The city of Memphis, Tennessee is an excellent spot to enjoy live music and the power of the Mississippi River. Fans of rock & roll will love a trip to Graceland.
Those interested in Civil Rights will need to visit the National Civil Rights Museum. Once you’ve explored Memphis, you may enjoy a visit to one of the many cities within just 100 miles.
Here are 11 cities that are 100 miles from Memphis, TN.
1) Blytheville, Arkansas – 68 miles
2) Bolivar, Tennessee – 76 miles
3) Coldwater, Mississippi – 35 miles
4) Cotton Plant, Arkansas – 80 miles
5) Covington, Tennessee – 41 miles
6) Fisherville, Tennessee – 37 miles
7) Forrest City, Arkansas – 48 miles
8) Lepanto, Arkansas – 43 miles
9) Marianna, Arkansas – 58 miles
10) New Albany, Mississippi – 89 miles
11) Walnut Ridge, Arkansas – 93 miles
1) Blytheville, Arkansas – 68 miles
If you take Interstate 40 west and interstate 55 north, you can get to Blytheville, Arkansas in a little over an hour.
Blytheville is the childhood home of Johnny Cash and the home of many historical structures.
Fans of military history will enjoy a trip to the Blytheville Air Force Base. There’s also a National Cold War Museum.
Blytheville is a small town; make sure you get there with plenty of daylight to enjoy the region. Come hungry and enjoy lunch in the historic downtown.
2) Bolivar, Tennessee – 76 miles
Take Interstate 40 east to US 64 east and head southeast, you’ll get to Bolivar, Tennessee. Bolivar is nestled in the lush forests of Tennessee.
Those interested in the history of industry in the United States will appreciate the dedication to preservation undertaken by the city; this is coal country and the city has preserved many structures tied to the industry.
Bring your fishing gear and your hiking boots; this region is an outdoor paradise for those who long for a little peace and quiet.
The Old Hickory Lake reservoir is a terrific spot to fish, both for trophies and for food.
3) Coldwater, Mississippi – 35 miles
If you’re ready to get out of the city and spend some time in nature, take Interstate 55 south out of Memphis to Coldwater.
This charming little town offers plenty of camping and hiking, offering travelers the chance to fully break away from the bustle.
When you’re ready for more human connection, come hungry. If you like barbecue, you’re in luck! Stop at the Broken Cup Café for a piece of pie, too.
4) Cotton Plant, Arkansas – 80 miles
Taking Interstate 40 west to Arkansas Highway 17 will get you to Cotton Plant, Arkansas. This pretty little town is surrounded by lakes and is one of the oldest communities in Arkansas.
It was originally named Richmond.
Cotton Plant can be cited as the Home of the Blues. Sister Rosetta Tharpe was born here, one of the early gospel greats, as was Peetie Wheatstraw.
These two artists were among the first gospel and blues artists to record albums and had a large influence on other American artists, including Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan.
5) Covington, Tennessee – 41 miles
By following Interstate 40 east to US 51 north, you can make your way to Covington, Tennessee.
Covington is a lovely spot to linger and enjoy small-town life. There’s a charming historic square where you can dine al fresco and study the historic buildings in the area.
If you travel just a bit further to the northeast, you’ll find the boyhood home of Alex Haley. History buffs will gain a greater understanding of this author and his origins.
The home was built by Haley’s grandfather and is fitted out with some of the possessions his family enjoyed.
6) Fisherville, Tennessee – 37 miles
Hop on Interstate 40 east out of Memphis and merge onto Interstate 269 south to get to Fisherville.
Near Fisherville, you’ll find a state fish and game preserve as well as a lot of national forests.
From Fisherville, you can visit a Biblical History Museum, a Hindu Temple, and the historic Davies Plantation. You can also hike, fish, and camp in solitude and privacy.
Also read: Cities within 100 miles of Atlanta, GA
7) Forrest City, Arkansas – 48 miles
Travelers can get to Forrest City by taking Interstate 40 straight west out of Memphis. Forrest City is an ideal spot to bring your hiking boots.
There are many large parks in the area and you are right on the western edge of the St. Francis National Forest.
Early fall is an ideal time to visit this region. If you are keen on hiking, make sure you keep an eye out for dew and frost on rocks; things can get slick if you’re trying to get up high enough to enjoy the dawn.
8) Lepanto, Arkansas – 43 miles
Take Interstate 55 north to Arkansas highway 135 and keep going to get to Lepanto, Arkansas.
This route will take you just to the west of the Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge, which is a great reason to extend your trip and do some more looking around!
Lepanto offers a great deal of history that is often overlooked in the United States. There is the Southern Tenant Farmer’s Museum and the historic Dyes Colony nearby.
9) Marianna, Arkansas – 58 miles
Head west out of Memphis on I-40 and take US 79 south to Marianna. This stretch of road will take you over a few small rivers; expect some rolling hills and make sure that you consider the risk of flooding in the region.
Once you’re in Marianna, get your camera out. This small town offers a wide variety of historical buildings, including the WS McClintock House.
Just to the west, you’ll find the Cache River National Wildlife Refuge. This safe space for flora and fauna covers almost 70,000 acres.
If you love to hike and photograph nature, this is your spot!
10) New Albany, Mississippi – 89 miles
Take Interstate 22 east to find your way to New Albany, Mississippi. This trip will take you through stretches of the Holly Springs National Forest.
If you can, take this trip in the fall and take your time.
Once here, you can enjoy a visit to the Union County Heritage Museum. This facility features a Faulkner garden and a number of remarkable outdoor displays for the children to enjoy.
New Albany also offers plenty of places to hike, fish, and camp.
11) Walnut Ridge, Arkansas – 93 miles
Follow Interstate 555 north out of Memphis to US 63 north and keep going to get to Walnut Ridge.
Take your time; this is a very pretty, very green stretch of the country and has a lot to offer those who enjoy a slower way to travel.
Once you get to Walnut Ridge, you can dig into this small town. There are several parks to enjoy, and plenty of wild country and hiking on the outskirts.
There is also the Wings of Honor museum, dedicated to the pilots who trained in this area before shipping off to serve in World War II.
