





Overton Park is Memphis's vibrant 342-acre urban oasis, blending nature, culture, and recreation.
Overton Park is Memphis's vibrant 342-acre urban oasis, blending nature, culture, and recreation. This expansive Midtown park serves as a cherished green heart of the city, offering a unique combination of wild landscapes, world-class cultural institutions, and recreational facilities. It's a place where the grandeur of nature meets the vibrancy of city life, making it a truly special destination.
Within its boundaries, visitors can encounter a diverse range of experiences, from the exotic wildlife at the Memphis Zoo, home to African lions, cheetahs, polar bears, giraffes, and hippos, to the ancient tranquility of the Old Forest State Natural Area, featuring old-growth trees like Shumard oaks and Tulip Poplars, and native wildflowers such as Prairie Trillium. The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art showcases an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and prints, while the historic Overton Park Shell hosts lively concerts and events, adding a rich cultural dimension to the park.
Whether you seek quiet contemplation amidst towering trees, exhilarating encounters with wildlife, enriching artistic discovery, or memorable musical performances, Overton Park delivers an unforgettable experience. It's a dynamic community hub that invites visitors to explore, learn, and connect with nature and culture, making every visit a memorable adventure in the heart of Memphis. Don't forget to bring the Snappit nature identification app along to scan local species.
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Walk or run the trails of the Old Forest, visit the Memphis Zoo, explore the art collections at the Brooks Museum, attend a free concert at the Overton Park Shell, picnic on the Greensward, play golf, or let your dog run at Overton Bark.
Park hours are generally dawn to dusk. From March 15 to October 31, hours are 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and from November 1 to March 14, they are 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Free concerts are typically held in warmer months.
The Overton Park Shell is 100% wheelchair accessible and sensory inclusive. The park Conservancy is working on improving sidewalk accessibility throughout the park.
Home to over 3,500 animals from 500 species, including African lions, grizzly bears, polar bears, giraffes, hippos, and penguins.
A 126-acre old-growth forest with miles of trails, featuring towering trees like Shumard oaks and Tulip Poplars, diverse plant life, and opportunities for birdwatching. Look for wildflowers such as Prairie Trillium and the Zebra Swallowtail Butterfly.
An iconic outdoor amphitheater known for its free concert series and historical significance as the site of Elvis Presley's first public performance.
The oldest and largest art museum in Tennessee, housing extensive collections of paintings, sculptures, and prints.
Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.
Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.
Wear comfortable shoes
** With over 8 miles of trails in the Old Forest and expansive grounds, comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the park.
Check event schedules
Before visiting, check the schedules for free concerts at the Overton Park Shell or special exhibits at the Brooks Museum and Memphis Zoo.
Pack a picnic
The park features numerous picnic areas and the large Greensward, perfect for a relaxing outdoor meal.
Utilize public restrooms
Restrooms are available at Rainbow Lake Pavilion, East Parkway Pavilion, and the Abe Goodman Golf Clubhouse during operating hours.
Arrive early for events
For popular concerts or events, arrive early to secure parking and a good spot on the lawn.
Stay hydrated
Especially during warmer months, bring water to stay hydrated while exploring.
Jun 5, 2026
Photo attribution
(c) Ken Clark, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Jun 6, 2026
Jun 6, 2026
Jun 6, 2026
Jun 6, 2026
Massachusetts, US
You might spot Virginia Bluebells and Great Golden Digger Wasp.
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Maryland, US
You might spot White-Tailed Deer and Japanese Knotweed.
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Illinois, US
You might spot White Mulberry, House Finch, and Scissor Grinder.
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Maryland, US
You might spot Great Blue Heron, Eastern Bluebird, and White-Tailed Deer.
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