Overton Park

Overton Park is a great outdoor spot to spend with family that doesn’t cost anything. Pack a lunch and enjoy the entire day! So many activities that are fun for people of all ages. Even if you just want to sit and watch the little ones discover new ways to have fun without their devices.

This was an awesome zoo. My wife loves zoos and we see a lot of them. The facility was impressive and well maintained. The enclosures are very state of the art and do justice to the natural habitat of the animals. The price was very reasonable and they have price reciprocal agreement with A.Z.A. zoo memberships.

Lovely native woodland in East Memphis, with 200ft tall trees, spared from the bulldozers when Interstate construction was uncontrolled in the 1960s due to the efforts of the local community. A peaceful spot.

Overton Park is a beautiful park in a very nice part of town. It has lots of walking, jogging, and backing paths through full trees. Some of the paths are paved, and others not, but all are clearly marked. The park also has great playgrounds, dog parks, and golf course. The memphis zoo and an art museum are also located here.

We had a great time fishing. Follow me on Facebook @BarbaraAllisson

Loved it so many active animals and a very clean zoo.

My kids LOVE playing at this playground! Wish I could take them every day

Love to walk here in the morning! Lots of people and dog friendly.

Very laid back park in the heart of Memphis. I stopped of here to walk some food off and ended up having a good time enjoying the scenery. The museum and zoo both were closed.

What a beautifully well maintained and exciting park! A friend and I got lost on the many winding woodsy paths but also enjoyed the convenience of the concrete path being within a few feet. Spring has sprung! And what better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than traipsing through the forest, like a chipmunk, with a pal! We hugged a tree so big that our (little) arms still had room between them! This park is magical, and apparently has owls, if you're into birding!

Overton Park is definitely a family-friendly park. Between the playground, zoo and multiple museums, your family could easily spend a day here. It is located near many great restaurants as well. I enjoyed walking on the forest trails. If you visit, make sure to bring water and sunscreen!

Sitting in Overton Park sipping my Hazelnut latté while Cyara enjoy swing. It's quiet and peaceful. There's not a lot out people at the park at this moment. Just enjoying the breeze and the birds singing. It's a very beautiful afternoon.

Came on a Saturday morning around 10AM, parking lot had lots of space. Nice spot to walk around, it's huge and has trails. Trees are currently dead, grass is green-brown, there's a dog park, art museum, and a lot of other cool spots!

This past weekend when visiting my brother in law in Memphis, we stopped at Overton Park for a little hike, and it was really nice! I'd driven through a bit of the park before when we visited the Brooks Museum of Art on a past visit to Memphis, but this time we explored the Old Forest within the park! It's 142 acres with four miles of unpaved walking paths, including a the one-mile Old Forest Loop trail. On a nice day, it's pretty beautiful! A great oasis in the middle of the city! Definitely worth visiting.

I am dedicating my 100th Review of the year to Overton Park. It is official, Overton Park is my favourite park in downtown Memphis. It was actually named after the cofounder of the city of Memphis, John Overton in 1902 and consists of 342 acres of land. Every single time we visit Memphis we always come here because the park is so large and beautiful. My kids love the playground here and I love being able to run around the circle pond (Rainbow Lake) directly behind the playground. It also has a nice water fall too. Overton Park has a dog park (Overton Bark Park) that is a must for any dog owner. There is plenty of green space to play sports with your friends and family here, or to just relax and enjoy a picnic. Behind the green space on the top of the hill is the Veteran's Plaza, Doughboy Statue and the Higbee Memorial. This is a great area to observe WWI, WIII and the Korean War statues and monuments. If you plan on visiting Memphis, definitely come check out Overton Park, you will love it. The Memphis Zoo is also directly behind Overton Park. Parking here is also free. The bathrooms here were extremely clean, as most of the Loves gas stations are. They have extremely good gas prices here too. If you are nearby, I would recommend stopping by. They also have a Subway inside the gas station. [Review #515] (100th Review of 2017)

I know Shelby Farms has the most publicity, and granted, the most land area- but I think Overton is where it's at! My kids are 1 and 3 at the time of this review, and they go nuts at this park. There's not only a lot of unique playground equipment like rope climbing and metal sculptures that you can interact with, but it's "in" nature, with a tunnel under a hill and lots of wooded area around. It really feels like they get an outdoor experience here that is not just a bunch of big plastic toys on a playground. There's also a dog park and beautiful pond just nearby (outside the fence!), and we've always loved going here.

What an awesome Sunday to be at the park! I must say I love the updates of the Overton Park! It was very fun to get the toddlers out on a play date so enjoy! The park was clean and there were visible park associates around what look like clearing out debris which is really nice to see a nice clean upkeeps of the park

The Overton Park is really nice and spacious. This day we came to go to the dog park area. There is a lot of obstacles and running room for the dogs. Plenty of places to sit and view your pet from afar. The dogs seem to like playing with each other and getting much needed exercise.

Nice park for various hangout reasons. Ample parking. The grounds are very clean. Picnic tables available for reservation or first come first serve. Nice playground area. Walking trail available

Perfect inner city park that offers anything you'd want in a park.... a pond, extensive playground area for the kids, Overton Bark - a dog park, a huge forrest with many trails, non motorized mile + long paved walking/jogging/bicyling trail, golf course, art museum, adjacent to the Memphis Zoo, Levitt Shell (musical stage) for concerts, large grassy field suitable for just about anything. This place is great! As with anywhere these days, just watch your back and make sure you secure any items of 'potential interest' in your car. There are police cameras spread throughout the park and to my knowledge the criminial/dangerous element has been lessened exponentially.

I came here for the Memphis Inaugural Persian festival (which was sorta not what I expected it to be) but I'm grateful as it was an opportunity to check out the vibrancy and awesomeness that is Overton Park. One of the walking pathways reminded me so much of the Belgium bluebell forest (Hallerbos)!!! I was meeting friends near the Overton Bark, a dog-specific playground area and it was lovely to see such an awesome canine specific park. There was also a playground nearby for children, with swings and a climbing house which looked fantastic. Nearby loos completed the amenity list. I loved the wide walking paths and this is a great spot to people watch and/or just walk around, commune with nature and get reconnected to greenery. Despite the awkward parking situation, I definitely plan to return and explore other parts of the park. Yelp Review 33/ 2017

342-acre public park right in the middle of our fair city! And can we talk about how many fun things there are to do there? There is a 9-hole golf course, the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, the Memphis College of Art, the Memphis Zoo (ranked #1 in the country in 2008 and 2009), Levitt Shell (outdoor amphitheatre), Rainbow Lake, Veterans Plaza, the Greensward, 2 playgrounds, a huge fenced-in dog park of 1.3 acres and a 126-acre Old Forest State Natural Area? Ummm amaazzzzing!! And smack dab in the middle of Memphis. I grew up in East Memphis but now I kinda understand those "Midtown is Memphis" bumper stickers...

A surprisingly interesting and varied park in the middle of midtown Memphis. There are many areas within walking distance of the Brooks art museum and concerts at the Levitt Shell as well as a lake, playground, dog park, and an old growth forest with trails with some near the zoo (you can hear the elk). There's also a golf course if you like that sort of thing, but I have only been to the clubhouse when they host small concerts.

I've been going to Overton Park since I was a kid. It's one of the larger of our city's parks, with huge mature trees and acres and acres of places to roam. It's a nice place to ride bikes, walk your dog, jog or simply spend a leisurely afternoon with friends or family, a picnic basket and a Frisbee. Within the park there is a golf course, a dog park, a lake, Brooks Museum, The Memphis College of Art and our beloved Memphis Zoo. It's also home to the Levitt Shell, a wonderful outdoor music venue.

When it comes to Memphians, you'll find that they either love or hate Overton Park. I fall into the first category. Overton is a rather large park for Memphis, especially when you compare it to the other parks around town. I come here quite often with a book and a blanket, and I am never shocked at anything I see here. Overton Park doesn't have any specific demographic. I've seen everything from families with their kids, people with dogs and cats, folks frisbee playing, picnicking, golfing, and even smoking pot on occasion. Just to give you an idea of how random this park is- our neighbor owns 3 very large snakes. He takes them here and lets them run amok in the grassy knolls. No one says anything and no one bothers him. Odd? Yes, but I dare you to find another place in Memphis with snakes and pot smoking. (Besides that guy across the street's basement) Needless to say, I love to come here on cooler days and people watch. There is always so much going on. Overton also has some pretty cool festivals on premises.

Excellent spot in the city. . . to get out of the city. Sometimes you just gotta get away. Get away to this lovely green space with a lot to offer. Home to the zoo, art museum, Levitt Shell, walking/riding trails, large lawns to watch people who are still into flying kites, dogs, and people happy to lay on grass. Wander here often, it's good for you.

Overton Park is a really nice park over all the put the playground is a little worn out and the dog park is a little big and it's very nice so then the hiking trails are also very nice to go up deep back into those woods and it's nice to have some words in the city of Memphis Tennessee because that's where this park is if you didn't know already and you're just searching that so come on down will have a barbecue or something so yeah

It's a lovely park with a playground for every child. There are lots of kids and the energy is good. It's racially diverse which I appreciated and people were doing various activities of various ages. Playing with their dogs, exercising or just enjoying the day. We are from Miami so my kid immediately noticed the small lake. He "fell" in the lake and scared the catfish. A perfect segue to a bath and a nap for the afternoon.

I went to the dog park and I thought it was amazing so many wonderful dogs there and my dog was very happy I really like how they give free food bags and how it's caged in my dog ran and play with the dogs All the dogs that was very kind I really recommend you go there I really love itI'm going to continue going to the dog park with my dog

Very nicely done playground, trails and dog park. Work robe done on the golf course but trending in right direction overall.

This is a great little doggie oasis right in the middle of the city. If you're a downtowner or midtowner, Shelby Farms Dog Park is probably kinda far for you. While you won't get the wide open field/forest/lake experience you get at Shelby Farms, Overton Bark is really cool in its own way. You can tell they really put a lot of thought into it when designing it. It has all the things that the City of Memphis Dog Park (which I still appreciate very much) does not have: lots of seating (made out of, it's fun to assume, the trees they cut down to build the park?), lots of shade, and a water station. There's a little bit more for dogs to explore than at the city dog park. There is a small dog side and a large dog side. I would encourage you, if you have a small dog, to use the large dog side at your peril...even if your dog is not scared of bigger dogs and you're not concerned about them eating her, they could still step on her or run into her and seriously hurt her if she's small enough. My dog stepped on a tiny puppy once and I felt SO BAD. And I'm just gonna say it...I'm not a huge fan of people bringing small children to any dog park. Once someone brought a baby to one of the parks and I was stressed out the whole time. If you do bring kids, make sure they are old enough to understand how to behave. For example, do not taunt a dog and then run away. That is literally what I have seen happen. Remember that not every dog is good around kids, and it's a good idea for you not to encourage your child to approach every dog in there.

Put simply: my dogs loved it. Plenty of shade, plenty of space, plenty of four-legged friends. The double gate is guarded by a park worker, the fence is secure, and (in my experience) all the dog owners looked after each other's furry babies. A great off-the-leash experience for everyone. There were plenty of waste bags donated by Hollywood Feed and even a few toys. The ground was covered in grass and woodchips...no concrete-burned paws in this dog park. It was quite busy when I went (25 or more dogs), but there was plenty of room for everyone to feel part of the pack without their personal space being infringed. The fence of the smaller dog area backs up to the all-sizes portion so Fluffy can go nose-to-nose with Bruno and not feel threatened. Because it was so busy, there was a shortage of seating for the human crowd (even including the territory-marked, low tree stumps). One of my dogs had no problem finding his seat, however, and decided it would be relaxing to wallow in the only mud hole in sight. This is where my only real suggestion comes in: there needs to be a washing station. One could easily be added using the water line for the drinking bowl/fountain, and since pets aren't allowed in Rainbow Lake, it really is necessary. Just ask someone who drove 20 miles with a muddy Labrador in the back seat.

The location of the Park on E Parkway N is convenient and easy to get to with two entrance/exits. It is updated with a beautiful and large Gazebo that you can rent for special occasions (call Parks dept), new playground and plenty of picnic tables (large and small) and ground cover for games. They have an awesome trail and recently included a bike entrance off Sam Cooper. However, parking is limited, so come early for events.

Loved this park! My husband and I visited in early October for a weekend getaway and we enjoyed the walking trails. Perfect for families!

Memphis doesn't really have great parks especially when you compare them to parks in California. Overton Park is pretty small, comprised of a dinky golf course and flat field full of weeds. Despite the discarded hypodermic needles, trash, and dog crap- it's one of my most favorite spots in Memphis. In the heart of midtown, next to the college of art, you get a little bit of everything- cops trying to find pot smoking hippies, art students sketching for class, little kids on the playground, bums sitting down with you for a chat and a smoke, and all the frisbee lovers and dog walkers within a 20 mile radius. It's my happy place, great for writing poetry, taking silly pictures, and eccentric picnics.

I love coming here! I've recently started a new workout regimen, and, given that I live half a mile from here, I figured that OP was a great place to start. There is so much in this park to do and see. Not only does OP house the park itself, but it is home to Overton Bark (dog park), Brooks Museum, Levitt Shell, Memphis College of Art, and the Memphis Zoo. During the day, you'll find all manner of Memphian enjoying the parks amenities and space. In the morning, you'll see a few dedicated runners and local dog walkers. If you're looking for a place to relax, exercise, or meet new people, OP is definitely a place to do that. I love it.

Wow - it is seriously embarrassing that I have lived in midtown for so long and only recently got aquatinted with this gem! Decided to explore the Old Forest area last weekend, and I love that we have this bit of wilderness here in 38104. But beware! Bloodsucking monsters lurk within these woods, waiting to taste the sweet flesh of foolish mortals who dare to go without long pants...or mosquito repellant. You have been warned! Speaking of monsters...what kind of person sets out to enjoy a nature trail...and then shoves their trash into the grooves of trees?!? Not cool, man. Go watch Pocahontas and learn some respect!

This park has it all. A playground that makes me wish I had kids so I could take them (no one wants to be the creepy alone grownup at the park). A world-class art museum. An amazing zoo. An art school which consistently produces amazing art and atmosphere. A golf course that is convenient, walkable, and beautiful. An amphitheater that's an entertainment powerhouse. Old growth forest, open fields, and a lake, all with running trails. Overton Bark, the best, most well-maintained dog park in Memphis. Thank goodness it wasn't destroyed by the interstate. Basically this is the best park I've ever been too. Lots of parking, lots of sidewalks, lots to do, and some of the friendliest people in Memphis. Generally safe, very clean, and overall just fantastic.

This is a sweet park in Midtown. Great open space for lazing about on a picnic blanket, and nice wide trails for running/hiking/biking when you're more on the move. On any given day of the week, you can find families enjoying this spot with multiple generations engaged in any number of activities! The new-ish Rainbow Lake Playground is truly fun for all ages of kids. My toddler loves knocking around on the interconnected wooden platforms, and older kids get a kick out of the rope climbing. Maintenance of this spot has also been impressive -- one of the metal play "sculptures" had separated from its base, causing metal pieces to protrude into the air. Last time I was there, it had been replaced with a much more stable structure! The playground off of E. Parkway is a good (if less-polished) backup when Rainbow Lake is overrun, which can happen on really nice days. As if all of this weren't enough, the Overton Park Conservancy is working on a project to build an entrance off of E. Parkway/Sam Cooper and connect the bike trail with the Shelby Farms Greenline, which will be amazing! Thanks, Memphis, for supporting this awesome community spot!

Overton Park has everything -- biking, walking trails, nature, golf, a dog park, a kid's park, the Levitt Shell, the zoo, art museums... You name it, it's here. Come walk your dog; walk around the trails; fly your kite, lay out, or play catch on the Greensward; catch some Pokemon throughout the entire park. I love this giant green space in the middle of the city, and it's great for just wandering around and seeing the sights and people.

Great Park in the heart of Memphis. Whether you want to run, walk, ride your bike or play a round of golf this is the place to be. Memphis College of Arts is right across the street. Often you will find artist working in the park. There are wide open trails and Shady Trails perfect for any time of year. There's also a dog park so you can let your baby off the leash.

I took my niece there on a freakishly warm Saturday in the winter. It was super crowded and we had to park really far away. Even so, she loved walking around the reservoir and watching the dogs jump in after sticks and retrieve them. She also loved climbing the rope bridge. They have upgraded their playground since I was last here years ago. We will definitely be back here again when we are in the area.

Overton Park is the hidden oasis of memphis! Wether it be the golf course, jogging trails or even the dog park... you will be pleased.

Overton Park is really a great park that offers so much to people in Memphis. It really is a great outdoor space. It has a fabulous dog park and a lot of space for grilling, playing catch and sun bathing. Unfortunately, every time I go here it is SUPER crowded. Parking can be tricky and there are just a ton of people that visit the park. It reminds me of the chaos of a flea market. If you have the opportunity to visit, come during the week. The weekends are just too hectic.

I loved going to this park because it was a fun place to hang out with my friends & pets.

Nice area, pet owners seems to respect it and clean up after their dogs, always has a friendly crowd, two and four legged friends are usually well behaved.

Overall, I'm a fan of Overton Bark. It's a nice place for the dogs to come out and play. There are bags available for you to pick up after your kids, and there is a doggie drinking fountain. I REALLY like that there is an all dogs section and a small dogs section. I generally take mine in the all dog section, unless I sense that there may be trouble makers. The small dog area is nice. There is still plenty of room to run, but typically there aren't as many other dogs to play with. If you come here, be courteous. If your dog is causing problems, put them back on the leash. Nothing irritates me more than a parent not ensuring that their child is playing nice.

I really like Overton Park but my one complaint is the number of dog owners who have their dogs off leash. The leash law is not enforced here at all. There is a dog park, Overton Bark, where dogs can be off leash but people have their dogs off leash all throughout the park, including the trails. It is a concern for me bc my rescue dog who I always keep on a leash does not like it when dogs run up to her.

Who doesn't love Overton Park? I am so in love with the new Rainbow Lake playground. When we moved from Cordova (thank the lord!) I was sad to leave Shelby Farms behind, but now that this is here my Midtown life is complete. There are hammocks and webs for climbing, a sand pit, slides, swings, a merry go round, and, best of all, it's enclosed! For those with dogs, there is a great little enclosed dog park called Overton Bark. There are are walking/running/biking trails. It is home to some of the best things Memphis has to offer: the Memphis Zoo, Brooks Museum of Art, Memphis College of Art, the Levitt Shell, and a golf course. There are festivals that happen in the park throughout the year, too! All of that right smack dab in the middle of the city!

Overton Park is a gem in our urban jungle. I absolutely love how diverse it is on a Sunday afternoon. Truly a snapshot of everything I love about our city. I am very concerned about the Memphis Zoo's using the Greensward for parking. The zoo continues to expand and bring in more visitors without planning for additional parking. Instead they continue to use the free space we use for frisbee and fun to park. This does not happen in Central Park in NYC. I love walking through all the different components that make up the park. Levity Shell, Brooks Museum, Memphis College of Art, the Golf Course and the coolest club house around. The trails through the old forest are always fascinatingly appealing no matter the season. To see a real forest in our city is inspiring. I wish there was a trail around the entire exterior of the park and I wish it was easier to access the park from the North side. Overton Park is VITAL to midtown. If you want to get a real sense of what makes Memphis so special, there is no better place to go.

Overton Park is great for outdoor fun. I love to go longboarding on the trail and taking my American Bulldog to the Dog Bark when we're in the mood for a good time.

Our park is gorgeous and has so much to offer anyone! THe dog park, the greensward, the playground, the Levitt Shell... And that's just the tip of the iceberg! So much to do and see and I go everyday with either my dog or my step-daughter. My highest recommendation goes to the free Levitt Shell concerts, they are great and you can BYOB!

This was the first place after the airport my sweetheart took me on my first visit to Memphis (Spring 2013, when he started working in Memphis.) It was perfect to unwind and get back to my sweet sunny self after travelling which I find a challenge. We visited the zoo and then wandered the park. Two days later we went back to the park to check out the outdoor sculptures and bandstand area. We'll definitely be back this Spring and Summer for picnics and walks!

This should be a National Monument. All the famous people who have played here is just mind boggling. Elvis Presley played here! It's not in the best area in Memphis, so I'd stay away after dark.

Good place to take beautiful pics, dog parks, kids park, n one perfect place to have family outing...

Always guarantee a great time with the family you can bring some food beer and get great sits for a free show of wonderful music!!!

This is an amazing and beautiful park! I was here last Sunday with my son after Mass. We usually golf here, but this week we had a funeral :( My son had 2 little fish called barbecue sauce and sushi, and we loved them very much. Although, we found them day a few days before. I was praying, like I do for 4 hours every Thursday. My son had been at soccer practice and when he got home he was upset that he wasn't performing well. He went upstairs and slammed his door angrily. He interrupted my daily prayer session, so I was mad too. I went upstairs and told him that if he slammed his door one more time, I would take down his Shrek Shrine. He got even angrier after that and sacrificed his fish to Shrek. I found them dead later after the sacrifice was over and decided it was only correct to bury them in such a beautiful park! Thanks :)