
Eco-Tourism & Sustainable Travel Destinations in Memphis, United States
1. Mud Island River Park
Experience Memphis's Mississippi riverfront with a scale model of the entire river from the Gulf of Mexico to Cairo, Illinois.
- Environmental Education: Provides an interactive way for visitors to understand the importance and ecology of the Mississippi River.
- Eco-Friendly Landscaping: Employs sustainable landscaping practices like native plant species and water-wise irrigation.
- Accessibility: Offers wheelchair accessibility, making the park enjoyable for all visitors.
2. Tanger Outlets at the Pyramid
Shop from over 100 top brands in a unique, pyramid-shaped structure formerly used as a sports arena.
- Sustainable Retail: Promotes eco-friendly shopping by offering products from environmentally conscious brands.
- Energy Efficiency: Uses energy-efficient LED lighting and HVAC systems, reducing its carbon footprint.
- Restoration Project: Involved in the restoration of the Mississippi Riverfront, demonstrating commitment to local conservation efforts.
3. Overton Park
Enjoy over 342 acres of greenspace with walking trails, a lake, and the Memphis Zoo.
- Green Spaces: Provides various green spaces for outdoor activities while promoting biodiversity.
- Conservation Efforts: Supports conservation efforts by maintaining native plant species and wildlife habitats.
- Recreational Opportunities: Offers numerous recreational opportunities, including biking, walking, and picnicking.
4. Mississippi River Parkway National Scenic Trail
Hike or bike along the scenic Mississippi River from Minnesota to Louisiana, with a section in Memphis.
- Eco-Friendly Transportation: Promotes eco-friendly transportation by providing hiking and biking trails instead of motorized means.
- Biodiversity: Supports diverse ecosystems along the river, allowing visitors to observe various wildlife species.
- Historic Significance: Traces the history of the Mississippi River, providing educational opportunities for travelers.
5. Dixon Gallery & Gardens
Appreciate Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and American art while wandering beautiful English gardens.
- Artistic Appreciation: Offers a unique blend of art and nature, promoting cultural understanding.
- Sustainable Landscaping: Employs sustainable landscaping practices like native plant species and water-wise irrigation.
- Educational Programs: Hosts workshops, lectures, and events centered on art and conservation.
6. Shelby Farms Park
Explore over 4,500 acres of parkland with hiking trails, a lake, and horseback riding.
- Green Spaces: Provides various green spaces for outdoor activities while promoting biodiversity.
- Conservation Efforts: Supports conservation efforts by maintaining native plant species and wildlife habitats.
- Recreational Opportunities: Offers numerous recreational opportunities, including biking, fishing, and kayaking.
7. Big River Crossing
Experience a continuous pedestrian and bicycle path connecting Memphis's iconic bridges.
- Eco-Friendly Transportation: Promotes eco-friendly transportation by providing hiking and biking trails instead of motorized means.
- Historic Significance: Crosses iconic bridges with historical significance, such as the Harahan Bridge and Big River Crossing Bridge.
- Biodiversity: Provides opportunities to observe various wildlife species along the river.
8. Hernando de Soto National Memorial
Learn about Spanish explorer Hernando de Sota's expedition through the Mississippi Valley in the early 16th century.
- Historic Preservation: Preserves and interprets an important historical event that shaped the American South.
- Environmental Education: Provides insights into the natural environment encountered by Hernando de Sota and its significance today.
- Outdoor Activities: Offers outdoor activities like hiking, picnicking, and birdwatching.
9. Memphis Botanic Garden
Explore over 96 acres of themed gardens showcasing plants from around the world.
- Horticultural Education: Offers educational programs and resources about horticulture, conservation, and sustainability.
- Biodiversity: Supports biodiversity by promoting native plant species and wildlife habitats.
- Green Spaces: Provides green spaces for relaxation, recreation, and appreciation of natural beauty.
10. Mud Island Monorail
Ride a monorail over the Mississippi River to Mud Island River Park.
- Sustainable Transportation: Promotes eco-friendly transportation by reducing carbon emissions compared to car travel.
- Historic Perspective: Provides a unique perspective of the Mississippi River and its surrounding historical sites.
- Environmental Education: Offers educational opportunities about the Mississippi River and its ecological importance.
11. Tanglewood Forest
Experience a preserved tract of bottomland hardwood forest along the Mississippi River.
- Biodiversity: Supports diverse ecosystems and wildlife habitats, providing opportunities for observation.
- Environmental Education: Offers educational programs about the importance of preserving natural habitats and the ecology of the Mississippi River.
- Historic Significance: Provides insights into the historical significance of the Mississippi River and its role in American history.
12. Chickasaw Heritage Park & Museum
Learn about the Chickasaw Nation's history, culture, and contributions to Memphis.
- Cultural Preservation: Preserves and interprets the rich cultural heritage of the Chickasaw people.
- Historic Education: Provides insights into the historical relationship between the Chickasaw Nation and European settlers.
- Environmental Awareness: Encourages awareness of environmental issues faced by native populations throughout history.
13. Mississippi National River Museum & Aquarium
Discover the natural and cultural history of the Mississippi River through exhibits and aquariums.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs, workshops, and events about the ecology, history, and conservation efforts related to the Mississippi River.
- Biodiversity: Highlights the diverse ecosystems and wildlife found along the Mississippi River.
- Historic Significance: Provides insights into the historical significance of the Mississippi River and its role in American history.
14. Beale Street Landing
Access riverboat tours, music venues, and other attractions along the Mississippi Riverfront.
- Sustainable Transportation: Promotes eco-friendly transportation by reducing carbon emissions compared to car travel.
- Cultural Preservation: Preserves and celebrates the rich musical heritage of Memphis, particularly blues music.
- Historic Significance: Connects visitors to the history of the Mississippi Riverfront and its significance in American culture.
15. Memphis Zoo's Sustainable Practices
Visit a zoo that is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting animal welfare.
- Animal Welfare: Provides high-quality care for animals, including habitat preservation and species conservation efforts.
- Sustainable Energy: Uses solar panels, LED lighting, and energy-efficient systems to reduce its carbon footprint.
- Educational Opportunities: Offers educational programs about wildlife conservation, sustainability, and ecology.