Shelby Farms Park

Natural Landscape

Tucked just east of downtown Memphis, Tennessee, Shelby Farms Park stretches across a whopping 4,500 acres, making it one of the largest urban parks in the country. It's a patchwork of forests, lakes, wetlands, and open grasslands that feels removed from city life.

The park's centerpiece is Hyde Lake, an 80-acre body of water that got a major facelift during renovations completed in 2016 (it was formerly known as Patriot Lake). You can rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards to glide across its surface - fantastic for those moments when you need some peaceful water views or want to capture that perfect sunset photo.

Trails and Pathways

With over 40 miles of trails crisscrossing the park, there's no shortage of routes for walking, running, hiking, or biking. The Shelby Farms Greenline, a 10.65-mile paved trail, connects the park all the way to Midtown Memphis for those looking to extend their journey.

The 2.3-mile loop around Hyde Lake is particularly well-maintained and makes for an ideal daily workout spot. Separate bike trails keep pedestrians and cyclists apart, and the expansive open spaces offer a sense of escape despite being in the middle of a major city.

Wildlife

One of the park's most unique features is its herd of American bison that roam within a fenced area. It's an interesting sight to see these iconic animals grazing against an urban backdrop. Beyond the bison, keep your eyes peeled for deer, turtles, ducks, and a variety of bird species that call the park home. The park offers good opportunities for nature photography.

Recreational Activities

Shelby Farms offers many activities. Challenge your friends to disc golf, let the kids loose on modern playgrounds, or test your courage at the treetop adventure course called Go Ape, where ziplines and rope bridges await the adventurous. There are also horseback riding stables and a large off-leash dog park spanning nearly 100 acres.

During warmer months, the water activities kick into high gear. Rent a boat to explore Hyde Lake, or let the kids cool off at the splash pad. If fishing is more your style, you'll come across plenty of spots to cast a line across the park.

All year long, the park hosts various events from outdoor concerts to seasonal celebrations, including a magical holiday light display called Starry Nights that transforms the landscape during winter.

Amenities and Facilities

You'll find all the essentials here - clean restrooms, plenty of picnic areas with BBQ grills, and multiple playgrounds designed for different age groups.

Need information or a quick coffee? The Visitor Center has you covered with helpful resources, a gift shop, and Bell Tower Coffee for that caffeine fix. For something more substantial, Coastal Fish Company offers lakeside dining with full-service meals - a nice option after a day of exploring.

Parking is plentiful around the park, and some areas even feature EV charging stations for those with electric vehicles.

Park Management

The nonprofit Shelby Farms Park Conservancy manages this natural treasure, overseeing both day-to-day operations and long-term conservation efforts. Most of the park is open from sunrise to sunset daily and - best of all - free to the public, but some specific activities and facilities might have separate fees or require reservations.