The Mississippi River defines the geography of our nation and is the third longest river in the world. It is often referred to as the “Father of Waters”, and it plays an important role in many aspects of life along its course. Memphis is one of the largest cities located along the Mississippi and located near one of its widest points: Memphis, Tennessee. How wide is the Mississippi river at Memphis, Tennessee?
To answer this question, it is important to start with some history of the river. The Mississippi River began to develop as a natural barrier between the ancient Native American cultures of the North and the South in the centuries before European colonization. By the late 1700’s, the mighty river had already established itself as an important trading route for goods and people moving up and downriver on various early steamboats. The Mississippi River consistently evolved and changed the course of American history throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, with Memphis right in the middle.
In its natural state, the Mississippi River at Memphis is a wide and powerful spectacle. The state of Tennessee measures it at an average of 2.3 miles across, which is the standard span for the western part of the state that the river runs through. This spans from the northern suburbs at Turleyville, to the southern border of West Memphis, Arkansas. It is the widest public access point of the river within the state.
The Mighty Mississippi’s width also varies slightly based on conditions in and around the river, including rainfall. Throughout the summer months, the riverbed naturally expands and the current can slow down due to the heat, making the river wider at some points. During the winter months, there is usually a decrease in water levels due to less snowmelt, causing the river to narrow again. This means that while the Mississippi River is typically 2.3 miles across in Memphis, it can fluctuate in width between 2 to 6 miles.
One of the most exciting parts of the river’s history is the rafting industry. From Viking River Cruises to guided ferry rides, hundreds of vacationers make sure to pay homage to the “Father of Waters” annually by experiencing it from the deck of a boat. The industry employs dozens of families full time, and helps to maintain the sprawling wetlands, floodplains, and natural habitats that the Mississippi supports and aids in the protection of.
The river is also the lifeblood of Memphis, providing the city with jobs, transportation, and recreation. Thousands of jobs are supported in Memphis alone by the cargo barges, recreational boats, and tourism that the Mississippi sustains, and the economic impact reaches far beyond the city. Fishers and duck hunters also enjoy time spent along the river, as well as various kayakers, paddleboards, and waterskiers. Memphis is such a crucial part of the Mighty Mississippi that every year in May thousands of people gather to commemorate and reflect on the river’s importance to the city and the nation.
Tourist Attractions in Memphis
Visitors who come to Memphis never leave disappointed. The sight of the Mighty Mississippi, more than two miles wide, from the vantage point of the bluff above is just awe-inspiring, and the city itself offers some of the best attractions in the state. Start off with a trip to the National Civil Rights Museum, which chronicles the civil rights struggle. The FedEx Forum, home to the Memphis Grizzlies, is a must for basketball fans, and for art and history buffs, the Pink Palace Family of Museums is not to be missed.
The Memphis music scene is legendary. Every year, millions of people from all over the world flock to the Beale Street Historic District to take in the sights, sounds, and tastes of Memphis music. Visit the Stax Museum to experience the music of Memphis legend Aretha Franklin and the landmark Sun Studio, where icons like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash recorded some of their greatest hits.
Also in Memphis is the famous Peabody Hotel, known for hosting some of the most famous names in entertainment and its daily parade of ducks in the Grand Lobby. Take a tour of the mansion of civil war general and former commander of the Confederate Army, Nathan Bedford Forrest, just to the south east of the city. Of course, no visit to Memphis would be complete without taking a stroll down Beale Street and eating some of the most delicious barbecue around!
Stopover in Arkansas
The Arkansas side of the Mighty Mississippi also has some fantastic attractions. Many visitors enjoy the bustling city of West Memphis, a thriving community just across the river from its Tennessee counterpart. The city boasts several museums, theaters, and venues for live music. Be sure to stop in at the Blues Museum for a taste of Memphis’ musical heritage or at the Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival for a truly unique experience.
If you’re looking to get off the beaten path, head south on Highway 61 to the Arkansas Delta. As you drive along you’ll be surrounded by incredible natural beauty, with wetlands, ponds, and farmlands. The rolling hills are picturesque and the small town charm will have you wishing you could stay longer. Some of the local must-sees include the Alluvian Hotel in Greenwood, The Shack Up Inn in Clarksdale, and the Quapaw Canoe Company in Arkansas City.
In the south easternmost corner of the state is the famous town of Helena. This was an important port for cotton merchants during the civil war, and today is home to several museums and other attractions. Take a walk along the banks of the Mississippi here and soak up the natural beauty of the river, or take a carriage ride around town to take in the local culture.
Bird Watching at The Big River
The Big River is well-known amongst ornithologists and bird lovers as the perfect place to observe some of the continent’s most fascinating avian species. If you’re a bird watcher planning a trip to Memphis, you’ll want to know that the best time for bird watching is during the fall season. In the fall the migrating species come to the area to make the most of their short stay, often blessing visitors with extraordinary sights of some of North America’s most beloved feathered friends.
If you’re looking for a spot to observe from, the banks of the Mississippi River near Memphis provide some of the best views. There are several parks along the river that offer amazing opportunities for bird watching. McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport near the city has a large bird sanctuary, and the hundreds of acres of wetlands near the river make the perfect breeding grounds for many species. During the fall you can expect to find amazing species such as the red-shouldered hawk, Northern cardinal, and White-throated sparrow in abundance.
If you’re an eager twitcher, a trip to the banks of the Mississippi River in Memphis should be high on your list. The Mighty Mississippi is the perfect spot to observe some of our feathered friends, and it also offers some of the most beautiful views of the countryside in this part of the United States. Whether you’re just taking a walk, or going with a group of bird watchers, the river is sure to provide you with hours of fun, education, and magical memories.
Fishing For Trophy Catfish
If you’re an angler looking for trophy catfish, there’s no better place to go than the Mississippi River in Memphis. Catfish can be found in abundance in the river, and many of them are big enough to be considered trophy-worthy. The river is home to a variety of catfish species including the channel catfish, flathead catfish and blue catfish, all of which can reach sizes upwards of 20 pounds.
Fishing in the river is subject to certain regulations, but fortunately it is open to all anglers throughout the year. Fishing typically peaks right after the winter months and before the summer months, so the best time to go is between April and May. During this time the water is still cool, and the catfish have had a chance to feed on their prey. Fishing in the afternoon works best, as the catfish tend to be more active around this time.
If you’re looking for the best spots to cast your line, most anglers recommend the low-lying areas of the river or areas surrounding the levees. These places tend to be the most productive, as they provide the catfish with their preferreds habitat of mud, rocks and vegetation. Additionally, most of the bass and channel catfish that you’ll find in the area tend to be near structure such as downed trees and shallow areas.
All in all, fishing in the Mississippi River near Memphis offers anglers the perfect opportunity to bag a trophy catfish. It is also a great way to spend some quality time outdoors, and an experience that will certainly provide memories that will last a lifetime.
Flooding Protection
Due to its immense size and fast-moving currents, the Mississippi River has had to be actively managed to provide protection from flooding to the communities and farms along its banks. Since the 1950s, the Army Corps of Engineers have implemented various plans to mitigate the risk of flooding in Memphis and the surrounding areas by constructing a series of levees and spillways.
These structures have had a tremendous impact on the flooding in this area, preventing billions of dollars in damage annually. In addition to the levees, the Corps of Engineers has implemented plans to restore the wetlands, which are an important part of the river’s delta. The wetlands act as a natural buffer between the river and the land and help to slow the flow of the waters and prevent flooding.
The work of the Corps of Engineers has also had positive impacts on the environment and wildlife habitats. By restoring the wetlands, the Corps has been able to bring back some of the lost acreage and create thousands of jobs in the process. Additionally, the wetlands are now thriving with animal and plant life, and they are home to many species of birds and other creatures that wouldn’t have been able to survive without the Corps’ protection. Restoring the wetlands has also allowed some species of fish and game to rebound in the area.
The Mississippi River at Memphis can be a wild and powerful force to behold, but with the work of the Army Corps of Engineers, it has been tamed and managed for the protection and benefit of the people and wildlife living along its banks. The Corps of Engineers’ efforts have been far-reaching, and their work in Memphis is a testament to their commitment to controlling flooding and preserving the beauty and bounty of the Mississippi River.
