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Tennessee (TN)
Memphis
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Shelby Farms Park
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Shelby Farms Park

See all things to do
See all things to do
Shelby Farms Park
4.5
582 reviews
#6 of 133 things to do in Memphis
Parks
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6:00 AM - 8:15 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 8:15 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 8:15 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 8:15 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 8:15 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 8:15 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 8:15 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 8:15 PM
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2-3 hours
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
173 within 3 miles
Coastal Fish Company
102
0.4 mi$$$$ • American • Seafood
Wendy's
7
1.5 mi$
The Butcher Shop Steakhouse
236
2.1 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Steakhouse • Gluten Free Options
Rafferty's
87
2.1 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Gluten Free Options
Las Tortugas Deli Mexicana
338
2.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • Mexican • Latin
One & Only BBQ - Timber Creek
79
2.1 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Barbecue • Grill
Lennys Grill & Subs
8
2.1 mi$
Moe's Southwest Grill
20
2.1 mi$ • Quick Bites • Mexican • Southwestern
Cheesecake Boss
5
2.1 miItalian
Starbucks
7
2.1 miCafe
See all
Attractions
32 within 6 miles
Catch Em' Lakes
1
0.3 miBodies of Water
Crystal Shrine Grotto
202
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Memphis Botanic Garden
433
Gardens
Dixon Gallery & Gardens
222
Art Museums
Wolf River Greenway
3
1.4 miBiking Trails • Hiking Trails
Meddlesome Brewing Company
17
1.7 miBreweries
Bellevue Baptist Church
84
Religious Sites
Agricenter ShowPlace Arena
5
1.8 miConvention Centers
Agricenter Farmer's Market
2
1.9 miFarmers Markets
Lichterman Nature Center
60
Nature & Wildlife Areas
See all
See what other travelers are saying
  • FJGonzalezG
    Bethesda, Maryland1,228 contributions
    Great trails and scenic lakes
    We visited Shelby Farms Park several times during our last visit to Memphis. There are hiking trails, a small eating place, gift store, water activities, and during the holidays a drive-through light show for a fee. Our hike along the Chickasaw Trail took us past the Disc Golf Course and several lakes and ponds. It was well marked and maintained, and many of the trees and brushes were also marked with ID tags/plates. One evening, we paid the nominal fee to drive through a circuit festooned with Christmas-like lights with non-denominational motifs. It was not awe inspiring, but it made for a fun drive, which we all enjoyed.
    Visited December 2019
    Written March 8, 2020
  • bookworm8
    263 contributions
    family and friends
    I think this is a great Memphis resource. I love walking around the lake (except when it is HOT.) The lake area is beautiful and especially lovely at sunset. There are kayaks and paddleboards for rent and ducks to enjoy watching for free. They have play areas for little kids and some activities available for free or for a fee. Sometimes parking can be challenging on a pretty day.
    Visited April 2022
    Written April 19, 2022
  • Glenn P
    Memphis, Tennessee148 contributions
    Starry Nights
    It is a Christmas tradition for us to see Starry Nights each year. This year was excellent. The new light displays were beautiful and like how they outlined the driving path with lights so you can see where you are driving. This years Starry Nights was one of the best we have ever seen. If you have never been it is a great place to take the family during the Christmas season.
    Visited December 2020
    Written December 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
582 reviews
Excellent
436
Very good
112
Average
18
Poor
10
Terrible
6
Bob-WorldTraveler
Memphis, TN92 contributions
Outstanding Future Park for Memphis
Aug 2020
Shelby Farms Park continues to improve and will mature into a valuable asset for Memphis and the area. The extensive walking paths and green areas already provide great areas for exercise and relaxation. The scenic lake is an attraction in itself. The Coastal Fish Company is a scenic and tasty restaurant on the lake. The walking paths connect to the Wolf River Greenway to Germantown and the Greenline walkway to midtown Memphis. Memphis seems determined to continue developing the part, which will mature into an even better place for future generations.
Written August 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
stevetanyaTexas
Denver, CO776 contributions
One Of Best Public Parks in the States
Nov 2022
I have been traveling to Memphis since Febraury 2022 and found this park early in my travels. This park is excellent and has something for everyone:
1. It's HUGE. Look on a map, it's a big as a small city
2. Paths galore, both paved and unpaved
3. There's a lake where you can rent boats, go fishing, etc (no swimming)
4. Horse farm where you can ride horses
5. Electic bike rentals in multiple locations. Just download the app and pay for a rental
6. Restaurant (higher end)
7. Bathrooms in multiple locations thoughout the park
8. Good signal on your cell phone
9. Bison farm where you can see Bisons grazing or sleeping
10. Lots of visitors all of whom are friendly and return your greeting with a smile.
11. Safe
12. Multiple parking places all around the edges
13. Connects to the Green Mile... a bike path that goes east west through the city of Memphis
14. Shaded areas to walk in summer
15. Kids playground

This is the best public park I have visited in the US.
Written November 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gwen G
Colfax6 contributions
Christmas lights
Nov 2022
We drove through the Christmas light display recently. Needed to reserve a time but when we arrived about 10 minutes before, we waited in line for over an hour before driving the route. (We didn’t realize this was the first night the lights were open). I thought $25 was pretty steep, even though it was their biggest fund raiser for the park. They sold hot chocolate for $5 a cup, which we passed on. You could also take a horse and buggy ride through it too.
The display was really good but I don’t know if I would go back year after year.

I will add that we were just visiting he area and not a local.
Written November 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grenda P
Memphis, Tennessee7 contributions
2023 SCCC/PENAL FARM REUNION
Jun 2023 • Friends
We had a reunion picnic for present/former coworkers that have worked together well over 45 years or more. It was awesome. The park pavilion was a perfect spot with great shade and plenty of space to park and seating for everyone. This was our second year returning to Shelby Farms Park.
Written June 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Allison
Memphis, TN1 contribution
Something for everyone!
May 2020
It's beautiful! I regularly walk Shelby Farms for exercise. My goal each time is to spot bison, ducks/geese, turtles, and deer. In addition to the wildlife, I enjoy seeing the different trees which are marked with plaques so you can see the species. The terrain is hilly with a mix of sun and shade. The sweet smell of honeysuckle lingers in the spring air. The lakes and streams are so peaceful. On my route, one lap is about 3 miles. In other sections of the park, there are horse stables, canoe rentals, restaurants, a gift shop, a dog park, a stage, an aerial ropes course with ziplining, and more. There's something for everyone and plenty of room to explore!
Written May 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dream777019
4 contributions
Great place to kayak.
Sep 2021
Shelby Farms is a great park with plenty of room and activities for everyone. The kayak was easy to reserve online and the staff make launching a breeze. I highly recommend this park for a place to relax and unwind or get a great workout.
Written September 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
john c
Nashville, TN60 contributions
Great park for kids!
Nov 2022 • Family
Took my almost 4 yo grandson to this park in the morning on a weekday. A little hard to find but follow the directions it gives. Well laid out. We did not play in the sand. They had a “pit” where 3 sets of slides went down to. The whole area is covered in playground type soft material. Lots of rope climbing. Some swings but not as much as I would’ve thought. Very shady. I would imagine this park is very crowded on weekends/school holidays/summer so try to plan your trip during a weekday. I think the age limit is 12 but check the website.
Written November 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Icarus4335
Colorado Springs, CO762 contributions
Quiet Walk around Hyde Lake
Jul 2022
We stopped here before heading out of Memphis and went for a nice walk around Hyde Lake. it was about 2.5 miles all the way around, but it was very quiet. Only a few other people on the path, with almost no clouds on a nice summer day. Saw some wildlife, including geese, turtles, fish and an angry heron. This is probably a great spot for groups, picnics, etc.
Written July 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Noel78
Tennessee593 contributions
A green oasis
Jun 2022
We must all thank the brilliant people who saved this enormous piece of real estate from development. Instead, Memphis just had to develop around it.

There are paved trails throughout the park and around a lake. There are wild areas, too.

But the expanse of green is what captures you. Whatever you do in the park will be enhanced by the nature preserved there.
Written June 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LLR377
Buffalo, MO24 contributions
So much space and so many activities to do and watch
Mar 2022
We planted ourselves at the visitor's center and could see kite-flying, disc golf, picnicking, fishing, bike riding, soaking up the sun, hiking/walking- you get the idea. Even though there were lots of cars, we didn't feel crowded. Not with 4500 acres to share. Nice place to relax.
Written March 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Shelby Farms Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Shelby Farms Park
Shelby Farms Park is open:
  • Sun - Sat 6:00 AM - 8:15 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Shelby Farms Park tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Shelby Farms Park tours on Tripadvisor

Shelby Farms Park Information

Excellent Reviews

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Very Good Reviews

112

Shelby Farms Park Photos

196