Mud Island Park in Memphis--sounds like a place where you'd expect to get your shoes stuck and your clothes ruined. Spoiler alert: no mud, just a whole lot of chill vibes and some seriously underrated views of the Mississippi River. You hop on the monorail, which feels like a low-key retro space mission, and zoom over the water with the Memphis skyline photobombing every shot. The Riverwalk--this giant scale model of the Mississippi--is like geography class got cool and decided to throw a party. Walking the entire river in flip-flops while dodging kids launching into the splash fountains? Perfect way to get your steps in and your funny stories ready. Bonus points for the picnic spots, perfect for pretending you're fancy while eating a sandwich you packed in your car. If you're in Memphis and want a little riverfront chill without the mud, Mud Island's your spot. Five stars and zero mud in sight! read more

Quality/Quantity - Memphis TN's welcome center suggested we walk over here and check it out. I bet in its heyday, this place was a great retreat from the "city." This place can use some love, but we still had a good time and enjoyed it. The tram was also out of order, but it was fun walking across the bridge. Atmosphere - An island off of Memphis. Most of this island needs love. Looked abandoned for a long time. Open 7 days a week from 7am to 5pm. Easy walk from the welcome center. Service - Self service. Price - Free. Owner Comment - If the city, county, and state were to invest a little $$ here, I can see how this could easily be 5 stars. read more

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I went to the Mix-Odyssey event at Mud Island Park and had a great time! The sunset over the Mississippi River was absolutly beautiful, it really made the whole vibe feel special. There was music playing the whole night and it matched the energy perfect. I tried a bunch of cocktails and honestly it was hard to pick a favorite, they were all really creative. The food was pretty solid too, especially the meat patties and tuna sushi rolls definitly hit the spot. Mud Island was a really cool spot for it, I had never been there before but now I wanna go back during the day. The event was well organized and put together. Overall it was a fun night out and a nice way to end Volunteer Month! read more

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I went here as a kid and it was beautiful. The water in the Mississippi River display was clean and flowing and you could walk in it. Today it was stagnant nasty water and most of it had no water in it. The building was all closed up and run down. No restrooms to use and there was no ppl. read more

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I wanted to see this based off of the many photos online. Maybe it's because I came during renovations (April '23) but it doesn't seem like a good park and it's pretty difficult to get to if you're a tourist visiting. The park itself is huge but it was disappointing. The informative geographical cutouts in the floor at the beginning of the park didn't have water running though it to visually display the many rivers around the state and the grass at the back of the park was patchy. Many of the buildings were closed and the restaurant closed. Overall I'd recommend skipping this and heading over towards the other parks along the Memphis riverbank as the grass is green, there are benches to sit down, trees to shade you, and the overall views are more picturesque. The only thing that you'd come to see at this park is the huge Memphis sign at the back. read more

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This is probably the most peaceful area in Memphis, probably because it's on an island! It's a great place to walk and enjoy nature, as well as learn about history of the Mississippi River towns. There is also a huge Memphis sign you can take a selfie in front of. Unfortunately like most areas in Memphis they charge for parking but hey. read more

You're going for the Memphis sign. That's You're biggest pull. It's in very secluded section. So be cautious. Wish there were more scooters in the area as that would be good riding. Be very careful if you use the building to access the bridge that connects the island to the city. Good amount of homeless reside there. Overall good experience and would recommend. read more

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*This review is for the dog park* We came here mid morning and there was only one other pup in the small dog area but he was just about the cutest little fluffball you have ever seen. Our pups played for about 10 minutes and then he left. Even though there were no other pups most of the time, we enjoyed this park. There are a few "park toys" like a big ball we kicked back and forth that our dog enjoyed chasing. The grass is nice and green and although it had rained the night before it wasn't muddy which I like. It has a view of water and the bridge and it was actually pretty quiet for the location. If we lived in the area I would definitely use this dog park regularly. read more

Mud Island Park - Museums Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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We knew due to Covid that things had been shut down, but we had just visited the Bass pro shop pyramid which was just down the street, and we were looking for something to do for a couple of hours. I'm sure the monorail would've been interesting, but we loved the walk over the bridge! It's not a very long walk, and it's super scenic, so I'm really glad we were able to do that. There's even a section with rocking chairs that you can just sit and look at the river. Once on the island we went down and walked the full length of the river model. Being able to see the curves of the river, the depths the river reaches, all states that it passes through, was super interesting. I'm sure had the model been working, and water flowing through it, it would've been even better, but even so we enjoyed it. We walked the entire length of the river model, and then out to the Memphis sign. Some people were able to walk all the way up to the sign for pictures, but when we arrived a videographer was there saying that he was going to be filming a promo reel for the city of Memphis and we all had to clear out. I don't know how true that was or not, but actually if you stand 30 or 40 feet in front of the sign the pictures are actually better because you can actually see your face and see the whole word "Memphis" behind you, versus being right up against the sign, to get the whole sign in you end up being a very small dot. We noticed that some people did ride bikes and the electric scooters over to the island, and had we thought about it that would've been fun. Like others have mentioned, with no restrooms on the island, that was a big problem and the reason we had to cut our visit short. But despite that, we really enjoyed it. read more

Only visited the Mud island river park for the vegan block party. It was a day filled with great vegan food, drinks, music, and fun! The venue was large enough to sit with lounge chairs. Parking was plentiful, however if you got there early you were closer for less walking. The weather was beautiful considering we had summer, winter, and fall in a week, but hey that's Memphis weather. read more

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I've been bringing my kids here since they were babies. We all love the miniature model of the Mississippi River. Many a happy summer day was spent floating boats down the mini Mississippi. There's also a fantastic view of the Hernando Desoto Bridge from the park! And a multicolored Memphis sign near the end. read more

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Loved this, super cool sort of abandoned vibe. Bathrooms and all shops were not open. Glass broken in all buildings and lots of graffiti. Still so beautiful. Grass was mowed so it seems like it's being kept up, not sure what happened to the buildings. Nobody else was really there except for us, we visited in June. read more

Beautiful scenery. I was kinda bummed that the museum was closed but we still enjoyed walking and exploring the area. I had to take a picture by the guitar since it's a signature piece all over Memphis. read more

Mud Island Park - Museums Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Mud Island Park is a unique spot in Memphis. It has a scale topographic map of the full Mississippi river. It's also the home of the Memphis sign! Bring your walking shoes. There are no easy parking lots to see this unique art installation. It needs funding since the pandemic, but it's still a funky cool spot in this town. read more

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I first visited Mud Island River Park as a child in 1986. Yesterday, at the age of 45, I went back. All I can say is "wow", and not in a good way. Completely deserted and abandoned, in disrepair, broke pieces of pavement, abandoned monorails with broken out windows. The placards along the riverwalk were faded, peeling. Hardly any water flowing through the "river". Restaurant is no more, no gift shop, museum closed. The Memphis Belle airplane is gone from its pavilion. I truly felt like I was in the Twilight Zone. It's a shame how the city of Memphis let it get to this point. Why!?! This place could be the gem it once was. I'm truly confused by the 4-5 star reviews on here. If you have a love of abandoned places it's kind of cool and creepy. If you are looking to spend alone time this is for you. I did enjoy the Memphis sign at the end. Do better, Memphis! read more

This is an absolutely fantastic concept. The island is a small island in the middle of the mississippi river. The south end of the island is this park. You can take a tram or pedestrian bridge or you can drive ($4 parking seems steep though) The centerpiece of this park is a to-scale relief of the mississippi river, from it's sources to the gulf, spread out over a 1/2mile. This is still work in progress, the River relief had been built out but now they are also adding city maps along the river side. For this itself, I rate it 5 stars. The location, access as well as the wonderful exhibit makes it a must do in memphis read more

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Definitely do not recommend this park at all. It's run down, defaced and just a dump. Busted windows in the building, graffiti. Locks taken out of the doors. Chains and padlocks everywhere on the doors. It's been here at least 30 yrs and the only good thing about it is that it was featured in the 93 movie The Firm. Also, if you do come here after I warned you not to, you better pay the parking fee or they will boot you...FOR REAL Z's ‍ read more

Mud Island Park - Definitely do not recommend this place. - Museums Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

I can't really say anything bad about it since I solely came here to take a picture with the Memphis sign (ALTHOUGH a party was being set up meaning, I wouldn't have felt comfortable getting a picture if a party was going on and possibly not being allowed to take a pic). The museum is closed and so is the walking bridge. You can still explore the outdoor part of the Mississippi river museum and the views of the actual river are gorgeous. It would be a perfect place to have a picnic read more

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This place has so much potential!!! What a view! Neat (huge) relief map of the river that kids can wade through. Looks like the place had been abandoned but we were there on a Tuesday so every thing was locked up. The long walk across the bridge was totally worth the gorgeous view. The nice breeze helped offset the strong urine scent that seemed to permeate the bridge & stairwells. This place has great bones but really seems a bit neglected. Hope Memphis takes care of this little gem. It would be great to return here and find it cleaner & full of life. read more

Mud Island Park - Museums Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

I am heart broken that the people in charge of Memphis River Parks have spent millions to ruin our parks alongside the river and refused to repair and upgrade one of our most beautiful parks! Mud Island and the Amphitheater on the river were one of our most visited parks and the concerts were spectacular in the amphitheater. When will the politicians and commissioners learn?! read more

At the Vegan Fest so much food. I try Vegan fir the second time it was delicious. Went early not that crowdy. read more

Mud Island Park - Museums Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

This museum is one of my favorites (and I have been to a ton). It explores all the major time periods that affected Memphis, from the civil war to civil rights, from blues to rock and roll. Very interactive which is something I appreciate. You get to walk through a steamboat and then play on an iron clad. 5-stars from me!! read more

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This park is currently undergoing renovations. We visited on a Monday so it's possible some of the shops and buildings are open on the weekend when tourist traffic is higher. Despite everything inside being closed the park was a fantastic stop! The Mississippi River replica is very well done and not nearly as boring as it sounds! There are also great views of the Mississippi River and riverboats and huge bridges from the island. There is parking onsite, $5/hour. The suspended monorail was shut down when we visited; but the pedestrian bridge above it was open. read more

Loved walking the Mississippi River map down the coast of Mud Island to the large MEMPHIS sign! Lovely way to spend an hour or two. I'd love to come back and spend a day with a picnic blanket and a book and some friends! Parking is paid for but other than that the park itself is free! There is a museum on site for additional charge and a little cafe and ice cream shop also. And some water spouts for the kids to play in. I'll be back with some friends who haven't seen it! read more

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Beautiful spot - open dawn to dusk - the new dog park at the end of auction street has shaded seating and a view of the Mississippi River read more

Mud Island Park - Beautiful day to watch the Mississippi River roll on by! - Museums Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Do not go here now. It is functionally closed. The website does not mention that they are doing "renovations". By that, they mean that the museum is closed, the "river-walk" is dry, the fountains aren't running, there are no food vendors on site, the grounds aren't being kept up etc. The website also mentions "paid parking on site", but doesn't tell the cost. The cost is $40.... It should be a marquee attraction for Memphis, instead it's a stain on the city. A little honestly on the website would be appreciated. read more

Tony, Noelle and I enjoyed a few hours on Mud Island at the museum..it was fascinating..For only $10 each of us..($30 total) you get to ride the Monorail over and back, admission in to the museum with 18 galleries and the access to the entire River Front Park which has a lovely walk way and 5 block flowing water monument of the Mississippi River. It opened at 10am. The Monorail ride was nice and short. You can walk over if you want, but the Museum cost $10 so you might as well ride the Monorail..it is the same price..Inside the museum, its a self paced tour. You can rent head phones if you want, but it is just as nice to view the museum without them. There is a replica of a full size Riverboat you get to walk on ( a portion of it anyway) and there is a replica of one of the Ironclads from the civil war. It was very interesting to tour it. There are a lot of nice displayed items of pictures, uniforms and guns/ammo..it is a great set up. Near the end it talks about the music and the influence of the music..it talks about the recording studios and the of course "THE KING"...Elvis Presley.. I enjoyed the museum a lot. There is a gift shop and then the outside area to explore. I would go again!! The park is free for you to walk over via the bridge. You can actually walk above the Monorail ride. You can have access to the park for free but the museum by it self cost $10...If you have already seen the museum or you just want to attend one of the concerts at the amphitheater then you can ride the Monorail for only $4 per person..great bargains...and a gorgeous park with great views back at Memphis and of the Mississippi River..I highly recommend. I will definitely go again and again and again...one of the many nice things that you can actually do absolutely free if you don't mind the walk... read more

This was so much more fun than I thought it had a chance of being. It was great from the moment we got on the tram. That was cool and gave a great view of the area. Beautiful. We got there at a bad time - millions of kids on a school trip. But they, loudly, quickly went on ahead and then we got to enjoy the museum. I loved he audio tour that went along with it. It was fun and kept me entertained. I normally hate tours so having the audio tour was a great tool. I loved the video on the floods and yellow fever. It was so interesting and l learned that the city actually lost it's charter because they lost so many people during the problems. The ship in the museum was awesome to walk through. It really made you feel like you where there 100 years ago. And seeing how much progress was made was cool. I loved the river walk and kept putting my feet in. It was cool, pun intended, to be in the river. Trust me when I say this is somewhere you should visit in Memphis. It's more fun then you think. read more

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We have not been in Memphis for years. Tried to go to Mud Island the tram is completely shut down. The bridge has many homeless below it. Not sure why the Memphis commissioners would not want to get this landmark up and running. Memphis is really a ghost town, so many businesses closed. Nashville has some the opposite issues flourishing, and I think taken some tourists from Memphis. read more

Going to this park is just as I remember as a child coming on school field trips. We had planned on riding the monorail, but it was not in operation. But the walk was a sight to see. The view from above gave us a look into the MS River, the "M" bridge that separates Arkansas & Tennessee to the right & a water park, new Memphis sign & restaurant to the left(new exhibits). read more

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Nice park with historical views. Walk your dog and grass picnic. Bicycle parking. View of condos across the street. read more

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Basically looks abandoned they barely have any water running and the water park part is gross don't get in. The little water statues are cool read more

If you're looking for a long walk, this is the place for you! A respectable park that's always clean and adventurous. I enjoy walking with the family and bike riding. A Spacious environment with a lot to view. Of course, the number one attraction is the Bridge which is always busy and enjoyable to look at as you are on your journey. I'm not sure of the mileage but I'm pretty Sure you will get the workout that you're craving. read more

It's not the same as when I was a kid but it's a great spot for an outside event. I was hear for a Memphis Flyer event and was pleasantly surprised. read more

Mud Island Park - Museums Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

This may not be the most exciting of the tourist venues in town, but it's definitely worth checking out if you're in the area, especially if you have kids. Start with either a tram ride over to the island, or walk or bike over the pedestrian bridge. Then check out the miniature replica of the Mississippi River that kids love to splash around in. It's actually pretty interesting seeing how it meanders and winds throughout the delta. There's a nice museum, full of interesting and historical facts about the river and the Mid South area. They have over 5,000 artifacts and even a couple of life sized boats that you can tour through. Also on the island is an amphitheater that hosts some great concerts in the summer. And the views of the river and the Memphis skyline are great. Be sure and take your camera for some nice photo ops. read more

Mud Island Park - Museums Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

So proud of this place being in my hometown! As a child and adult I have had a blast coming here. This park is the true essence of what Memphis has to offer! The view is unbelievable. Starts off with a super cool ride to the park on the monorail! My kids love it....they are fascinated... With how the monorail works. The replica of the Mississippi River is so cool. Definitely a inventive way to show natural history. To sit on a bench with the Memphis bridge and Mississippi River at your feet is one of a kind! My husband and I shared a bite to eat from the cafe. The cafe was dirty and needed a good cleaning. The food was just okay, but overpriced. The museum is older and some parts need to be repaired. As a whole it just needs to extra TLC. I had a lot of fun showing my husband, (who's a Yankee!) why the south is truly one of a kind. As a museum junkie this place is definitely on my top 10 list. I truly recommend that you look at the Memphis area coupon books. Admission is a little pricey, especially for me... As a mom of five. The coupon books can and will save you some change. I generally stay about $10-$20 every time we go. Overall, I highly recommend! read more

This was awful. Frommer's ranked this as a "must do" and my husband and I found time during a busy wedding weekend to visit Mud Island. The tram that transports you to the island seems unnecessary, as the island itself is approximately 500 feet away. You could walk and save yourself the tram fee, if it was more publicized that this is an option. Once you arrive on Mud Island, the replica is not very exciting. You can wade through it which is amusing for a minute or two, and then what? We had the most expensive Diet Coke in all of TN on Mud Island ($3). The Paddle Boats are enclosed and kind of depressing looking. We could not get off this island fast enough. read more

It was okay. I would give it 3 stars, but I really ilked the museum with the steamboat replica. A lot of fun history about the geographical area and musical history. The river model down the island was neat, but was the same thing after walking down it for a while. The swan paddle boats were cute but the area to paddle in was small. The monorail was neat, but a short ride. It was from the movie The Firm. Kind of cool. The park seems mostly fun for children. The food courts only had junk food like pizza and hot dogs. The area that was for kayak rentals was locked and some of the trash cans smelled pretty badly as i walked by. $10 includes the monorail and museum for adults. read more

Great for kids, as well as adults. It's a 5 block long replica of the mighty Mississippi River. You can walk beside it and see where cities, towns and bridges interact with the River. Nice little park with places to sit and relax, eat lunch and let the little kids just enjoy a lazy meandering river. Walking the length gives one an idea just how long this incredible river really is. Lots of things to do in the park area, but the scale model was the highlight for me. read more

I love Mud Island for it's amphitheater and the fireworks show they have on the forth. I've seen a lot if great concerts there and they put on an amazing fireworks show. It's improved a lot since we started to go see it. They've progressively started to bring in live music which is awesome. There's tons of room and they even let you bring lawn chairs! One thing I haven't done at Mud Island is take a tour of the museum but I'm hoping to soon! read more

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