From eagles to the Eiffel tower to exotic zoo animals and Instagram-worthy milkshakes, Northwest Tennessee is filled with unique attractions that are both educational and fun experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
Information provided by Tennessee Vacation.
VISIT
Reelfoot Lake State Park
2595 Highway 21 East, Tiptonville, TN 38079
Northwest Tennessee is home to one of the most serene state parks in Tennessee, Reelfoot Lake State Park. The lake was brought about more than 200 years ago when a series of earthquakes caused the ground to sink and the Mississippi River to flow backward, spilling over into the forest.
During January and February, Reelfoot Lake is home to thousands of American bald eagles. There are daily bald eagle and waterfowl tours, and the annual Reelfoot Eagle Festival in February is a bird watching destination. Experience a deep swamp canoe trip in March and April, or a scenic pontoon boat tour May through September. Every fall, hundreds of white pelicans stop at the lake on their seasonal migration.
Discovery Park of America
830 Everett Blvd., Union City, TN 38261
While in Northwest Tennessee, make sure you put Discovery Park of America in Union City on your “must experience” list. This 100,000-square-foot museum showcases 10 exhibit galleries focused on topics like science, space, technology, the military, natural history, art, transportation and more.
The fun doesn’t stop within the walls of the museum. Venture outside to the 50-acre outdoor heritage park, which includes a man-made river that flows through the property, along with waterfalls, bridges and other water features.
Downtown Paris, TN
Downtown Paris delightfully blends two centuries of community history and architecture. The historic courthouse is the oldest functioning courthouse in Tennessee, circa 1896, and is surrounded by well-maintained storefronts from that era and later.
This picturesque downtown square is bustling with business, particularly retail. Experience unique shops such as Bo & Co Boutique, Lara Lee’s of Paris or The Iron Place, a gift shop known for its whimsical Mexican iron pieces. There’s plenty to explore in downtown Paris.
Tennessee Safari Park
618 Conley Road, Alamo, TN 38001
The Tennessee Safari Park is located on Hillcrest, a century farm owned by the Conley Family since 1858. Witness a showcase of rare and endangered animals from all over the world, including exotic birds, primates, giraffes and more. The rural park boasts one of the largest collections of zoo animals in the United States.
STAY
Blue Bank Resort
813 Lake Dr., Hornbreak, TN 38232
Photo: Blue Bank Resort
Close to Reelfoot Lake State Park lies Blue Bank Resort in Hornbeak, which offers the perfect views of the sunrise and sunset on the lake. A 20-person hot tub and pool are located lakeside. The Fishouse restaurant is inside the resort and boasts a traditional menu that includes burgers, sandwiches, salads and more for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The property has various decks to relax on and enjoy the scenery. Fishing and waterfowl hunting tours are featured services at the resort.
EAT & DRINK
Boyette’s Dining Room
10 Boyette Rd., Tiptonville, TN 38079
Since 1921, Boyette’s has been one of West Tennessee’s top restaurants. Located in Tiptonville, Boyette’s has a wide array of foods from catfish, country ham, fried chicken, hush puppies, sweet tea and more. Experience the true flavor of the south at Boyette’s.
White Squirrel Winery
4385 45 W, Kenton, TN 38233
Photo: White Squirrel Winery & Vineyard
This country oasis is just south of Reelfoot Lake. The 90-acre property includes a large tasting room, outdoor patio and romantic loft overlooking the grapevines. The beautiful vineyards are full of grapes that supply most of Tennessee’s wines. This solar-powered winery consistently produces the highest quality Vitis vinifera and hybrid grapes grown in the Southeast.
The Grind Mac and Cheese Burger Bar
112 Lovelace Ave., Martin, TN 38237
Photo: City of Martin, TN
Located a few blocks from the University of Tennessee at Martin, The Grind Mac and Cheese Burger Bar serves up America’s favorite traditional foods with a twist. They offer burgers, wings, salads, rib-eye, chicken parmesan and even Instagram-worthy milkshakes. From the creative ingredient combinations and the portion sizes to the way the servers interact with patrons, everything at The Grind is over the top.
For more information on West Tennessee road trips, click here.
