Attractions
Lauderdale County invites you to try on something new, rediscover history, jam at a festival and breathe in the fresh air in nature’s wilder places.
The Mississippi River makes its way through Lauderdale County, creating opportunities to view and photograph beautiful sunsets overlooking the river. Bring your boat and cast off (boat ramps available). The Mississippi has played a crucial role in the history of the United States, from Native American civilizations to European exploration and colonization. It is a focal point for trade, agriculture, cultural exchange, and, of course, just plain fun. You won’t have fully experienced Lauderdale County without standing along its shores and taking in its natural beauty. Learn More
Alex Haley Museum
Get back to your Roots. Originally known as the Palmer House, this 10-room bungalow-style home was constructed in 1919 by Will E. Palmer, the maternal grandfather of Alex Haley. Haley published the Pulitzer Prize-awarded Roots: The Saga of an American Family, telling the story of his family's history beginning with Kunta Kinte, of the Mandinka people in Gambia, who was enslaved and brought to America in the late 1700s. The restored building is a museum featuring Haley's work, childhood memorabilia, and references to the people who inspired his characters in Roots. Be sure to visit the gift shop. Alex Haley's gravesite is on the front lawn of the home.
535 Haley Ave.Henning, TN 38041
(731) 738- 2240
Lauderdale County Museum
Fun and educational, the museum housed in the historic Sugar Hill Mansion, built in 1842, interprets the history of the area through a variety of artifacts and exhibits. The building is also home to the Lauderdale County Chamber of Commerce.
123 S. Jefferson St.Ripley, TN 38063
(731) 635-9541
Dyersburg Army Air Base Memorial Veterans' Museum
West Tennessee’s premier WWII heritage museum honors veterans of the inland B-17 combat aircrew training school during the early years of WWII. Discover what it was like to live on the Dyersburg Army Air Base – everything from insights to the airmens’ homes and daily life to their specific training and missions. See WWII vehicles, a Holocaust display, Purple Heart display and other one-of-a-kind items of the era. The museum also has displays for every conflict and war, post-WWII, in which the United States has been involved.
100 Veterans Dr. N.Halls, TN 38040
(731) 836-7400
Ripley Park
Spend the day with family and friends at this 50-acre recreation park. A multitude of things to do include four lighted multi-purpose athletic fields, a one-mile walking/jogging trail, sand volleyball, three playgrounds, tetherball, four lighted tennis courts, pavilions with grills and picnic tables, swimming pool, waterslide with two kiddie slides, and a nine-hole disc golf course. New pickleball courts and a splash pad are coming in summer 2024.
200 Mary Roberts Dr.Ripley, TN 38063
(731) 635-4645
The Great River Road National Scenic Byway and Trail
Follow the flows of the Mississippi River for 3,000 miles from Northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico and the portion of the byway that winds through Lauderdale County. The scenic route passes through 10 states and hundreds of river towns. Fort Pillow State Park and Chickasaw National Wildlife Refuge are two important sites along the Lauderdale County portion of the trail, along with the new Mississippi River Corridor Overlook in Ripley, perched on a bluff overlooking the river.
Fort Pillow State Historic Park
More than a half-million people visit Fort Pillow State Historic Park every year. The Civil War fort on this site was strategically positioned on the riverbank overlooking the Mississippi River. The park’s museum interprets artifacts, including a cannon, from the Civil War relevant to this defensive outpost. Enjoy guided museum and park tours of the grounds and fortifications. Camping, picnicking, paddling, boating, hiking, and fishing are among the many activities you can enjoy here.
3122 Park Rd.Henning, TN 38041
(731) 738-5581
Festivals
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Halls Street Festival – June
The Town of Halls sponsors this festival annually in June, featuring entertainment,
food, arts, crafts, and more. -
Lauderdale County Tomato Festival – July
Our community salutes the famous Ripley tomatoes and the county’s numerous tomato growers in this two-day celebration. Find out who is the Tomato Farmer of the Year at the Opening Ceremonies. The festival features carnival rides, a petting zoo, live music, a tomato contest and tastings, 5-K run, and a beauty contest to select Tomato Festival Royalty.
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Lauderdale County Fair - August
Save the date annually for three days of carnival rides, pageants and cook-offs, livestock show and concerts, Choctaw Social Dancing, and great food and fun for everyone, sponsored by the Lauderdale Chamber/ECD.