks and should book field trips.
🚗Parking Information
- • Public parking is available at many river parks.
- • Mud Island: Parking lot accessible by the north entrance.
- • Ashburn-Coppock Park: Small parking lot.
- • Visitors are encouraged to arrive by foot or bike; bike share stations are available along the riverfront.
What People Say
What's Great
- Spacious play areas (mentioned in 3 reviews)
Areas for Improvement
- Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 5 reviews)
Recent Reviews
king edwards
a week agoThe city should really invest in this park...it could be so wonderful. It is already a beautiful place visually.
Iztok
a month agoPark is abandoned. The train that takes you over the river is vandalized and not in use anymore. Same is with the riverwalk. There is no water in it. It is still open to the public, but it is not anywhere close, as it was before the closure.
Dakota Benjamin
11 months agoIt seems like the theme of this park is sustainability and accessibility. The playground is made of mostly wood and rope. It has a ramp up to accommodate wheelchair users or people with mobility restraints. It is large and sturdy enough for even adults to play on. Along the walking path is a wide variety of trees and flowers. I specifically love the wildflower gardens snaking throughout the park. And there are well-used bird houses. If you see a tree you like, look down! Many of the trees are labeled with bronze plaques. I'm unsure of the laws, but it seems you are even able to fish from the Mississippi from this park's river bank.
Lindsay Best
a year agoThis park has a great view of the city. A boat ramp for the river, it’s great for pictures and walking. The bathroom was locked. It’s a little far from the parking area to the Memphis sign so maybe don’t drink too much water if you plan on a visit. It’s definitely a great place to visit. If you’re traveling through I highly recommend stopping here for the sights and some cute photos.
Mya G
a year agoThe riverfront has changed quite a bit. While some parts are wrapping up with finishing touches, portions of the entire stretch is untouched, it's still a great place get out and visit. Be sure to check out and enjoy the many events offered.