Take a short but unforgettable ride through downtown Memphis, Tennessee, as we explore iconic streets, the Bass Pro Pyramid, Riverside Drive, and the Mississippi riverfront before heading west on I-55 to Arkansas.
Memphis
Explore Memphis, TN—a city rich in musical heritage, civil rights history, and culinary delights. Discover iconic landmarks, vibrant culture, and ongoing innovations along the Mississippi River.
Memphis, Tennessee: A City of Soul, History, and Innovation
Situated along the Mississippi River, Memphis stands as a beacon of cultural richness and historical significance. Founded in 1819 on land once inhabited by the Chickasaw people, the city has evolved into a vibrant metropolis with a 2025 population of approximately 607,581 residents. Memphis’s legacy is deeply intertwined with pivotal moments in American history, from its role in the cotton trade to its profound impact on music and civil rights.
The city’s cultural tapestry is woven with threads of musical innovation. Memphis is renowned as the birthplace of blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll, having nurtured legends like Elvis Presley, B.B. King, and Johnny Cash. Landmarks such as Sun Studio, where these icons recorded their hits, and Graceland, Elvis Presley’s famed residence, attract music enthusiasts from around the globe. The Stax Museum of American Soul Music and the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum further celebrate the city’s rich musical heritage.
Memphis also holds a significant place in the narrative of American civil rights. The National Civil Rights Museum, located at the former Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, offers a poignant exploration of the struggle for equality. Visitors can delve into exhibits that chronicle the journey from slavery to the modern civil rights movement, providing a comprehensive understanding of the city’s role in shaping social justice.
Beyond its historical and cultural landmarks, Memphis boasts a dynamic culinary scene, famed for its distinctive barbecue. The city hosts the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, drawing pitmasters from around the world to showcase their skills. Local establishments like Central BBQ and Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken offer authentic flavors that reflect the city’s gastronomic traditions.
In recent developments, Memphis has embarked on ambitious economic ventures. A notable project includes a $12 billion investment by Elon Musk’s xAI to build a supercomputer named “Colossus.” While city officials anticipate job creation and technological advancement, the initiative has sparked public discourse regarding environmental concerns and community impact.
Memphis’s commitment to arts and education is evident in institutions like the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, the state’s oldest and largest art museum, and the Pink Palace Museum, offering exhibits ranging from natural history to science. These venues, along with the city’s numerous parks and recreational areas, contribute to a vibrant community life that balances tradition with progress.
Experience Memphis
Tennessee Route 1: North Parkway – Memphis
Take a scenic and historic ride along North Parkway in Memphis as we follow Tennessee Route 1 for 3 miles from Overton Park to the edge of downtown. Discover stately homes, urban renewal, and the city’s vibrant heartbeat along the way.
U.S. Route 70: Summer Ave – Bartlett to Memphis, Tennessee
Drive 10 miles west along U.S. Route 70 (Summer Avenue) from Bartlett to Memphis, Tennessee. Follow this historic urban corridor through neighborhoods, commercial zones, and gritty mid-century Americana in the heart of Memphis.
U.S. Route 64: Lakeland to Bartlett – Tennessee
Cruise 6 miles west on U.S. Route 64 from Lakeland to Bartlett, TN. Pass I-40 and Wolfchase before ending at US-70/US-79. Suburban growth meets highway convenience on this short Memphis metro drive.
Tennessee Route 385: Millington – Arlington
Explore Tennessee Route 385 from Millington to Arlington with this 17-mile drive through suburban Shelby County. Follow this high-speed corridor past Millington’s Navy base, rolling hills, and the eastern edge of Memphis.
Tennessee Highway 385 – Arlington – Millington
Drive Tennessee State Route 385 west from Arlington to Millington in this 17-mile scenic corridor connecting I-40 and US-51. Explore rolling hills, rural interchanges, and the gateway to Naval Support Activity Mid-South.
Interstate 240: Eastbound in Memphis – Tennessee
Take a drive around the south and east sides of Memphis via Interstate 240 eastbound. This 12-mile loop links I-55 and I-40 while passing the airport, Shelby Farms, and several key Memphis corridors.
Interstate 55: Southbound in Memphis – Tennessee
Take a drive along Interstate 55 southbound through Memphis, Tennessee, from the Mississippi River to the state line. Navigate historic interchanges, pass Graceland, and explore Memphis’s evolving highway landscape in this 15-mile journey.
Interstate 55: Mississippi to I-240 – Tennessee
Cruise through Memphis on Interstate 55 from the Mississippi state line to I-240. This 6-mile stretch offers key connections to Graceland, downtown, and the Memphis Airport—highlighting the city’s role as a major Southern crossroads.
Interstate 69: Memphis – Tennessee
Explore the quirky and historically rich stretch of Interstate 69 through Memphis, Tennessee—still signed as I-240 but officially part of a national corridor. This 5.5-mile drive passes through Bunker Hill, near the Stax Museum, and ends at the I-40 interchange northe…
Interstate 240: Westbound in Memphis – Tennessee
Take a 14-mile drive along I-240 West through Memphis, Tennessee, from I-40 to I-55/I-69. Explore major interchanges, airport access, and the commercial heart of the city on this busy bypass route.
Interstate 40: Nashville to Memphis – Tennessee
Cruise west on Interstate 40 from Nashville to Memphis through Tennessee’s Music Highway, passing through Dickson, Jackson, and Brownsville, with stops by the Tennessee River, Natchez Trace State Park, and Hatchie Wildlife Refuge.