Tiptonville Bar (old ferry landing)
About one mile SW of Tiptonville, TN on the Mississippi River, Lake County, TN
Site Directions: From Tiptonville, take TN Highway 21 west and follow it about one mile to the park at the river's edge (Note: the ferry no longer operates).
Lat-Long: 36.368827, -89.504499°W
Hours: daylight hours
Seasonality: year round
Fees: none
View from the ferry landing. Significantly more sand is exposed when the river is low.
Site Description: The site consists of a shaded picnic area adjacent to the main channel of the Mississippi River and provides excellent views of main stem river habitats. Unless the river is high, sandbars may be observed. Farmlands may be observed along the road to the site. The view of the expanse of the Mississippi River makes a visit worthwhile.
Wildlife to Watch: Best birding is spring and fall migration, when the Mississippi River is low enough to expose the Tiptonville Bar and shoreline. A variety of shorebirds may be seen on the sandbar, although a scope is recommended in order to see great distances. Osprey and Bald Eagles may be seen almost year round. In fall, large numbers of swallows (up to 5 species are possible) gather on the wires at the parking area and along the road paralleling the river. Interior Least Terns may be seen in spring through early fall.
For more information:
Submit your data to eBird and help us build a list of birds seen at this site
Be sure to check out our Safety Tips page for important information regarding viewing wildlife in these areas.
