Shelby Farms Park

The park is home to unspoiled hardwood forests, ecologically rich wetlands and more than 20 bodies of water, including Hyde Lake, Beaver Lake and Brood Pond, which allow fishing for catfish, largemouth bass, trout and other species. Non-motorized boats are allowed on all lakes, though some are more accessible than others.

And at the Hyde Lake Boat House, canoes, kayaks and standup paddle boards are available for rent in the spring and summer. For those who’d like to stay on land, adult and children’s bikes are rentable at the Hyde Lake Wheel House, located at the First Horizon Visitor Center. 

Wildlife is plentiful in the park; deer, turtles, beavers and hundreds of bird species including hummingbirds, songbirds and raptors are commonly observed in the area. The park is also home to a herd of buffalo, which were introduced in the late ‘80s as part of a nationwide effort to help support conservation of the animals that once roamed America’s grasslands in large numbers. 

At the Shelby Farms Stables, horse lovers and amateur equestrians can book daytime and sunset trail rides or sign up for private lessons; beginner to advanced riding camps for kids are also available.

Dedicated spaces for disc golf and BMX biking are located on site, and family-focused areas include the Woodland Discovery Playground and the Water Play Sprayground. Shelby Farms Park is also home to a Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park.