How many nights should you stay at Big Cypress Lodge?
Most guests find 2 nights at Big Cypress Lodge is a good balance: it gives you time to enjoy the Sky High Ride, explore Bass Pro Shops and the on-site activities (bowling, archery, The Den) and have a relaxed meal at The Lookout. If you’re short on time, 1 night covers the main highlights; 3+ nights suit families or visitors who want to use the lodge as a base for broader Memphis sightseeing.
In this guide
How long most visitors stay
Two nights is the common choice for a downtown Memphis stop at Big Cypress Lodge. That length lets you arrive, check in after 4 PM, ride the Sky High Ride, eat at one of the on-site restaurants and still have a full day to use hotel activities the next day.
A single night works if you’re on a tight schedule and only want to experience the Pyramid, the indoor swamp view and a rooftop or Lookout meal — but expect a busier, compressed schedule.
- 1 night — quick taste: arrival evening activities + morning Sky High Ride
- 2 nights — relaxed visit: evening + full next day for bowling, archery, spa or shopping
- 3+ nights — stays for families, longer Memphis sightseeing or event attendees
| Nights | Why choose it |
|---|---|
| 1 | Quick Pyramid visit; limited time for on-site activities |
| 2 | See main attractions and a relaxed on-site activity day |
| 3+ | Extra time for Memphis museums, Graceland, or event schedules |
If you only have one night
Plan to arrive early enough to use facilities before official check-in if you want to be in the building that day — the property allows guests to enjoy facilities prior to the 4 PM check-in time. A one-night stay typically focuses on evening activities and the next-morning Sky High Ride.
With limited time, prioritize one or two activities so you don’t feel rushed: a meal at Wahlburgers Wild or The Lookout, a bowling session at The Fishbowl, and the observation deck.
- Eat at Wahlburgers Wild (breakfast available 7AM–10AM) or The Lookout for dinner (reservations recommended).
- Catch the Sky High Ride — hours are published on the hotel's site.
- Book in-room dining if you need a quick, private evening meal.
| Evening | Morning |
|---|---|
| Dinner at The Lookout or The Fishbowl + bowling or The Den (if open) | Sky High Ride and quick visit to Bass Pro Shops/aqaurium |
| Relax in your chosen room (Interior Room, Treehouse Room, etc.) | Check out by 11 AM |
What to do with 2 nights (recommended)
Two nights give you time to split activities across arrival evening and a full second day: use evening one for dinner and a bar/lounge, then dedicate the next day to spa, bowling, archery, or downtown sightseeing using the complimentary shuttle.
If you’re traveling with family, schedule one activity the kids will enjoy (Fishbowl bowling, aquarium fish feeding) and one adult-focused activity (spa appointment or The Den).
- Evening 1: Dinner at The Lookout or Wahlburgers Wild; drinks at The Den or The Fishbowl.
- Day 2 morning: Sky High Ride and observation deck, Bass Pro Shops aquarium feed.
- Day 2 afternoon: Bowling at The Fishbowl or on-site archery, spa appointment (Big Cypress Spa by Gould's).
- Use the on-demand complimentary downtown shuttle (confirm current hours in the app).
| Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| Observation deck / Sky High Ride | Bowling, archery, or shopping in Bass Pro Shops | Dinner at The Lookout or Wahlburgers Wild; drinks at The Den |
| Optional spa appointment | Walk to nearby riverfront attractions or use shuttle to Beale Street | Mississippi Terrace (seasonal bar hours) or in-room dining |
When 3 or more nights make sense
Keep 3+ nights if you plan to use Big Cypress Lodge as a base for broader Memphis exploration (museums, Graceland, live shows, FedExForum events) or if you want downtime between activities. The lodge’s on-site activities can also fill multiple days for families.
Longer stays suit visitors attending events or conferences at nearby venues, or couples who want a slower itinerary that includes spa treatments and multiple dinners at The Lookout.
- Add day trips: Graceland (drive or rideshare), Sun Studio, Stax Museum or the National Civil Rights Museum.
- Book spa treatments in advance — Big Cypress Spa by Gould's has limited hours and some treatments are appointment-only.
- If attending an event at FedExForum or a conference, allow an extra night before or after for travel flexibility.
| Stay length | Good for |
|---|---|
| 3 nights | Leisurely mix of on-site activities + 1 local day-trip |
| 4+ nights | Multiple Memphis landmarks and a relaxed pace including spa days |
| Event week | Extra nights around conferences, concerts or weddings |
Choosing a room for your stay
Room type affects how much time you’ll spend in the room. Interior Room or Terrace Room/ Terrace Suite are convenient choices if you want downtown or river views; Treehouse Room and Duck Cabin offer more distinct themed experiences overlooking the indoor swamp.
Rooms have varying bed configurations, so pick based on who’s traveling: Interior Room (1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds), Duck Cabin (1 King Bed), Exterior Room (1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds), Fly Fishing Lodge (1 King Bed and 1 Queen Bed), Terrace Room (2 Queen Beds), Terrace Suite (1 King Bed) and Treehouse Room (1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds).
- Couples: Terrace Suite or Interior Room (King) for more privacy and comforts.
- Families: Fly Fishing Lodge or Treehouse Room options with multiple beds.
- Short stays: any room — plan activities rather than room time; for longer stays, consider Terrace Suite or rooms with balconies.
| Room name | Typical bed options |
|---|---|
| Interior Room | 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds |
| Duck Cabin | 1 King Bed |
| Fly Fishing Lodge | 1 King Bed and 1 Queen Bed |
Practical timing & booking tips
Check-in begins at 4 PM and check-out is at 11 AM; early check-in may be available for a fee and late check-out fees apply unless pre-approved. A $100 authorization hold is placed on the card at check-in.
Parking requires a paid per-night fee; valet is recommended and the property offers 24-hour access with your room key even after the Pyramid closes. The complimentary on-demand downtown shuttle serves a useful role for visiting Beale Street and nearby attractions — confirm current shuttle hours in the app.
- Book spa appointments ahead — spa hours are limited and the facility may require reservations.
- Breakfast is available for purchase (Wahlburgers Wild serves breakfast daily), not included with standard room rates.
- If traveling with pets, Big Cypress Lodge allows up to two dogs per room for a per-stay fee; service animals are accepted free.
| Policy | Detail |
|---|---|
| Check-in / Check-out | Check-in 4 PM; check-out 11 AM |
| Parking | Required per-night parking fee; valet recommended |
| Shuttle | Complimentary on-demand downtown shuttle (confirm hours) |
