Mississippi River Park
4.6(970)4.6 out of 5 stars, 970 reviews Memphis, TN
About Mississippi River Park
Mississippi River Park offers a visually appealing natural environment with a unique, accessible wood and rope playground, extensive walking paths with labeled trees and wildflower gardens, and scenic city/river views ideal for photography and nature appreciation. However, be prepared for some areas being neglected or under renovation, with key amenities like the train ride and public restrooms potentially unavailable.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Families seeking an accessible outdoor playground experience.Photography outings focused on cityscapes and river views.Free outdoor family outings.Anglers looking for river fishing access.Travelers passing through looking for a scenic stop and photo opportunity.
Why families love it
- Visually beautiful natural environment including a wide variety of trees, wildflower gardens, and bird houses.
- Unique, large, and sturdy playground made of wood and rope, accommodating adults and children.
- Playground includes a ramp for wheelchair users or people with mobility restraints.
- Trees along walking paths are labeled with bronze plaques, offering educational opportunities.
- Offers great views of the city and river, ideal for photography.
- Access to fish from the Mississippi River bank is possible.
Insider tips
- Plan to use restrooms before arriving, as park bathrooms may be locked.
- Be prepared for a significant walk if your destination is the Memphis sign from the parking area.
- Bring a camera for scenic city and river photos.
- Look for bronze plaques to identify trees for an educational experience.
- Inquire about specific events if you're interested, as many are offered.
- Consider bringing fishing gear if you wish to fish from the Mississippi River bank.
Good to know before you go
- If your visit depends on readily available and functional public restrooms.
- Families expecting a fully operational train ride or a riverwalk with flowing water.
- If you prefer a highly maintained and fully renovated park experience, as some areas are described as neglected or unfinished.
- Park appears abandoned or neglected in certain areas.
- The train that takes you over the river is vandalized and not in use.
- Value
- Appears to be a free public park as no entry fees are mentioned. Offers good value for free access to an accessible playground, natural beauty, and river activities, despite some maintenance issues.
- Food
- No specific food and drink rules mentioned. As a public park, outside food is generally permitted, but this is not confirmed in reviews.
- Accessibility
- Playground features a ramp to accommodate wheelchair users or people with mobility restraints.
- Safety
- No specific safety features like staff supervision or emergency services mentioned. Parents should practice standard park safety.
What parents say
"The city should really invest in this park...it could be so wonderful. It is already a beautiful place visually."
a week ago
"Park is abandoned. The train that takes you over the river is vandalized and not in use anymore. Same is with the riverwalk. There is no water in it. It is still open to the public, but it is not anywhere close, as it was before the closure."
a month ago
"It seems like the theme of this park is sustainability and accessibility. The playground is made of mostly wood and rope. It has a ramp up to accommodate wheelchair users or people with mobility restraints. It is large and sturdy enough for even adults to play on. Along the walking path is a wide variety of trees and flowers. I specifically love the wildflower gardens snaking throughout the park. And there are well-used bird houses. If you see a tree you like, look down! Many of the trees are labeled with bronze plaques. I'm unsure of the laws, but it seems you are even able to fish from th"
11 months ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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