Our small towns in Tennessee are filled with charm, incredible people, and enrobed in natural beauty. Everywhere you look, those three factors are present -- but when it comes time for the summer, you are going to want to beat the heat and get close to the water. That is why Tiptonville makes for a perfect summer day trip in Tennessee. Not only is it surrounded by water with the mighty Mississippi River on one side -- but lakes line the town's border, too. This is an old-fashioned town and to truly experience it, leave your phone and spend the entire time unplugged... that way, you can soak up the scenery without any distractions.
When it comes to Tiptonville, the top attractions all involve water.
The town is the gateway to Reelfoot State Park, which is filled with opportunities to use the lake. The Mississippi River frames the western border of the town and is an iconic river everyone should visit it at least once. This town is also famous for the wonderful wildlife you can spot. Watch the trees around the lakes closely because you might find the mighty bald eagle. Reelfoot is also a great place to watch the sunrise; the light illuminates in an orange hue across the water while silhouetting the cypress trees and it's truly a magical spectacle to behold.
If you love to watch birds, Lake Isom National Wilderness Refuge is another great place to check out. Drive around the water and enjoy seeing ducks, geese, bald eagles, and many more avian species.
The town's main attraction is Reelfoot Lake State Park and one of the best ways to enjoy it is right on the water.
You can book a variety of boat tours that allow you time to sit back and relax as the pontoon boat floats along the shallow waters. Some of the tours include getting up close to the eagles, others take you on a scenic trip for photographers, and much more. If you prefer to explore on your own, launch a kayak and paddle your way around. The soothing calm waters offer a pleasant soundtrack to a restful day, and there are plenty of places to explore. If you don’t own your own vessel no need to worry: they rent them out in the park by the hour or for the day!
If you prefer to adventure on foot, there are a couple of trails along the water that are perfect for a simple stroll.
The Reelfoot Lake Boardwalk Trail especially can be fun as you walk along the wooden platforms. I have come to really love cypress trees; there is something completely otherworldly about them, and I find them absolutely fascinating. Explore these wild trees and marvel at the "knees" sticking out of the water as you hike along and enjoy the soothing calm of the lake.
To end the day, head on over to the western side of town for a sunset along the Mississippi River. There is always something spectacular to see when witnessing a sunset, but it becomes even more intriguing when you observe it from the banks of the mighty Mississippi.
With so much water recreation to enjoy, you might want to extend your stay.
This Dancing Diamonds Waterfront Retreat is the perfect place to stay in the area. Located right on the water on the south end of Reelfoot Lake you will have great access right in your backyard. This home is reasonably priced and can house up to six people. Relax the night away on the back deck to the cadence of the water, then wake up with a warm cup of coffee in hand to do it all over again. This is the kind of stuff great summer memories are made of.
When you want to visit Tiptonville, Tennessee, the best way to experience it is by enjoying the water. With an amazing state park right in town, a wildlife refuge, and the Mississippi River, all in one place you simply can not go wrong. So unplug for a while and spend some time enjoying all there is to see and do in this lovely small town.
On the other side of the lake is another town worth checking out. Samburg is the quintessential hunting and fishing town that also makes great use of the water.
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