Gates TennesseeATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Gates, Tennessee.
1. Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge
NATURE AND WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
The Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge offers visitors a chance to explore over 11,000 acres of protected bottomland hardwood forests and wetlands near Gates. Visitors can enjoy activities such as fishing, hunting, wildlife observation, and hiking through diverse habitats that support numerous species of birds and other wildlife. The refuge is particularly known for its waterfowl populations and serves as an important stopover for migratory birds along the Mississippi Flyway.
2. West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center
CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL MUSEUM
The West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region through exhibits on blues music, cotton agriculture, and local history. Visitors can explore Tina Turner's childhood schoolhouse, view the last home of blues legend Sleepy John Estes, and learn about the area's agricultural traditions. The center serves as a gateway to understanding the unique cultural contributions of West Tennessee and the Mississippi Delta region.
3. Helen's Bar B Q
LEGENDARY PIT BARBECUE JOINT
Helen's Bar B Q is a renowned establishment run by pitmaster Helen Turner, who has earned national recognition for her exceptional Tennessee-style barbecue. The small, no-frills restaurant offers succulent slow-smoked pork, ribs, and other meats prepared using traditional methods over a wood-fired pit. Helen's has been featured in numerous food documentaries and publications, making it a must-visit culinary destination for barbecue enthusiasts in the region.
4. Haywood County Fair
ANNUAL COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
The Haywood County Fair is a beloved annual event that brings together residents from Gates and surrounding communities for several days of entertainment, agriculture, and community spirit. Visitors can enjoy carnival rides, livestock exhibitions, local food vendors, and various competitions showcasing regional talents and traditions. The fair highlights the agricultural heritage of the area while providing family-friendly entertainment for all ages.
5. Fort Pillow State Historic Park
CIVIL WAR HISTORIC SITE
Fort Pillow State Historic Park preserves the site of a Civil War battle that occurred in April 1864, known for its historical significance and controversy. The 1,642-acre park features a reconstructed inner fort, interpretive exhibits, and a museum that details the fort's history and the infamous massacre of African American Union soldiers. Visitors can explore hiking trails with stunning views of the Mississippi River and learn about this important chapter in American history.
6. Woodstock Store & Deli
COUNTRY STORE AND EATERY
The Woodstock Store & Deli is a cherished local establishment serving as both a convenience store and casual dining spot for the Gates community. Visitors can enjoy homestyle cooking with daily specials, sandwiches, and classic Southern fare in a friendly, down-to-earth atmosphere. The store also provides essential goods for locals and travelers passing through this small Tennessee town.
7. Alex Haley Museum and Interpretive Center
LITERARY HISTORICAL SITE
The Alex Haley Museum and Interpretive Center preserves the childhood home of the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of "Roots" and celebrates his literary legacy. Visitors can tour the restored home where Haley heard the stories from his grandmother that would later inspire his groundbreaking work tracing his family history back to Africa. The museum features exhibits on African American history, Haley's career, and the impact of his writings on American culture and genealogical research.
8. Hatchie River
SCENIC WATERWAY ADVENTURE
The Hatchie River offers outdoor enthusiasts a pristine waterway for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking near Gates. As the only remaining unchannelized tributary of the lower Mississippi River, it provides habitat for diverse wildlife and exceptional fishing opportunities for species like catfish, crappie, and bass. The river's scenic beauty and relatively undeveloped shorelines make it a tranquil escape for nature lovers and recreational water activities.
9. Mindfield Cemetery
UNIQUE FOLK ART INSTALLATION
Mindfield Cemetery is an extraordinary folk art installation created by local artist Billy Tripp as an evolving memorial to his parents and a testament to his life's journey. The massive steel structure stands over 125 feet tall in places and spans an entire city block, incorporating salvaged materials, industrial objects, and personal symbolism. This one-of-a-kind roadside attraction has become an iconic landmark that draws visitors interested in outsider art and unique cultural expressions.
10. Brownsville Farmers Market
LOCAL PRODUCE AND CRAFTS
The Brownsville Farmers Market offers a vibrant gathering place where local farmers, artisans, and food producers showcase their goods to residents of Gates and surrounding communities. Visitors can browse fresh seasonal produce, homemade baked goods, handcrafted items, and specialty foods in this community-centered marketplace. The market highlights the agricultural abundance of the region while supporting local small businesses and providing a social hub for the area.
11. Covington Country Club
GOLF AND RECREATION DESTINATION
Covington Country Club features a well-maintained 18-hole golf course that attracts players from Gates and throughout the region. The club offers a swimming pool, tennis courts, and dining facilities for members and guests seeking recreational activities and social gatherings. With its picturesque setting and variety of amenities, the country club serves as a focal point for leisure and community connections in the area.
12. Dyersburg State Community College - Jimmy Naifeh Center
EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL HUB
The Jimmy Naifeh Center at Dyersburg State Community College provides educational opportunities and cultural programming for residents of Gates and neighboring communities. The campus offers associate degree programs, workforce development courses, and continuing education options in a modern facility with state-of-the-art technology. Beyond academics, the center hosts various community events, art exhibitions, and performances that enrich the cultural landscape of the region.
13. Cafe Tenn
SOUTHERN COMFORT FOOD RESTAURANT
Cafe Tenn delights diners with homestyle Southern cuisine served in a warm, welcoming atmosphere in downtown Brownsville. The restaurant specializes in hearty breakfast offerings, meat-and-three lunch plates, and freshly baked desserts that showcase traditional regional recipes. Locals from Gates and tourists alike appreciate the friendly service and authentic flavors that represent the culinary heritage of West Tennessee.
14. Hatchie Bottom Hunt Club
PREMIER HUNTING DESTINATION
Hatchie Bottom Hunt Club provides guided hunting experiences in the fertile bottomlands surrounding Gates, known for excellent waterfowl and deer hunting opportunities. The club offers access to prime hunting grounds, experienced guides, and comfortable lodging for sportsmen seeking authentic outdoor adventures. With its strategic location along migratory routes and amid rich habitats, the club attracts hunting enthusiasts from across the country during seasonal hunts.
15. Chickasaw State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Chickasaw State Park encompasses over 1,400 acres of forested hills and provides diverse recreational opportunities within driving distance of Gates. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, fishing in Lake Placid, horseback riding, camping facilities, and rental cabins in this scenic natural setting. The park's rich history includes development by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, leaving a legacy of rustic architecture and thoughtful landscape design that enhances the visitor experience.