Shelby Farms Park

Shelby Farms Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States, spanning 4,500 acres in Memphis, Tennessee. Located just east of downtown Memphis, the park offers a diverse natural landscape of forests, lakes, wetlands and open grasslands.

At the heart of the park is the 80-acre Hyde Lake, which was expanded and redesigned as part of a major renovation project completed in 2016. Visitors can rent kayaks, canoes and paddleboards to explore the lake. The park also features over 40 miles of both paved and unpaved trails for walking, running, hiking and biking. A 10.65 mile paved trail called the Shelby Farms Greenline connects the park to Midtown Memphis.

The park is home to a herd of American bison that roam freely in a fenced area, providing visitors a chance to view these iconic animals. Other wildlife like deer, turtles and various bird species can be spotted throughout the park's natural habitats.

Shelby Farms Park offers numerous recreational facilities and activities for visitors. These include playgrounds, disc golf courses, a treetop adventure course, horseback riding stables, and an off-leash dog park. The park hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, from outdoor concerts to seasonal celebrations.

The park is managed by the nonprofit Shelby Farms Park Conservancy, which oversees its operations and conservation efforts. Most areas of the park are open to the public free of charge from sunrise to sunset daily, though some activities and facilities may have separate fees.