Overton Park photo
ParkTennessee, US

Overton Park

Overton Park is Memphis's vibrant 342-acre urban oasis, blending nature, culture, and recreation.

About

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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What to do here

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.

Seasonal info

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.

Accessibility

The Overton Park Shell is 100% wheelchair accessible and sensory inclusive. The park Conservancy is working on improving sidewalk accessibility throughout the park.

Don't miss

1

Memphis Zoo

Home to over 3,500 animals from 500 species, including African lions, grizzly bears, polar bears, giraffes, hippos, and penguins.

2

Old Forest State Natural Area

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.

3

Overton Park Shell

An iconic outdoor amphitheater known for its free concert series and historical significance as the site of Elvis Presley's first public performance.

4

Memphis Brooks Museum of Art

The oldest and largest art museum in Tennessee, housing extensive collections of paintings, sculptures, and prints.

Wildlife you might spot

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Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

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.

Frequently asked questions

No, there is no admission fee for Overton Park itself, and it is open daily from dawn to dusk. However, individual cultural institutions located within the park, such as the Memphis Zoo and the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, do have their own entrance fees.
Yes, dogs are welcome in Overton Park. They must be kept on a leash unless they are inside the designated Overton Bark dog park, a fenced 1.3-acre area.
Overton Park is home to several significant cultural attractions, including the Memphis Zoo, the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, and the historic Overton Park Shell amphitheater.

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