Attractions and Places To See in Shelby County - Top 20

Shelby County, particularly around Memphis, is rich in history. You can visit the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, a powerful testament to the American Civil Rights Movement. Beale Street is a historic district known as the "Home of the Blues," offering a vibrant atmosphere with live music and restaurants. The Orpheum Theater, built in 1918, is another significant landmark hosting various performances.

Memphis is a cornerstone of American music history. You can immerse yourself in the blues on Beale Street, which is filled with clubs and live music venues. The Blues Hall of Fame Memphis honors pioneers of the genre. Beyond these, the region is home to iconic sites like Graceland (Elvis Presley's former home) and Sun Studio, where many music legends began their careers.

Shelby County offers several expansive natural areas. Shelby Farms Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States, spanning over 4,500 acres with trails and lakes. Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, bordering the Mississippi River, provides extensive hiking trails and diverse wildlife. Overton Park also features an old-growth forest in the heart of Memphis.

Yes, Shelby County provides numerous options for hiking and cycling. For running, you can explore routes like the "Memphis Queen Line Riverboats – Big River Crossing loop" or trails within Shelby Farms Park. Find more details on running trails at Running Trails in Shelby County. Cyclists can enjoy routes like the "Mississippi River Greenbelt Park Loop" or the "Shelby Farms Greenline." Discover more cycling routes at Cycling in Shelby County. Mountain bikers have trails such as the "Wolf River Blue and Yellow Loop" and "Tour de Wolf Trail"; see more at MTB Trails in Shelby County.

Many attractions in Shelby County are suitable for families. Beale Street offers a lively atmosphere, and the Orpheum Theater hosts various performances. The Fire Museum of Memphis is an engaging spot for all ages. For outdoor fun, Shelby Farms Park and Memphis Riverboats and Mississippi River Park provide ample space for recreation and scenic views.

Yes, several key attractions in Shelby County are wheelchair-accessible. The National Civil Rights Museum and the Blues Hall of Fame Memphis are designed to accommodate visitors with wheelchairs, ensuring a more inclusive experience.

For impressive views, the Big River Crossing offers panoramic vistas of the Mississippi River as it connects Memphis to Arkansas. Memphis Riverboats and Mississippi River Park and Beale Street Landing also provide excellent spots to enjoy the river scenery and watch river activities.

Visitors frequently highlight the vibrant music scene, especially on Beale Street, and the rich historical significance of sites like the National Civil Rights Museum. The unique experience of crossing the Mississippi River on the Big River Crossing and the diverse outdoor opportunities at Shelby Farms Park are also highly appreciated.

Beyond the music-focused museums, Shelby County offers several cultural institutions. The Stax Museum of American Soul Music celebrates the legacy of Stax Records, and the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum tells the story of the birth of rock and roll and soul music. For broader local history, the Shelby County Historical Society and the Morton Museum of Collierville History preserve and promote the region's past.

The spring and fall months generally offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities in Shelby County, with milder temperatures ideal for hiking, cycling, and exploring parks like Shelby Farms Park and Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters are generally mild but can be chilly.

Yes, Beale Street is a prime location for unique dining and live music venues. For a historical shopping experience, A. Schwab's on Beale Street is the oldest store, offering unique Memphis-themed items. The Memphis Pyramid, now a Bass Pro Shops retail megastore, also provides a distinctive shopping environment with an observation deck.