Day trip ideas from Big Cypress Lodge: a practical Memphis loop

How to run a practical Memphis loop from Big Cypress Lodge

Settle a base at Big Cypress Lodge (1 Bass Pro Drive) and plan the loop as a series of short hops rather than one long circuit. The lodge is minutes from downtown attractions, so you can leave a bag in your room and move light for walking and short rides.

• Start early to avoid midday heat in summer and to get ahead of crowds at museums.
• Use the complimentary on‑demand downtown shuttle for short hops to Beale Street and near FedExForum — confirm hours when you arrive.
• For Graceland and Stax Museum, take a car or rideshare; MATA transit runs downtown but may be slower for those sites.

Morning: Beale Street, Sun Studio and the music trail

Beale Street is the core of Memphis’ musical history and is a short drive from the Pyramid area; it’s a good first stop for morning coffee and a quieter walk before evening crowds arrive. Nearby Sun Studio (birthplace of recorded rock ’n’ roll) makes a compact visit if you want a guided tour or a quick photo outside.

Sun Studio and the Orpheum Theatre are both a short downtown drive from Big Cypress Lodge. If you prefer not to drive, the complimentary lodge shuttle can get you close to the core Beale Street area but check current shuttle windows when you arrive.

• Beale Street: shops, music venues, and street-level history.
• Sun Studio: guided tours typically run on a timetable—allow 45–60 minutes if you plan to go inside.
• Orpheum Theatre: check showtimes in advance if you want a matinee or evening performance.

Midday: Riverfront walk, Mud Island and a river cruise option

The Pyramid sits near the riverfront walk; Mud Island River Park and the riverfront green spaces are within easy walking distance for a scenic midday stroll. If you prefer a narrated option, Memphis Riverboats run a 90‑minute sightseeing cruise from Beale Street Landing.

Mud Island and the Big River Crossing pedestrian bridge offer straightforward, family‑friendly walks. There aren’t ocean beaches nearby—riverfront recreation focuses on parks, river views, and the pedestrian/bike bridge across the Mississippi.

• Mud Island River Park: short walk from the Pyramid along the riverfront path.
• Memphis Riverboats: 90‑minute narrated cruise from Beale Street Landing (about a mile from the Pyramid).
• Big River Crossing: pedestrian/bike bridge across the Mississippi—good for photos and short exercise.

Afternoon option: Graceland, Stax or the Stax Museum loop

Graceland is outside downtown and is best reached by car or rideshare; it typically takes about 15–20 minutes by car from the Pyramid under normal traffic. Graceland is a substantial visit and can consume half a day if you tour the house and exhibits.

If you want a shorter cultural stop closer to downtown, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music or the National Civil Rights Museum are easier to combine into a half‑day loop. Plan your order based on museum hours and whether you prefer guided tours or self‑guided visits.

• Graceland: allow 2–3 hours if you plan to tour the house and exhibits.
• Stax Museum: closer to downtown than Graceland; good for a 1–2 hour stop.
• National Civil Rights Museum: significant history—give yourself at least 1.5–2 hours.

Evening: Return to the Pyramid — Sky High Ride, bowling and dinner

Finish the loop back at Big Cypress Lodge for on‑site options that don’t require another transfer. The Sky High Ride (glass elevator) goes to the Pyramid observation deck and operates during set hours; Big Cypress Lodge includes complimentary Sky High Ride tickets with a stay. Check posted times for the ride and observation deck when you arrive.

If you prefer casual nightlife, The Fishbowl overlooks a 13‑lane bowling alley and serves Wahlburgers menus, while The Lookout at the Pyramid provides a sit‑down American/steakhouse dinner with skyline views—reservations are recommended for The Lookout.

• Sky High Ride & Glass Observation Deck: confirm hours on property arrival.
• The Fishbowl: bowling plus bar fare; lanes run on a schedule with last lanes sold before close.
• The Lookout at the Pyramid: open for lunch and dinner (Mon–Sat 11AM–9PM; Sun 11AM–8PM).

Practical tips: transport, parking, and room choices

Big Cypress Lodge provides a complimentary on‑demand downtown shuttle (confirm current hours on arrival) and complimentary Sky High Ride tickets with a stay. Overnight parking at the Pyramid carries a required per‑night parking fee that covers valet or self‑parking; the property recommends valet for its gated, video‑monitored lot.

When choosing rooms, use the exact room names on the property list to match needs: Interior Room, Duck Cabin, Exterior Room, Fly Fishing Lodge, Terrace Room, Terrace Suite, and Treehouse Room. If you plan to leave and return frequently, a room with easy lobby access (for example, Terrace Suite or Exterior Room depending on availability) may be convenient.

• Check‑in begins at 4 PM; check‑out is 11 AM — early check‑in may be available for a fee and late check‑out fees apply unless pre‑approved.
• All stays include complimentary Wi‑Fi, the 24‑hour fitness center (level three), and complimentary Sky High Ride tickets.
• Pets: the hotel welcomes up to two dogs per stay for a fee; service animals stay free — verify policy at booking.