1,500 Steps Can Take You Far on the Riverfront
Add a little bit of the river to your daily routine
While 1,500 steps may sound like a long journey, it only equates to roughly fifteen minutes of walking. Yet, along the river 1,500 steps can take you far, with lots of sights along the way. Here’s a few destinations that all require 1,500 steps or less, creating a perfect opportunity to add them to your daily routine:
Mud Island Pedestrian Bridge to MEMPHIS Sign
By entering the Mud Island pedestrian bridge on Front Street, 1,500 steps can take you all the way to new MEMPHIS sign. The pedestrian bridge connects Downtown to Mud island, and entrances can be found from Front Street, the River Parks Garage, and Civic Plaza which will lead you up the stairs or elevator to the start of the bridge. Only 500 steps (or fewer if you opt for a check-out from the Explore Bike Share stations located on either side) can get you across the bridge. Then simply follow the Riverwalk to the Gulf Grill, where the MEMPHIS sign resides just around the corner. Once you’ve got your Instagram-worthy shot, head over to the Gulf Grill for a cold drink and a snack. The Gulf Grill is open Thursday 10am–6pm and Friday-Sunday 10am–8pm.
Court Square to River Garden
Only a five minute walk from Court Square in the heart of Downtown, River Garden is the perfect spot to escape the office for lunch. Take a quick walk through Memphis Park, head down the steps towards the river, and you’ll run right in to River Garden. Take a seat under the pavilion to escape the summer sun while you enjoy your lunch in the diverse natural landscape that River Garden has to offer.
Change things up and have your next staff meeting under the pavilion, as well. With the 4th Cup being open daily from 9am-5pm, River Garden is the perfect place to meet outside with the opportunity to purchase coffee, tea, and delicious snacks and cookies. You can also head over to The 4th Cup and grab a River Garden Field Guide to explore the array of native plants River Garden is home to. Make this apart of your daily routine, and you may become an expert of Memphis’s flora and fauna.
River Garden Park to Beale Street Landing
Follow the River Line south on the Cobblestone Walkway, and 1,500 steps will take you to Beale Street Landing. With an almost constant breeze coming from the river, the River Line is the perfect place to get some exercise and also see spectacular views of the Mississippi River. Once you’ve reached Beale Street Landing relax in the many rocking chairs facing the river, or pick up a Bird or Lime scooter and enjoy the rest of the River Line at high speed. Additionally, Beale Street Landing has activities for the whole family to enjoy-including a splash pad with a giant catfish called “Big John” that kids will love, while also keeping them cool in the summer heat.
Tom Lee Park to Big River Crossing
Only 1,500 steps from the South Main area, Big River Crossing offers incredible views of the river and a unique experience of being in two states at once. With spectacular views, Big River Crossing is the perfect place to relax after a long day and watch the sunset, or pick up a bike from an Explore Bike Share station and ride over to Arkansas to see the Mississippi River from a different perspective. If you head over later in the day, you’ll be able to see the spectacular Mighty Lights shows that illuminate the bridge each evening.
Make the river a part of your daily routine with these short journeys that offer a multitude of activities! And don’t forget to tag us in your daily adventures @memriverparks
