Things to do at Reelfoot Lake in Obion County, TN

Reelfoot Lake is the only natural lake in the state of Tennessee and is conveniently located less than 30 minutes from most points in Obion County. It is widely known for its fishing, hunting, camping, and wildlife viewing. The 15,000 acre lake is a flooded forest with cypress trees above the water and submerged cypress stumps below. We have provided lists of cabins, lodging, restaurants, and history information about the lake. (Photo credit Tara Dowdy, USFWS)

Earthquakes
Reelfoot Lake in northwest Tennessee was created by a series of earthquakes in the winter of 1811–1812. The New Madrid fault zone, which includes parts of Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, and Missouri, experienced three earthquakes. The final earthquake on February 7, 1812, temporarily rerouted the Mississippi River, permanently dammed the Reelfoot River, and filled in a low-lying area to form Reelfoot Lake.

Eyewitness accounts
Eliza Bryan, an eyewitness to the earthquakes, wrote in 1816 that a large lake had formed on the other side of the Mississippi River. Firmin La Roche, a flatboat master, described how a great wave came up the river, carrying his boats more than a mile upstream.

Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is said to have flowed backward for 10–24 hours after the earthquakes.

Things to do in Reelfoot Lake

Reelfoot Lake State Park

The park's 280 acres are broken into 10 segments located along 22 miles of the Reelfoot Lake shoreline. The other sections of the park, including the Visitor and Interpretive Center with its auditorium, picnic, and camping areas, are located along State Highways 21 and 22.

Open 7 days a week.

Contact Info:
2595 Highway 21 East, Tiptonville, TN 38079
1-888-867-2757

Learn more

Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge

The 10,428-acre Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1941 for the primary purpose of providing optimum habitat and sanctuary for wintering waterfowl, such as ducks and geese. The refuge also encourages the public to explore the hiking trails, viewing towers, and wildlife viewing roads, open year-round.

American Bald Eagles winter at Reelfoot and may be viewed during eagle tours sponsored by the Tennessee Department of Wildlife Resources.

Monday - Saturday from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Contact Info:
4343 Hwy 157, Union City, TN 38261
(731) 538-2481

Other Activities Provided

Free monthly guided canoe trips are offered from April to October.
A youth fishing rodeo is held every year in June on Tennessee's free fishing day.
A Jr. Ranger Camp is offered to kids for free during the summer, and numerous other programs are offered throughout the year.
Free eagle tours are offered in January and February.
The Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center showcases a variety of hands-on exhibits that focus on waterfowl.

You can visit the refuge to hunt during our designated seasons, fish, photograph wildlife, or just enjoy some quiet time immersed in nature.

Learn more

Reelfoot Lake Pontoon Cruises

A scenic boat cruise on Reelfoot Lake, guided by state park experienced naturalists, is one of the more popular area attractions. From this viewpoint, you can fully appreciate the islands, flooded timbers, lily pads, and numerous birds, such as the American Bald Eagle and Great Blue Heron.

Short cruises, approximately one hour in duration, are available on weekends and holidays while the two-hour long Sunset Cruise is a more sought-after option available on Saturday nights on a limited basis.

Reservations are required.

Call 731-253-9652 for details.

Learn more