West Memphis: Mississippi Trails and Music History

If you’re looking for a hotel for a trip to West Memphis, the city offers several points of interest: trails along the Mississippi, local history, and a variety of recreational activities. As you plan, consider whether outdoor activities, music history, or an event will be your main focus.

Big River Trail and Big River Crossing

The Big River Trail includes a seven-mile loop through the West Memphis floodplain along the Mississippi. The trail also includes nearly five miles of paved, firm-surface paths along the river for walking, running, and jogging. The trail network therefore encompasses both a loop through the floodplain and stretches of trail by the water. Check current trail conditions before your visit.

Big River Crossing is the longest pedestrian and bicycle bridge across the Mississippi. It offers a scenic connection between West Memphis and downtown Memphis. The bridge is free to use. Bike-share stations are located at the Big River Trailhead and at Big River Crossing - West. If you plan to use the bike-share system, check current availability; you should also check the bridge’s visitor information in advance.

Riverfront and Nature

Ducks Unlimited Park features wetlands and views of the riverfront. Birdwatching and fishing are possible there. If you’re planning a visit, check current access information and conditions, as these may change. The combination of wetlands, river views, and these activities gives the park a different character from the trails at Big River Trail.

Local History and KWEM

The West Memphis Commercial Historic District encompasses the 700 to 900 blocks of East Broadway. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008. This connects the history of West Memphis to a clearly defined stretch of East Broadway.

KWEM began broadcasting on February 23, 1947. The station showcased local musicians performing live on the radio in West Memphis. Appearances on KWEM brought Ike Turner, B. B. King, Johnny Cash, and Elvis Presley to public attention and gave their rise to prominence as musicians a decisive boost. An exhibit featuring a replica of the KWEM studio on the Arkansas State University Mid-South campus also incorporates online broadcasts from the station.

Recreation and Events

Riverside International Speedway is a quarter-mile banked dirt oval track with a gumbo surface. Southland Casino has a Winners Edge Simulcast area. Both venues complement the trails and historic attractions with additional recreational options.

The Broadway Food Truck Fest is an annual event in West Memphis featuring live music. At the June 6, 2026 edition, visitors could sample food from more than 25 vendors. That date has passed; if you’d like to include the festival in a future trip, check the announced dates for that year’s edition.

Broadway Food Truck Park has space for up to twelve food trucks. It offers shaded seating areas, restrooms, green space, and an interactive mural. The park and the festival are two separate offerings: the festival is an annual event, while the park is described as a visitor destination with seating and areas to spend time.

Getting Your Bearings

The West Memphis Welcome Center provides visitors with current information about attractions, regional events, and weather conditions. Travelers also have access to computer terminals, Wi-Fi, and fresh coffee there. If you plan to use any of these services, check the latest information in advance, as services may change.

For trip planning, the main attractions are easy to distinguish: Big River Trail and Big River Crossing offer trails and activities along the Mississippi, while the Commercial Historic District and KWEM highlight local and music history. Parks, the speedway, casino, and food truck offerings round out the options.

Discover more destinations: Turrell, Edmondson, Marion, Gilmore

For the broader travel overview: Crittenden.