Shelby Farms Park in Memphis, TN
Shelby Farms Park in Memphis, TN, is one of the most beautiful and unique outdoor destinations in the Mid-South. Located just outside of downtown Memphis, this 4,500-acre park provides visitors with a wide variety of recreational opportunities. From hiking, biking, boating, and camping to wildlife viewing, picnicking and more, Shelby Farms Park has something for everyone. Cordova, TN can be seen here.
The history of Shelby Farms Park is a long and fascinating one, with the roots of the park dating all the way back to the early 1800s. Originally created as “The Agricultural Reserve” by the Chickasaw Nation, who had been living in the area for centuries, the land was eventually purchased by Revolutionary War veteran Colonel Evan Shelby in 1823, who then bequeathed the land to his son. Over the following decades, the land went through various owners and eventually, in 1970, was bought by the City of Memphis and designated as the Shelby Farms State Park, which it has since become today. Click here to read about Lichterman Nature Center in Memphis, TN.
The park is renowned for its diverse selection of habitats and landscapes. The Shelby Farms Park Conservancy is dedicated to its preservation and restoration and works tirelessly to maintain the ecosystem of the park, including restoring wetlands, planting trees and shrubs, and providing educational programs.