Looking for small-town charm, river views, and birdwatching bliss? Head to Tiptonville! Nestled in northwest Tennessee near the Mississippi River, Tiptonville is the gateway to Reelfoot Lake—a natural wonder known for bald eagles, cypress swamps, and outdoor adventure. This peaceful town is perfect for nature lovers, anglers, and history buffs.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Tiptonville is from March through May or September through November. Spring and fall offer mild weather, prime birdwatching, and excellent fishing conditions. Winter is great for eagle viewing, while summer is ideal for boating and water activities.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Tiptonville is located off State Route 78, about 2 hours north of Memphis and 3 hours west of Nashville.
- By Air: The nearest airports are Memphis International Airport (MEM) and Barkley Regional Airport (PAH) in Paducah, KY—both about 1.5 to 2 hours away by car.
- By Bus: Bus service is limited; car travel is recommended for easiest access to Tiptonville and Reelfoot Lake.
Where to Stay
- Reelfoot Lake Inn – Casual inn with an outdoor pool, boat rentals, and close access to the lake.
- Blue Bank Resort – Full-service resort offering lodging, dining, fishing guides, and eagle tours.
- Eagle Nest Resort – Family-friendly cabins and rooms right on Reelfoot Lake with fishing docks and scenic views.
Top Attractions
⮕ Explore Wildlife and Scenic Trails at Reelfoot Lake State Park
Tucked into the northwestern corner of Tennessee, the Reelfoot Lake State Park covers around 280 acres around Reelfoot Lake. Although that does not sound very large, the park forms part of a much larger wildlife preserve covering 25000 acres. The park is an ideal destination for families who love nature and outdoor adventures. On-site activities include fishing and boating on the lake as well as camping, hiking, wildlife watching and picnicking. There is also a museum and nature center where you can learn about the history and ecology of the area. Bird watching is exceptionally good and sightings include bald eagles, osprey and many other migratory bird species.
Reelfoot Lake State Park, 2595 Hwy 21 E, Tiptonville, TN 38079, Phone: 731-253-9652
⮕ Fish, Paddle, or Birdwatch on the Serene Reelfoot Lake
Reelfoot Lake is no ordinary body of water. This enormous lake was formed during the great earthquakes of 1811-1812 and now covers 12,500 acres. The waters of Reelfoot Lake conceal a drowned forest which is known to form a wonderful natural fish hatchery, home to over 50 species of fish. The land areas which surround the lake form a giant recreational wonderland where you can enjoy camping, hiking, biking and bird watching – the area is famously home to at least 200 over-wintering bald eagles and more than 200 other species of birds. Besides fishing, visitors can enjoy canoeing and kayaking on the lake and duck and goose hunting packages are seasonally available.
Reelfoot Lake, 2595 Hwy 21 E, Tiptonville, TN 38079
⮕ Stay Lakeside in Comfort at Blue Basin Cove Lodge
The Blue Basin Cove Lodge offers comfortable accommodation right on the edge of Reelfoot Lake. You can rent a lake-side cabin with kitchenette and settle in to enjoy one of the most scenic lakes in the world. You will be surrounded by an amazing variety of birds including bald eagles in winter, osprey and many waterfowl. There is a small shop on site where you can stock up on groceries, bait and tackle. Your hosts will be very happy to provide you with boat tours, fishing guides and kayak rentals at very reasonable prices. During the hunting season you can take part in whitetail deer archery hunting – guides are available on request.
Blue Basin Cove Lodge, 100 Blue Basin Rd, Tiptonville, TN 38079, Phone: 713-253-9064
Where to Eat
⮕ Savor Southern Classics at Boyette’s Dining Room
Established back in 1921, Boyette’s Dining Room has been taking care of Reelfoot Lake visitor’s culinary requirements for just on 100 years. Today the restaurant is located directly across the road from the Reelfoot State Park Visitor’s Center, where it commonly serves up literally thousands of meals every weekend. The friendly southern service is slick and polished and many of the staff has been cooking at Boyette’s for much of their lives. Unsurprisingly, catfish features prominently on the menu along with steaks, chicken, shrimp and quail (in season). You may sometimes have to queue for a table but everyone agrees that the food is definitely worth the wait.
Boyette’s Dining Room, Highway 21, Tiptonville, TN 38079, Phone: 731-253-7307
Top Attractions
- Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge – Protected wetlands ideal for spotting waterfowl, turtles, and migrating birds.
- Battle of Island No. 10 Civil War Site – Interpretive markers detail Tiptonville’s historical role in the Civil War.
- Lake Isom National Wildlife Refuge – Nearby refuge with marshes, quiet nature trails, and wildlife observation areas.
More Places to Eat
- Blue Bank Fish House & Grill – Local favorite for fried catfish, hush puppies, and Southern comfort food with lake views.
- Lakeview Dining Room – Casual lakeside dining with Southern classics, burgers, and homemade pies.
If you are interested in local events:
- Reelfoot Lake Eagle Festival (February) – Tours, presentations, and events celebrating the lake’s wintering bald eagles.
- Reelfoot Lake Arts & Crafts Festival (October) – Hundreds of vendors, food booths, and live music at one of the region’s largest fall events.
- Obion County Fair (August) – Traditional county fair in nearby Union City with rides, exhibits, and livestock shows.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30–60 Minutes of Tiptonville, Tennessee:
- Union City (30–35 min) – Visit Discovery Park of America, a massive museum and park with interactive exhibits on science, history, and innovation.
- Dyersburg (50–55 min) – Explore shops, local restaurants, and the historic Dyer County Courthouse Square.
- Samburg (10–15 min) – Small lakefront town with boat rentals, fishing spots, and Reelfoot Lake access.
- Kenton (45–50 min) – Known for its population of white squirrels and small-town charm.
- New Madrid, MO (1 hour) – Visit the New Madrid Historical Museum and learn about the region’s famous earthquakes of 1811–1812.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Where is Tiptonville located?
- Tiptonville is located in Lake County, attracting outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and birders.
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What is the main attraction in Tiptonville?
- Reelfoot Lake State Park is the primary draw, offering wildlife observation and a variety of recreational activities.
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What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy at Reelfoot Lake?
- Fishing: The lake is known for its outstanding fishing.
- Boating: Visitors can take a pontoon boat cruise or hire a guide to find the best fishing spots.
- Hiking & Camping: Various hiking trails and camping sites are available for nature lovers.
- Photography & Picnicking: The area offers picturesque scenery perfect for photographers and picnickers.
- Hunting: Seasonal deer and duck hunting is allowed in designated areas.
- Bald Eagle Observation: Reelfoot Lake is home to the largest over-wintering bald eagle population in the United States.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming landscapes.
Reelfoot Lake Inn – A comfortable stay near the lake.
Explore Reelfoot Lake State Park – See cypress trees and migrating birds.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and great for outdoor activities.
Boyette’s Resort – A lakeside retreat perfect for fishing and relaxation.
Go Fishing on Reelfoot Lake – Enjoy one of the best crappie fishing spots in the region.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and beautiful fall foliage.
The Fish House Lodge – A rustic and cozy stay near nature.
Take a Scenic Boat Tour – Witness stunning fall colors reflecting on the lake.
Winter (December-February) – Cool and peaceful, great for birdwatching.
Blue Bank Resort – A warm and inviting winter retreat.
See the Bald Eagles at Reelfoot Lake – Join a guided eagle-watching tour in peak migration season.
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. Explore Wildlife and Scenic Trails at Reelfoot Lake State Park
- 2. Fish, Paddle, or Birdwatch on the Serene Reelfoot Lake
- 3. Stay Lakeside in Comfort at Blue Basin Cove Lodge
- 4. Savor Southern Classics at Boyette’s Dining Room