West Memphis: Mississippi, Music and Trails

West Memphis combines Mississippi landscapes, a vibrant musical history, and unusual trails for active exploration. Particularly impressive is Big River Crossing: The free pedestrian and bicycle bridge is considered the longest of its kind across the Mississippi and creates a scenic connection between West Memphis and downtown Memphis. Those planning a trip with exercise, culture, and varied ideas for each day will find several clearly distinct experiences here.

Walking or Cycling Along the Mississippi

The Big River Trail forms a 7-mile loop through the West Memphis floodplain along the Mississippi. In addition, the trail offers almost 5 miles of paved and hard-surface paths along the Mississippi for walking, running, and jogging. This allows you to plan around your preferred activity without limiting the day to a single destination.

Big River Crossing places a special emphasis on cyclists and pedestrians. The bridge is free, and bike-share stations are located at the Big River Trailhead and at Big River Crossing - West. This makes it possible to combine the bridge experience with independent exploration around the trail. A vacation rental in West Memphis can therefore be particularly appealing if you want nature and active experiences to be an important part of your trip.

Nature Observation and Peaceful River Moments

Ducks Unlimited Park reveals another side of the area. Wetlands and views of the riverfront form part of the landscape there. Birdwatching and fishing are also possible. For a varied day of travel, this natural area can be experienced differently from the bridge or the longer trail loop: Here, observation, lingering, and the riverfront take center stage.

Historic District and Music from West Memphis

The West Memphis Commercial Historic District encompasses the 700 to 900 blocks of East Broadway. The district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008. Those interested in local history can plan this area as a cultural contrast to the riverside landscape experiences.

KWEM also plays a special role. The station began its first broadcast on February 23, 1947, and presented local musicians live on the radio. Appearances on KWEM brought Ike Turner, B. B. King, Johnny Cash, and Elvis Presley recognition and gave their rise to prominence as musicians decisive momentum. An exhibition on the campus of Arkansas State University Mid-South supplements this history with a replica of the KWEM studio and integrated online broadcasts from the station.

Local Cuisine and Special Reasons for a Visit

The annual Broadway Food Truck Fest brings food and live music together. Visitors can sample dishes from more than 25 vendors there. The Broadway Food Truck Park also provides space for up to 12 food trucks, as well as shaded seating areas, restrooms, green spaces, and an interactive mural. In addition to the trail, bridge, and music history, this provides a specific reason to include local food culture in your travel plans.

When choosing accommodation, you can therefore first decide which rhythm suits your trip: activity on the Big River Trail and Big River Crossing, nature observation at Ducks Unlimited Park, historic impressions along East Broadway, or music and food trucks. The West Memphis Welcome Center provides current information about attractions, regional events, and weather conditions. Travelers also have access there to computer terminals, Wi-Fi, and fresh coffee.

More Places for Your Planning

If you would like to compare West Memphis with other destinations in the surrounding area, here is a brief guide: Gilmore, Turrell, Marion and Edmondson. This allows you to include different place names in your further travel planning without losing sight of West Memphis's special experiences.

For the overarching travel overview: Crittenden.