Hornbeak TennesseeATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Hornbeak, Tennessee.
1. Reelfoot Lake State Park
NATURAL WILDLIFE HAVEN
Reelfoot Lake State Park is a stunning natural area formed by earthquakes in the early 19th century, creating a unique cypress swamp ecosystem. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, and guided eagle tours during winter months when bald eagles migrate to the area. The park features excellent hiking trails, a nature center with educational exhibits, and opportunities to spot diverse wildlife including herons, egrets, and various waterfowl.
2. Blue Bank Resort
LAKESIDE DINING EXPERIENCE
Blue Bank Resort offers one of the area's premier dining experiences with its restaurant overlooking scenic Reelfoot Lake. The restaurant specializes in fresh local catfish, Southern comfort food, and regional specialties served in a rustic atmosphere with panoramic lake views. Beyond dining, the resort provides accommodations, boat rentals, and guided fishing trips for a complete Reelfoot Lake experience.
3. Dixie Gun Works
HISTORIC FIREARMS COLLECTION
Dixie Gun Works houses an impressive collection of antique guns, black powder firearms, and historical weapons that attract enthusiasts from across the country. Visitors can explore the museum section featuring rare firearms and learn about the evolution of American gun manufacturing. The facility also includes a retail store selling reproduction firearms, parts, and accessories for collectors and black powder shooting enthusiasts.
4. Discovery Park of America
INTERACTIVE EDUCATIONAL MUSEUM
Discovery Park of America is a world-class educational and entertainment complex featuring exhibits on history, science, technology, art, and nature spread across a 100,000-square-foot museum and 50-acre heritage park. The facility includes interactive exhibits like earthquake simulators, a 20,000-gallon aquarium, dinosaur displays, and a 199-foot observation tower offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can experience everything from military artifacts and vintage automobiles to regional history and cutting-edge technology displays.
5. Boyette's Dining Room
CLASSIC SOUTHERN COOKING
Boyette's Dining Room is a beloved local institution known for serving authentic Southern cuisine in a homey, unpretentious atmosphere since 1921. The restaurant specializes in family-style meals featuring fried catfish, country ham, and traditional sides like hush puppies, white beans, and coleslaw. Visitors appreciate the rustic ambiance, reasonable prices, and the restaurant's storied history as one of the oldest continuous dining establishments in the region.
6. Reelfoot Lake Visitor Center
EDUCATIONAL NATURE HUB
The Reelfoot Lake Visitor Center serves as the educational gateway to understanding the unique ecosystem created by the New Madrid earthquakes of 1811-1812. The center features interpretive displays explaining the lake's formation, native wildlife exhibits, and information about the area's natural and cultural history. Knowledgeable rangers offer programs and can help visitors plan their exploration of this distinctive cypress-filled lake environment.
7. Magnolia's
UPSCALE SOUTHERN DINING
Magnolia's offers an elevated dining experience featuring refined Southern cuisine with contemporary touches in an elegant setting. The restaurant is known for its signature dishes including pecan-crusted catfish, shrimp and grits, and homemade desserts that showcase local ingredients and regional flavors. With its white tablecloth service and carefully curated wine list, Magnolia's provides a perfect venue for special occasions while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere.
8. Eagle Watching Tours
MAJESTIC BIRD VIEWING
Eagle Watching Tours on Reelfoot Lake provide visitors with the opportunity to observe American bald eagles in their natural habitat during winter months when the birds migrate to the area. Guided by experienced naturalists, these boat tours navigate through cypress trees while providing educational commentary about eagle behavior, nesting habits, and conservation efforts. The tours are especially popular from December through February when dozens of eagles can be spotted fishing and soaring above the lake's unique landscape.
9. Reelfoot Lake Sporting Goods
OUTDOOR RECREATION OUTFITTER
Reelfoot Lake Sporting Goods serves as a comprehensive outfitter for fishing, hunting, and outdoor activities in the Reelfoot Lake region. The shop offers fishing tackle, live bait, hunting gear, and local expertise on the best spots to catch the lake's famous crappie and bluegill. Visitors can also arrange guided fishing trips, boat rentals, and get up-to-date information on seasonal wildlife activities and fishing conditions.
10. Lakeview Shopping Center
LOCAL RETAIL HUB
Lakeview Shopping Center offers the area's most diverse retail experience with a collection of national chains and local boutiques under one roof. Shoppers can browse through clothing stores, specialty gift shops, home goods retailers, and enjoy several dining options from quick bites to sit-down meals. The center serves as a commercial anchor for the region, providing convenient one-stop shopping for residents and visitors alike.
11. Robert A. Tuck Memorial Museum
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Robert A. Tuck Memorial Museum preserves and showcases the rich history of Obion County through artifacts, photographs, and documents dating back to the region's early settlement. Exhibits highlight local agricultural heritage, Civil War significance, and the development of transportation and industry in northwest Tennessee. The museum's collection includes period furniture, vintage farming implements, Native American artifacts, and rotating special exhibits focused on regional cultural history.
12. Reelfoot Lake Crafts
ARTISANAL LOCAL GOODS
Reelfoot Lake Crafts showcases the artistic talents of local artisans through handcrafted items inspired by the natural beauty of the lake region. Visitors can purchase unique souvenirs including cypress wood carvings, wildlife paintings, handmade jewelry, quilts, and regional food products like local honey and jams. The shop provides a platform for regional artists while offering tourists authentic keepsakes that reflect the distinctive culture and environment of Reelfoot Lake.
13. Sassafras Ridge Wildlife Area
PRIME BIRDWATCHING LOCATION
Sassafras Ridge Wildlife Area offers exceptional birdwatching opportunities with numerous observation points overlooking Reelfoot Lake's diverse habitats. The area is recognized for its concentration of migratory birds, including herons, egrets, cormorants, and seasonal waterfowl that attract nature photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. Visitors can access several trails and viewing platforms that provide optimal sightings while minimizing disturbance to the natural environment.
14. Obion County Farmers Market
FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE
The Obion County Farmers Market connects local growers directly with consumers in a vibrant community gathering space every Saturday morning from spring through fall. Vendors offer seasonal fruits and vegetables, farm-fresh eggs, locally raised meats, homemade baked goods, preserves, and handcrafted items reflecting the agricultural abundance of the region. The market frequently features live music, cooking demonstrations, and special events that celebrate local food traditions and rural heritage.
15. The Grind Mac and Cheese Burger Bar
CREATIVE COMFORT FOOD
The Grind Mac and Cheese Burger Bar serves up innovative comfort food featuring gourmet burgers and creative macaroni and cheese combinations that have developed a dedicated following. The restaurant's menu includes unique offerings like the BBQ Mac Burger topped with pulled pork and mac and cheese, alongside craft beer selections and handcrafted milkshakes in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. With its focus on fresh ingredients and house-made specialties, The Grind has become a destination dining spot for locals and visitors seeking something beyond typical fast food options.