The Open Road Travel

Best Places To Stop On A Nashville To Memphis Road Trip

With a Nashville to Memphis road trip only taking 3 hours to drive, many people will complete it in one go. However, for those wanting to enjoy everything the route has to offer, splitting it across two days is a better option. There are a few places you can make a great overnight stop on the drive, but, as the biggest city between Nashville and Memphis, and a spot located roughly halfway along our route, the best choice is easily Jackson, Tennessee.

Jackson, Tennessee

Jackson, Tennessee, immaculately combines musical heritage, historical landmarks, and outdoor experiences, making it an attractive spot for tourists. The city is well-known as the birthplace of Rockabilly music, a blend of country and rock styles. Jackson’s musical history is further enriched by associations with significant artists such as Carl Perkins and Tina Turner, with local museums and music venues offering opportunities to delve into this heritage.

The Ned R. McWherter West Tennessee Cultural Arts Center, commonly referred to as "The Ned," is a destination for performances, art exhibits, and cultural shows and festivals that enhance Jackson's dynamic arts scene. Similarly, the Carl Perkins Civic Center, named in honour of the rockabilly icon, is a venue for concerts and community events.

Another key attraction is the Casey Jones Home & Railroad Museum, dedicated to the renowned railroad engineer and showcasing his restored residence along with a variety of railway memorabilia. Additionally, the Carnegie Center for Arts and History, in the former Jackson Free Library, hosts exhibits that celebrate local history and serves as a venue for cultural and artistic happenings.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Cypress Grove Nature Park spans 165 acres. Its key feature is a boardwalk that meanders through a cypress forest, perfect for birdwatching and nature walks. Meanwhile, The Ballpark at Jackson frequently hosts minor league baseball matches and various community events.

If you're looking for a place to unwind, Downtown Jackson offers a diverse selection of shops and boutiques featuring local crafts, antiques, and unique items, as well as events and markets that highlight the community's culture and creativity, ensuring that Jackson truly has something to offer everyone.

Best Hotel To Stay At In Jackson – SpringHill Suites By Marriott Jackson

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Jackson is a contemporary, 3-star all-suite hotel that caters to both leisure and business visitors, providing stylish accommodations along with a range of convenient amenities. Ideally located near attractions such as the West Tennessee Healthcare Sportsplex, Union University, and the Ballpark at Jackson, the property ensures easy access to various local sites of interest.

All suites are well-maintained and thoughtfully designed, featuring distinct living and sleeping areas, comfortable furnishings and linens, spa-like bathrooms, complimentary Wi-Fi, and generous workspaces equipped with USB ports. A hot breakfast buffet offering diverse options to satisfy different preferences is included with every reservation. Also included is access to an outdoor pool, a fitness centre, and a 24-hour market stocked with snacks and essentials.

The Best Things To See On A Nashville To Memphis Road Trip

Dickson, Tennessee

Dickson, Tennessee, is a delightful small town situated just west of Nashville. Although it may not be a large destination, Dickson features a variety of attractions that combine historical significance, outdoor activities, and warm Southern hospitality to draw visitors from far and wide. A leisurely walk down Main Street leads you through Historic Downtown Dickson, where you can discover charming boutique stores, local dining options, cafes, and venues for live music, all embodying the city’s Southern spirit.

For those interested in history, the Clement Railroad Hotel Museum, in the historic 1913 Halbrook Hotel, highlights Dickson's railroad legacy, Civil War past, and the life of Governor Frank G. Clement. Additionally, the Cumberland Furnace Iron Museum provides insights into Dickson County’s iron industry, situated within a mid-19th-century building.

Outdoor enthusiasts will also find plenty to enjoy in Dickson. Montgomery Bell State Park, one of Tennessee's largest state parks, provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, camping, and appreciating scenic views. City Lake and Luther Lake serve as perfect locations for fishing, kayaking, or enjoying a tranquil picnic, while the Dickson Skate Park and Splash Pad offer fun, family-friendly activities suitable for children and teenagers.

Loretta Lynn’s Ranch

Loretta Lynn’s Ranch spans 6,000 acres and honours the life and achievements of the celebrated country music legend. This vast venue combines elements of history, music, and outdoor activities, making it an essential destination for both fans and families.

Visitors can participate in guided tours that allow them to discover Loretta Lynn’s historic plantation home and a replica of her childhood cabin from Butcher Holler. The impressive 18,000-square-foot Coal Miner’s Daughter Museum displays a variety of Loretta's awards, costumes, and personal artefacts. Additionally, Loretta's Fan and Doll Museum, along with an on-site recording studio, provides comprehensive insights into her life.

The ranch also features numerous options for outdoor activities. Among these is the Hurricane Mill, a water-powered mill on the National Register of Historic Places, where guests can learn about the area's history. There are also 100 miles of trails suitable for hiking and horseback riding, as well as Hurricane Creek, which offers opportunities for tubing, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming. Other amenities include a swimming pool, gift shops, dining services, and a concert pavilion.

Every year, the ranch hosts a variety of events, like concerts, weddings, and the nation’s largest Amateur Motocross race, providing diverse entertainment options. For those desiring an extended stay, accommodations range from a full-service RV park and over 300 power and water campsites to primitive camping areas and 18 cabins.

Natchez Trace State Park & Forest

Natchez Trace State Park & Forest presents a wide variety of outdoor pursuits over its vast 48,000 acres of forests and lakes. It is esteemed as one of Tennessee's premier outdoor destinations, perhaps second only to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Taking its name from the historic Natchez Trace Trail, it offers numerous recreational options. Countless bird species also inhabit the region, including warblers, tanagers, and flycatchers. This makes it a perfect birdwatching spot. Additionally, the diversity of wildlife adds to its appeal for nature observation.

The park features more than 40 miles of trails for hiking and biking, which vary from short half-mile loops to extensive overnight paths, alongside 250 miles of equestrian trails complemented by a dedicated wrangler camp. It boasts four lakes that are excellent for fishing and boating, including the 690-acre Pin Oak Lake, where water skiing is permitted, and Cub Lake, which provides a public swimming beach and boat rentals in the summer.

To accommodate visitors, the park offers facilities such as picnic areas, playgrounds, a sports field, an archery range, and a museum dedicated to local and park history. For those making extended visits, there are RV hookups, tent and backcountry campsites, cabins, and the 47-room Pin Oak Lodge, along with an on-site restaurant.

Parker’s Crossroads Battlefield

Parker’s Crossroads Battlefield is a notable Civil War landmark halfway between Memphis and Nashville, open to the public daily from dawn until dusk. This site commemorates the clash that took place on December 31, 1862, during which Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest infamously commanded his troops to "charge both ways" in an effort to evade capture by Union forces.



It's upwards of three miles of paved walking paths and over 50 interpretive signs provide insights into the battle’s history. Additionally, visitors can take a self-guided driving tour that includes seven designated sites. A visitor centre is also available, operating each day and offering various exhibits, a gift shop stocked with Civil War memorabilia, details about local attractions, and brochures to assist visitors with both walking and driving tours.

Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park

Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park is an important prehistoric site associated with Native American history and one of only two archaeological parks in Tennessee. Stretching more than 1,200 acres, it contains at least 15 mounds thought to have played roles in both burial practices and ceremonies. Among these is Sauls' Mound, which rises to 72 feet, making it the second-tallest prehistoric mound in the United States, surpassed only by Monks Mound at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in Illinois.

Visitors have the opportunity to ascend to the summit for sweeping views of the park or to traverse the six miles of trails that meander through the mounds and the surrounding natural scenery. Additionally, a Museum & Visitor Centre, designed to imitate a Native American mound, offers 4,500 square feet of exhibits, an archaeological library, an 80-seat theatre that presents a documentary about the park, and a 'Discovery Room' for interactive exploration.

Those who come during the third weekend of September can also participate in Archaeofest, a festival dedicated to honouring Native American culture and archaeology, featuring craft demonstrations, storytelling, and a variety of fun and educational activities.

Tennessee Safari Park

Tennessee Safari Park enables wildlife enthusiasts to see animals from across the world in person. Situated on a historic family farm, its 7.5-mile drive-through safari and 20-acre walk-through zoo attract families and animal lovers from all corners of Tennessee and beyond.

Visitors can explore the park in their own vehicles, observing over 80 animal species, including zebras, camels, bison, and antelope, all wandering freely. Feed cups can be purchased to enable guests to offer treats to the animals directly from their car windows. The walk-through sections’ petting zoo, sociable pygmy goats, giraffe feeding station, and habitats for parakeets, sloths, and other exotic creatures enhance the experience of close animal interactions.



Additionally, during certain times throughout the year, the park hosts a drive-in theatre near the gift shop, screening family-friendly films on weekend evenings.

Brownsville, Tennessee

Brownsville, Tennessee, famed for its vibrant musical heritage, cultural sites, and scenic landscapes, is a notable destination for visitors of all interests. Known as the birthplace of renowned artist Tina Turner and blues legend Sleepy John Estes, the city honours its musical traditions with various attractions and events. Highlights include the Delta Heritage Center, the Tina Turner Museum, her childhood school, Estes's last residence, and the annual Exit 56 Blues Fest in May, which showcases live music, arts, and crafts, along with a barbecue competition.

Additional points of interest in Brownsville include College Hill Historic District, showcasing Greek Revival and Gothic Revival architecture, and the Dunbar-Carver Historic District, which boasts museums and locations that reflect the history of the town's African American middle-class community. This area holds particular significance as it marks the site of the last recorded lynching in Tennessee, involving Elbert Williams in June 1940.

Furthermore, visitors can explore Billy Tripp’s Mindfield Cemetery, a large-scale metal sculpture installation that evolves with the artist's life journey. This unique and surreal attraction is recognised as the tallest freestanding sculpture in the state.

Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge

Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge spans more than 11,500 acres of varied ecosystems along a 23-mile section of the Hatchie River. Established in 1964, this refuge is a protective habitat for migratory birds and nurtures a diverse array of wildlife, hosting over 250 species of birds, 100 species of fish, and 35 species of mussels.

Recognised as an Important Bird Area, the refuge is an excellent destination for observing migratory waterfowl and other fauna, making it particularly appealing to birdwatchers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts. Throughout the year, educational programs are available for visitors interested in learning more about the local environment and its inhabitants.

The refuge features numerous trails and scenic drives, providing ample opportunities for hiking and exploration by vehicle. Popular routes, such as those around Oneal Lake, not only allow for serene hikes but also offer abundant recreational activities, including both motorised and non-motorised boating, as well as designated areas for fishing and swimming.



Final Thoughts On A Nashville To Memphis Road Trip

That brings our guide to planning the perfect Nashville to Memphis road trip to a close. You should now know exactly when to go, which route to drive, how long it will take, and what to see and where to stay along the way. All that’s left is to decide what to take with you, and then you can start booking and budgeting everything, so you can look forward to enjoying it all for yourself as soon as possible.