Explore parks and gardens

Mud Island River Park

The Memphis sign with downtown Memphis in the background.

In the warmer months, families head here to stroll and splash in the Riverwalk, while adventure seekers spend time kayaking and paddle boarding Wolf River Harbor.

Downtown’s Mud Island River Park has become a destination for families and tourists alike because of its Riverwalk, a scale replica of the Lower Mississippi that allows kids to splash and frolic in the “river” over the course of about five city blocks.

The riverwalk is one of the main attractions at the 52-acre Mud Island River Park, which is undergoing a $4 million renovation this summer. Also here, a 50-foot “Memphis” sign and incredible views of the skyline serve as backdrops for countless Instagram selfies.

The Memphis sign with downtown Memphis in the background.

Mud Island is also home to the Mississippi River Museum. The museum’s galleries chronicle the history and culture of the lower Mississippi River Valley’s settlers. Historical artifacts and wax sculptures of important historical figures help to tell the story of pioneering musicians, authors, soldiers and civic leaders.

Mud Island River Park closes for the season at the end of October and reopens in the late spring.