Shelby Farms

Shelby Farms sits on 4500 acres of land that adjoins the Wolf River in East Memphis. There is no shortage of thins to do for anyone who loves the outdoors. The park was originally used as a Penal Farm in conjunction with the county prison, but has become a public recreation facility since then. The park offers numerous lake that can be used for fishing and boating, miles upon miles of walking, biking, and horse trails, and it is home to a wide variety of wildlife.

The park is used throughout the year by tons of people, it's a great place for a picnic, or running after work or school. There is a Frisbee Golf Course, a kite flying field, and several playgrounds. If you go for a ride down Gardener Dr you will find the gardens of people from all over the area that don't have the space at home to garden so they rent a plot at the park and garden there. The Memphis Zoo has 10 acres of bamboo growing at the park that help supply them to feed the pandas. The Mid South Raptor Rehab Center is also within the park area. I recently learned that on the west end of the park there is a small family cemetery with one double headstone, nearby is an old barn and an old wrecked out car too.

The Park is managed by the Shelby Farms conservancy and they are currently working on a master plan to help make the park a more integral part of the city and its culture.

On an average visit to the park you could find any of a large variety of wildlife, from deer and squirrels, to herons and bluebirds. They also have a herd of Bison. I mentioned horse trails, these days not to many people have their own horse, but the park has stables where you can rent a horse. If you aren't one to get out and experience nature first hand I guess you could always drive around within the park.