Visit Lauderdale County Tennessee
Lauderdale County includes the cities of Gates, Halls, Henning, and Ripley.
Only an hour from urban life in Memphis, Lauderdale County invites residents and visitors to slow down, take a deep breath, and enjoy life. People from near and far are attracted to our 50,000 acres of publicly owned land for great outdoor recreation. Festivals and attractions bring visitors back again to experience the cool culture we’ve created here. Fishing, boating, and hiking are just the beginning. With so much to do, you may never want to leave.
The mighty Mississippi River serves as the western boundary of Lauderdale County. The river, which starts as a trickle in upper Minnesota, is a mile wide at some points on its way to New Orleans and the Gulf of Mexico. The river and its floodplains support diverse ecosystems, providing habitat for numerous species of birds, fish, and other wildlife. A scenic route known as the Great River Road follows the river, passing through 10 states and hundreds of river towns. Fort Pillow State Park, Chickasaw National Wildlife Refuge, and the new Mississippi River Corridor Overlook in Ripley are important sites along the Lauderdale County portion of the trail. The Mississippi is a tourist destination unto itself, inviting anglers, boaters, bird watchers, and others.
Each of our towns has its own charm and attractions to explore.
Gates – Named for the Revolutionary War General Horatio Gates, the rural nature of the smallest town in Lauderdale County engenders a welcoming, largely residential community.
Halls – Home of the Dyersburg Army Air Base Memorial Veterans' Museum, commemorating the only inland B-17 flying fortress training base east of the Mississippi River with more than 7,00 crewmen at the former air base. Halls also hosts the annual Lauderdale County Fair.
Henning – The Civil War Battle site of Fort Pillow is nearby. Lauderdale County’s rich African American heritage is best experienced in Henning, home to the Alex Haley Museum and Interpretive Center. The Tennessee Choctaw Community holds lands in Henning, contributing to Lauderdale County's culture through classes in traditional crafts and recreational events such as stickball tournaments.
Ripley – The downtown square bustles with restaurants and shops which are highly entertaining. Explore Lauderdale County history at the Lauderdale County Museum. Celebrate our local tomato growers at the annual Lauderdale County Tomato Festival. Or spend some quiet time at the Chickasaw National Wildlife Refuge. The 50-acre Ripley City Park features a four-story water slide and a disc golf course; opening in 2024 will be a new splash pad and pickleball courts.