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Created by a series of massive earthquakes in 1811-1812 that temporarily caused the Mississippi River to flow backward, Reelfoot Lake is Tennessee’s only large natural lake and one of America’s most unique aquatic ecosystems. This 15,000-acre “sunken land” features cypress trees rising from the water and hosts over 280 species of birds, including one of the largest winter populations of American bald eagles in the mid-South. Nature’s dramatic reshaping of the landscape has created a truly one-of-a-kind destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Getting to Reelfoot Lake
Located in the northwestern corner of Tennessee, Reelfoot Lake is accessible via several routes. Most visitors arrive by car, as the lake is approximately 2 hours from Memphis, 3 hours from Nashville, and 2 hours from Jackson, Tennessee. The nearest major airports are Memphis International Airport and Nashville International Airport, both offering rental car services for the drive to Reelfoot.
Plan Your Journey to Reelfoot Lake
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The lake spans parts of Lake and Obion counties, with the main access points being through the towns of Tiptonville, Samburg, and Hornbeak. Highway 21 runs along the eastern shore of the lake, providing scenic views and access to many attractions. For GPS navigation, set your destination to “Reelfoot Lake State Park Visitor Center” as a central starting point.
Best Time to Visit Reelfoot Lake
Reelfoot Lake offers unique experiences throughout the year, but timing your visit can enhance specific activities:
Winter (December-February)
The premier season for eagle watching, as hundreds of bald eagles migrate to the lake. The annual Eagle Festival in February features guided tours and educational programs. Winter also offers excellent crappie fishing and less crowded conditions.
Spring (March-May)
Witness the explosion of wildflowers and migrating birds. Spring brings excellent fishing conditions as bass and bluegill become more active. The Deep Swamp Canoe Tours offered in March and April provide unique access to flooded cypress forests.
Summer (June-August)
Peak season for boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The scenic pontoon boat tours operate regularly, and the longer daylight hours allow for extended exploration. Summer also brings excellent opportunities for photography and bird watching.
Fall (September-November)
Experience spectacular fall foliage as the cypress trees turn golden-orange. Hundreds of white pelicans stop at the lake during their migration, creating impressive photo opportunities. Fishing remains excellent with fewer crowds than summer.
Weather Considerations
Summers can be hot and humid with temperatures in the 80s-90s°F. Winters are mild with occasional freezing temperatures. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable conditions with temperatures in the 60s-70s°F. Always check local forecasts before your visit, as weather can affect lake activities.
Where to Stay at Reelfoot Lake
Reelfoot Lake offers a variety of accommodation options that put you close to nature while providing comfortable amenities. From rustic cabins to modern hotels, there’s something for every preference and budget.
Find Your Perfect Reelfoot Lake Accommodation
Book your stay early, especially during eagle watching season and summer weekends when accommodations fill quickly.
Lakeside Cabins
Several resorts offer cabins directly on the lakeshore, providing stunning views and easy water access. Blue Bank Resort, Eagle Nest Resort, and Sportsman’s Resort feature well-equipped cabins with kitchens, fireplaces, and private docks. Perfect for fishing enthusiasts who want to launch directly from their accommodation.
State Park Accommodations
Reelfoot Lake State Park offers comfortable cabins with modern amenities. These fully-furnished units include kitchens, living areas, and outdoor grills. The state park cabins provide excellent value and put you close to ranger-led programs and hiking trails.
Camping Options
For those who prefer to connect more directly with nature, Reelfoot Lake State Park maintains two campgrounds with a total of 86 sites. Most sites offer water and electrical hookups, with some premium spots located directly on the lakeshore. Facilities include clean restrooms, hot showers, and dump stations.
Top Things to Do at Reelfoot Lake
Reelfoot Lake offers a diverse range of activities for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and families. From world-class fishing to unique wildlife viewing opportunities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this natural wonder.
Eagle Watching Tours
One of Reelfoot’s most famous attractions is its winter bald eagle population. From December through February, join guided eagle tours offered by both Reelfoot Lake State Park and the Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge. Expert naturalists take you to prime viewing locations where you can observe and photograph these majestic birds in their natural habitat.
World-Class Fishing
Reelfoot is renowned for its year-round fishing opportunities. The lake’s unique structure, with submerged cypress stumps and abundant vegetation, creates perfect habitat for crappie, bluegill, and bass. Local guides can take you to productive spots and provide equipment. Fishing licenses are required and can be purchased at local bait shops or online through the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
Scenic Pontoon Cruises
Experience the beauty of Reelfoot Lake from the water on a guided pontoon boat tour. These informative cruises, led by knowledgeable naturalists, take you through cypress forests and lily pad fields while explaining the lake’s unique ecology and history. Sunset cruises offer spectacular photo opportunities as the sun sets behind the cypress trees.
Canoe & Kayak Trails
Explore the tranquil waters at your own pace by canoe or kayak. The Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge offers designated canoe trails that wind through cypress forests and wetland areas. Rentals are available at several locations around the lake, and free guided canoe trips are offered monthly from April to October by the refuge staff.
Hiking & Boardwalk Trails
Several well-maintained trails provide opportunities to explore Reelfoot’s diverse ecosystems on foot. The Boardwalk Trail at Reelfoot Lake State Park offers an accessible 1/4-mile route through a cypress swamp with interpretive signs. For a longer hike, try the 1.5-mile Airpark Trail that winds through bottomland hardwood forest and offers excellent bird watching.
Wildlife Photography
Reelfoot Lake is a photographer’s paradise, offering countless opportunities to capture unique landscapes and wildlife. Several observation towers and blinds are strategically placed around the lake for optimal viewing. Dawn and dusk provide the best light and increased wildlife activity. Don’t miss the white pelican migration in fall, when hundreds of these massive birds stop at the lake.
Educational Centers & Museums
Enhance your understanding of Reelfoot Lake’s unique ecosystem and fascinating history by visiting these informative centers:
Reelfoot Lake State Park Visitor Center
The R.C. Donaldson Memorial Museum and Nature Center offers fascinating exhibits on the lake’s formation, ecology, and wildlife. Live animal displays include non-releasable raptors, snakes, and other local wildlife. The center also features an aquarium with native fish species and interactive exhibits for children. Park naturalists are available to answer questions and provide information about ranger-led programs.
Hours: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Summer), 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Winter)
Admission: Free
Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
Located near Union City, this center focuses on the lake’s importance as a waterfowl habitat. Hands-on exhibits highlight the refuge’s conservation efforts and the diverse bird species that depend on Reelfoot Lake. The center serves as the starting point for many guided tours and educational programs, including the popular eagle tours in winter and monthly canoe trips during warmer months.
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Admission: Free
Where to Eat at Reelfoot Lake
After a day of outdoor adventure, satisfy your appetite at one of these local eateries known for fresh seafood and Southern hospitality:
Blue Bank Fish House & Grill
Located at Blue Bank Resort, this popular restaurant specializes in fresh-caught Reelfoot Lake fish. Their famous “Reelfoot Style” fried crappie and catfish are local favorites. The restaurant offers beautiful lake views and often features live music on weekends. Don’t miss their hushpuppies and homemade desserts.
Specialty: Reelfoot Style Fried Crappie
Price Range: $$
Boyette’s Dining Room
A Reelfoot Lake institution since 1921, Boyette’s serves traditional Southern cuisine in a rustic, family-friendly atmosphere. Their family-style breakfasts are legendary, featuring country ham, biscuits and gravy, and other hearty fare. For dinner, try their famous fried chicken or country ham with all the fixings.
Specialty: Family-Style Southern Breakfast
Price Range: $$
Boat House Restaurant
Offering panoramic views of Reelfoot Lake, this waterfront restaurant specializes in fresh seafood and steaks. Their outdoor deck is perfect for sunset dining. Popular menu items include the catfish platter, grilled steaks, and seafood pasta. The restaurant also features a full bar with local beers and specialty cocktails.
Specialty: Catfish Platter
Price Range: $$
Practical Tips for Visitors
Essential Information
- Fishing Licenses: Required for anyone 13 and older. Available online through the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency or at local bait shops.
- Cell Service: Coverage can be spotty around the lake. Download maps and information before your trip.
- Mosquito Protection: Bring insect repellent, especially during summer months.
- Boat Rentals: Available at several marinas around the lake, including pontoons, fishing boats, and kayaks.
- Accessibility: The Visitor Center, Boardwalk Trail, and some fishing piers are wheelchair accessible.
Local Etiquette & Safety
- Wildlife Viewing: Maintain a respectful distance from wildlife, especially nesting birds and eagles.
- Boating Safety: Be cautious of submerged cypress stumps throughout the lake. Stay in marked channels when possible.
- Photography: Obtain permission before photographing private property or local residents.
- Conservation: Practice catch-and-release fishing when possible to maintain healthy fish populations.
- Weather Awareness: Check forecasts before boating, as conditions can change quickly on the lake.
Pro Tip: Eagle Watching
For the best eagle viewing experience, visit in January or February and join an early morning tour. Bring binoculars with at least 8x magnification and dress in layers, as mornings can be quite cold on the water. The annual Eagle Festival in February offers special programs and increased tour options.
Nearby Attractions
While Reelfoot Lake offers plenty to keep you busy, consider these worthwhile attractions within a short drive:
Discovery Park of America
Located in Union City (about 30 minutes from Reelfoot Lake), this world-class museum and entertainment complex features exhibits on nature, science, technology, history, and art. The 50-acre complex includes a 120,000-square-foot museum, gardens, and historic buildings. Perfect for families and ideal for rainy days.
Distance from Reelfoot Lake: 30 minutes
Ideal for: Families, history buffs, science enthusiasts
Dixie Gun Works
A must-visit for history and firearms enthusiasts, this unique attraction in Union City houses one of the world’s largest collections of antique firearms and accessories. The on-site museum displays hundreds of historic guns, while the store offers reproduction parts for black powder firearms.
Distance from Reelfoot Lake: 30 minutes
Ideal for: History enthusiasts, collectors
Scenic Drives
The Great River Road follows the Mississippi River and offers spectacular views, historic sites, and charming river towns. The section near Reelfoot Lake takes you through beautiful countryside and provides access to several Mississippi River overlooks. The drive is particularly scenic in fall when the foliage changes color.
Distance from Reelfoot Lake: Starts nearby
Ideal for: Photography, leisurely exploration
Experience the Magic of Reelfoot Lake
Reelfoot Lake stands as a testament to nature’s power to create beauty from catastrophe. From the haunting silhouettes of cypress trees rising from the water to the majestic bald eagles soaring overhead, this unique ecosystem offers experiences you won’t find anywhere else in Tennessee. Whether you’re casting a line for crappie, paddling through flooded forests, or simply watching the sunset paint the sky above the lake, Reelfoot’s natural wonders will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
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