Tom Lee Park is an ideal place to pack a picnic and lounge on the banks of the Mississippi. The tranquil atmosphere makes it an excellent escape from the fast-paced nature of the city.
Time your visit for late in the day and watch the sun set over the Memphis & Arkansas Bridge. There is more than a mile of paved walking paths with benches at strategic vantage points along the way so take your time and enjoy the views.
Admire the Tom Lee Memorial, a bronze sculpture that honours the park’s namesake. In 1925, Tom Lee came to the rescue when the steamboat M.E. Norman capsized in the Mississippi. Although Lee could not swim he was able to save 32 lives by ferrying victims to shore on his small fishing boat. The local hero’s deed has been immortalized by sculptor David Alan Clark.
If you can, plan your visit around Memphis in May. This is a monthlong event that transforms Tom Lee Park into a hub of music and culture. The Beale Street Music Festival is the highlight of the celebration and showcases performances by both internationally renowned artists and local acts. Each year the festival’s theme is centred around a different country. The event enables you to explore the food, music and traditions from cultures all over the world - right in the heart of Memphis. Memphis in May wraps up with Sunset Symphony. Sit alongside the waterfront and listen to Memphis Symphony Orchestra perform classical pieces.
Located just a half-mile (0.8 kilometres) from downtown, at the end of Beale Street the park is easily accessible yet feels like it’s miles from the city. If you’re on foot, head to the northern tip of the park to stroll along the legendary Beale Street. The “Home of the Blues is filled with museums, nightclubs, concert venues and restaurants.
The free parking spaces fill up quickly, so it is better to walk from downtown. Whether you choose to watch the boats go by from one of the park's benches or stroll along the paved pathways, it is an ideal place to get outside and join the locals.
