Sight guide · Memphis · United States
Visiting Big River Crossing
A walking and cycling path along the Harahan Bridge, Big River Crossing stretches about 1.6 km across the Mississippi to Arkansas, with views of the river, the downtown skyline and passing barges.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Quintin Soloviev, CC BY 4.0
Quick answer
Big River Crossing is a landmark in Riverfront, Memphis. Allow 1–1.5 hours; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Landmark
- Area
- Riverfront
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- free, views, outdoors and after dark
- Best months
- April and September–October
About Big River Crossing
A walking and cycling path along the Harahan Bridge, Big River Crossing stretches about 1.6 km across the Mississippi to Arkansas, with views of the river, the downtown skyline and passing barges. After dark, the bridge is lit by an LED light display.
Tip: Walk over at sunset, then stay for the light show; bring water in summer, as there is little shade.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 1–1.5 hours.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Riverfront.
Best time to visit Big River Crossing
Big River Crossing is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- October: 24°C (75°F) highs, about 7 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- April: 23°C (73°F) highs, about 10 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- September: 30°C (86°F) highs, about 7 rainy days, moderate crowds.
For the view at golden hour: in mid-October the sun sets at about 18:25 local time (calculated for Memphis).
When to visit Memphis has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Memphis itinerary visits Big River Crossing on day 1, together with Graceland, National Civil Rights Museum and Beale Street.
- No. 9 of the 18 sights in our Memphis things-to-do list.
- Day 1 of the 1-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 2-day plan.
- Listed in free things to do in Memphis.
- One of the picks in outdoors in Memphis.
Near Big River Crossing
Also in Riverfront, so you can walk between them:
- Tom Lee Park — 1 hour, free
If you like Big River Crossing
- Beale Street — Downtown and Beale Street, An evening
- Overton Park and the Levitt Shell — Midtown and Overton Square, 2 hours
- Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid — Pinch District, 1–2 hours
- Shelby Farms Park — East Memphis, 2–4 hours
Staying near Big River Crossing
Where to stay in Memphis compares every area by price and who it suits.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Big River Crossing?
Plan 1–1.5 hours. With Tom Lee Park nearby, it fits a half-day in Riverfront.
+Is Big River Crossing free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Big River Crossing?
April and September–October for the most comfortable weather. Walk over at sunset, then stay for the light show; bring water in summer, as there is little shade.
+Do I need to book Big River Crossing in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.