Explore 10 Unforgettable Day Trips from Memphis

Get out of the Bluff City for a few day trips. Memphis' location on the southwestern Tennessee border puts it across the Mississippi River from Arkansas, and just north of Mississippi, giving you access to parks, hiking trails, and historical monuments. Most day trips are less than two hours, and only one is longer—by 11 minutes. Let's explore these 10 unforgettable day trips from Memphis.

Distance from Memphis: 1 hr, 20 mins

Travel about an hour and a half northeast of Memphis to come to the town of Halls. With just over 2,000 residents, this small town has entertainment to offer to you and your family. You can spend time learning at the Veteran's Museum at DYAAB, or climb the Lauderdale County Wildlife Observation Tower to see what kinds of birds and animals you can see. You and your family will also enjoy just playing at the small parks that are part of the town of Halls.

Distance from Memphis: 1 hr, 6 mins

You don't have to travel far to reach Jonesboro, Arkansas and be part of all that the city offers. Just over an hour from Memphis, this city features opportunities for you to shop for antiques, check out a sports game, or spend time in nature. You and your family will enjoy going for a walk or playing at the Craighead Forest Park. You and your family can spend time learning about natural history at the ASU Museum, or you can spend time shopping at The Mall at Turtle Creek.

Distance from Memphis: 1 hr, 31 mins

You can plan for an educational day trip away from Memphis when you head to Newport, Arkansas. This city is about an hour and a half from Memphis, and it features the Arkansas Rock N Roll Highway 67 Museum, as well as the Jacksonport State Museum. You can take a break from the museums in Newport and spend time outside when you go to Jacksonport State Park and spend time walking the trails, canoeing, or horseback riding.

Distance from Memphis: 1 hr, 54 mins

If you enjoy learning about the past and thinking about how people lived many years ago, you will enjoy checking out the Pioneer Village in Searcy, Arkansas. You can visit this village at no cost, and you and your family will feel your imagination going wild as you look over homes like those lived in a long time ago.

Distance from Memphis: 1 hr, 30 mins

You need to travel just under an hour and a half to reach Des Arc in Arkansas, and you will find that this city offers much to see and do. The Lower White River Museum helps you dive into the history of an important body of water in the state of Arkansas, and the Harding University Theatre puts on great productions that you and your family might be interested in watching.

Distance from Memphis: 52 mins

You need to travel less than an hour from Memphis to get to Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge in Stanton, TN. When visiting, you can create a list of birds to look for and see which family member gets them all checked off first. You can also spend time hiking at the refuge, or take part in boating or fishing activities. You and your family can appreciate the simple beauty of nature while spending time at Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge.

Distance from Memphis: 1 hr, 24 mins

The city of Jackson, TN is less than an hour and a half away from Memphis and the perfect place to spend a full day away. Enjoy great food while in this city, and spend time checking out the Century Farm Winery. If you are interested in movies and the vehicles that were used in them, you can explore Rusty's TV and Movie Car Museum. If you are interested in the musical side of things, you can spend time learning about music of the past at The Tennessee Legends of Music Museum at Carnegie. And train enthusiasts will find a thrill at the Casey Jones Home Railroad Museum.

Distance from Memphis: 2 hr, 11 mins

The city of Savannah in Georgia is a beautiful place to visit, but the Savannah that is located in Tennessee is perfect for a day trip from Memphis and beautiful in its own way. You can view special artifacts, check out amazing fossils, and learn about the river valley at the Tennessee River Museum in Savannah. While in Savannah, you can also enjoy a special meal at the Hagy's Catfish Hotel Restaurant.

Distance from Memphis: 1 hr, 18 mins

You can head down to Mississippi to view beautiful scenery and watch for wildlife at the Holly Springs National Forest. This forest is close enough for a day trip, and it is a peaceful place for long walks. You might spend time practicing your nature photography while at this forest, or you might simply take in the views and enjoy your time there visiting with your family.

Distance from Memphis: 57 mins

You will travel under an hour from Memphis to get to Batesville in Mississippi, and you will find that this town is an interesting place to visit. You can purchase fun and fresh food from vendors at the Square Market, and just spend time exploring the market and seeing all of the special things for sale there. You can learn more about the indigenous people who once lived in Mississippi by visiting the Batesville Mounds. After all of your exploring is done, you can enjoy a delicious and filling Japanese meal at Yamato Japanese Restaurant.