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Day Trips from Memphis

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Day Trips from Memphis: Historic Sites & Museums

Explore the best historic sites, museums, and landmarks within driving distance of Memphis, TN. Battlefields, heritage towns, and world-class museums that bring history to life. Real drive times, ratings, and visitor info included.

12 historic sites near Memphis

Shiloh National Military Park, Shiloh, TN 38376

Shiloh National Military Park

Shiloh, TN 38376

Just 1 hr 59 min from Memphis, rated 4.9 stars by 893 visitors, rich in history and well worth exploring.

1 hr 59 min4.9 (893)HistoryNatureAdventure$10 - $25

Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.

Shiloh Indian Mounds National Historic Landmark, TN 38376, USA

Shiloh Indian Mounds National Historic Landmark

TN 38376, USA

Just 2 hrs 8 min from Memphis, rated 4.8 stars, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.

2 hrs 8 min4.8 (81)Adventure$15 - $50

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.

Shiloh Battlefield Visitor Center, Shiloh, TN 38376

Shiloh Battlefield Visitor Center

Shiloh, TN 38376

Just 2 hrs 7 min from Memphis, rated 4.8 stars by 2,260 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.

2 hrs 7 min4.8 (2,260)Adventure$15 - $50

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.

Battle of Britton Lane, Denmark, TN 38391

Battle of Britton Lane

Denmark, TN 38391

Just 1 hr 19 min from Memphis, rated 4.7 stars, rich in history and well worth exploring.

1 hr 19 min4.7 (23)History$10 - $25

Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.

Bollinger Mill State Historic Site, Burfordville, MO 63739

Bollinger Mill State Historic Site

Burfordville, MO 63739

Just 2 hrs 49 min from Memphis, rated 4.7 stars by 589 visitors, rich in history and well worth exploring.

2 hrs 49 min4.7 (589)HistoryNatureAdventure$10 - $25

Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.

Fort Pillow State Historic Park, Henning, TN 38041

Fort Pillow State Historic Park

Henning, TN 38041

Just 1 hr 26 min from Memphis, rated 4.7 stars by 529 visitors, rich in history and well worth exploring.

1 hr 26 min4.7 (529)HistoryNatureAdventure$10 - $25

Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.

Parker's Crossroads Battlefield, Wildersville, TN 38388

Parker's Crossroads Battlefield

Wildersville, TN 38388

Just 1 hr 41 min from Memphis, rated 4.7 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 41 min4.7 (34)NatureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Tennessee River Museum, Savannah, TN 38372

Tennessee River Museum

Savannah, TN 38372

Just 2 hrs 13 min from Memphis, rated 4.7 stars by 251 visitors, rich in history and well worth exploring.

2 hrs 13 min4.7 (251)History$10 - $25

Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.

Old Independence Regional Museum, Batesville, AR 72501

Old Independence Regional Museum

Batesville, AR 72501

Just 2 hrs 9 min from Memphis, rated 4.7 stars by 111 visitors, rich in history and well worth exploring.

2 hrs 9 min4.7 (111)HistoryAdventure$10 - $25

Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.

Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site, New Madrid, MO 63869

Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site

New Madrid, MO 63869

Just 1 hr 49 min from Memphis, rated 4.6 stars by 151 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 49 min4.6 (151)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Davies Manor Historic Site, Memphis, TN 38133

Davies Manor Historic Site

Memphis, TN 38133

Just 28 min from Memphis, rated 4.5 stars, rich in history and well worth exploring.

28 min4.5 (53)HistoryAdventure$10 - $25

Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.

Reed's Bridge Battlefield Heritage Park, Jacksonville, AR 72076

Reed's Bridge Battlefield Heritage Park

Jacksonville, AR 72076

Just 1 hr 57 min from Memphis, rated 4.4 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 57 min4.4 (156)NatureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Frequently Asked Questions About Historic Sites Day Trips from Memphis

What are the best historic sites near Memphis, TN?

The best historic sites near Memphis include museums, battlefields, heritage villages, and architectural landmarks. Check the cards above for top-rated options with drive times and ratings.

Are there free museums near Memphis?

Yes. Many historic sites and some museums near Memphis offer free admission or suggested donations. State and national historic sites are often free or very low cost. Check the budget estimates on each card.

What historic towns are near Memphis?

Several well-preserved historic towns within driving distance of Memphis feature walkable downtown districts, period architecture, and local museums. These make excellent full-day trips combined with lunch and shopping.

When is the best time to visit historic sites near Memphis?

Historic sites and museums are great year-round. Spring and fall offer the best weather for outdoor sites and battlefields. Many sites host special events and reenactments in summer and around holidays.

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