Tom Lee Park is a 31-acre riverfront park on Riverside Drive in downtown Memphis, Tennessee, south of Beale Street. Its paths, gardens, public art and river views make it a place to walk, pause by the water or spend time in its recreation areas.
- Location: Riverside Drive, downtown Memphis, south of Beale Street.
- Size: 31 acres along the Mississippi River.
- Park hours: Open daily
- Parking: More than 2,000 spaces are within a couple of blocks of a park entrance.
What can you see and do at Tom Lee Park?
Tom Lee Park combines open riverfront space with places to walk, play and gather. Scenic paths wind past native trees and gardens, public art and an outdoor classroom; a misting fountain and the Life on the River playground add family-friendly features.
The playground covers 23,000 square feet. At the 15,000-square-foot Sunset Canopy, activities include pickup basketball, yoga, concerts and other events. A public artwork by Theaster Gates, A Monument to Listening, comprises 33 basalt thrones honoring Tom Lee’s legacy.
The park takes its name from Tom Lee, who rescued 32 people from the Mississippi River after the M.E. Norman capsized on May 8, 1925, despite being unable to swim. A $61 million renovation project began in December 2020, and the renovated park opened to the public on Labor Day weekend in September 2023.
Where do the riverfront paths lead?
The paths give you room to follow the riverfront and take in the Mississippi River, while the park’s southern end connects to a distinctive elevated route. The 220-foot Memphis Flyway runs through tree canopies and over wetlands to the river; it is ADA-accessible.
For a broader day out, Tom Lee Park can fit into a one-day Memphis itinerary from West Memphis.
What are Tom Lee Park’s hours and access rules?
The park operator gives a daily closing time of 30 minutes after sunset, while Memphis Parks gives the park’s daily closing time as 10 p.m. The Sunset Canopy courts are open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Hours can change, so check the official site before you go.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 6 AM–8 PM
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
If you’re staying across the river, the park is about 4.7 miles from a motel in West Memphis.
Tom Lee Day is an annual celebration on the first Saturday in October, featuring the Tom Lee Mississippi River Gumption Revival Lantern Parade. Alcohol is not allowed in the park unless it is part of a permitted event or purchased from a permitted vendor.
How do you get to Tom Lee Park from West Memphis?
Tom Lee Park is in Memphis, not West Memphis, so you’ll cross the Mississippi River to reach the downtown riverfront. More than 2,000 parking spaces are within a couple of blocks of a park entrance.
The operator’s map gives one garage’s rates as $2 for 1 hour, $4 for 1–2 hours, $6 for 2–3 hours, $8 for 3–4 hours, with a $12 daily maximum.
For other ways to make the cross-river trip, getting around West Memphis and Memphis can help you plan the journey.
FAQs
Is Tom Lee Park in West Memphis?
No. It is on Riverside Drive in downtown Memphis, Tennessee, south of Beale Street.
Is Tom Lee Park open every day?
Open daily. Both published schedules describe daily access, but they give different closing times. Check the park operator’s official site before your visit.
What is the Memphis Flyway?
It is a 220-foot ADA-accessible elevated path at the park’s south end, passing through tree canopies and over wetlands to the river.
When is Tom Lee Day?
It is held annually on the first Saturday in October and includes the Tom Lee Mississippi River Gumption Revival Lantern Parade.