Shelby Farms Park

Escape to a destination that combines outdoor recreation, natural beauty, and rich history all in one place. Shelby Farms Park spans 4,500 acres, making it one of the largest urban parks in the country, with more space than New York City’s Central Park. It was originally a working farm owned by Shelby County, which later transformed into the expansive park.

While it sounds cliche, there truly is something for everyone at the park, like disc golf, water sports, trails, playgrounds, dining options, and more. Cyclists, hikers, and equestrians frequent the trails at Shelby Farms, while adrenaline junkies flock to the Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park. 

In case you haven’t heard, there is a buffalo herd on-site, managed by the park rangers and local veterinarians. They roam freely in a 50-acre plot, and if you keep your eyes peeled, you may spot one of America’s premier mammals. 

Its central location makes visiting other landmarks a breeze. For instance, nearby are the Memphis Museum of Science and the Memphis Botanic Garden. With so many options, the sky's the limit!

So, grab a picnic, load up the kids and the pet, and visit Shelby Farms Park on your Tennessee getaway.

Shelby Farms Park: Fun Facts & Cool Features 

Pets are allowed at the park, provided they are leashed. For a more adventurous experience, check out the Outback Dog Park. Here, you and your pup may explore lakes, grasslands, and shared trails. Keep in mind that your dog must be responsive to verbal commands and that the multi-use area is shared with cyclists, joggers, and other dogs. 

Your kids will make a beeline for the Water Play Sprayground. The 4,000 sq. ft. play space features a water tunnel, interactive spray jets, water pumps, and geyser boulders. To make a reservation and check pricing, click on this link. The best bang for your buck is on Tuesday when one-hour sessions are free! These are on a first-come, first-served basis, so plan accordingly. 

While on the topic of kids, they’ll also enjoy the Woodland Discovery Playground. It was designed by kids for kids with climbing structures and interactive play zones. 

The park’s signature 10.65-mile Shelby Farms Greenline is a favorite with cyclists and joggers. This scenic trail connects the park to Midtown, making it easy to visit Overton Park. If you are without wheels, you can rent a bike at the Hyde Lake Wheelhouse. 

Speaking of the lake, the 52-acre water playground is ideal for paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking, and pedal boating. Rentals are available, and the picnic pavilion is perfect for a fun-filled day on the water.  

When you’ve worked up an appetite, food and refreshments are never far away. Food trucks visit on weekends during the cooler months and are available daily from spring to summer. The Coastal Fish Company, located on Hyde Lake, serves lunch and dinner with stunning water views.

As you can tell, Shelby Farms Park is a remarkable facility, offering something for everyone on a visit to Bluff City. 

Getting There 

Here are step-by-step driving directions from downtown Memphis to Shelby Farms Park:

• Head east on Poplar Avenue toward S. Front Street.
• Use the left two lanes to turn left onto US-51 N/US-64 E/US-70 E/US-79 N/Jackson Ave.
• Merge onto I-40 E.
• Take exit 12C to merge onto I-240 S.
• Use exit 13A for Walnut Grove Rd.
• Merge onto Walnut Grove Rd and continue for 3 miles.
• Address: 6903 Great View Drive North, Memphis, TN 38120

Cost 

While visiting Shelby Farms Park is free, below are some costs you may encounter:

• Paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks: $17-25. 
• Bike Rental: hourly, $8-13; half-day, $25-45.
• Waterplay Spray Ground: $9-11 for 3 hours.

Prices are subject to change; check their website for updates.