Day Tour

Benton County, Tennessee

Day Tour

 

     Welcome to scenic, historic Benton County, Tennessee. As you approach Benton County on I-40, you can choose to visit via Exit 126, which provides amenities in close proximity to the Interstate including food, gasoline, lodging, etc, or you might wish to choose the more scenic route at Exit 133. Off the ramp at this exit turn left (North) and proceed approximately nine miles to the Duck River Bottoms Scenic Overlook on the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge. This section of the refuge is called the Duck River Unit and is one of three separate units that make up the refuge. A short walk of approximately 300 yards from the parking area brings you to a breathtaking view of the Tennessee River Valley from high above. A viewing platform with interpretive signs helps enhance the experience.

     From the overlook continuing north just a couple of miles, you will find Birdsong Resort and Marina. This nationally known attraction features all of the amenities of a full-service marina with boat sales, rentals, and repairs, and is also home to the Tennessee Fresh Water Pearl Museum and Tour. The marina maintains an RV campground , a pool, a covered pavilion and more.

     Traveling north, visitors can proceed to Highway 70 and then West into Camden where they can visit the state-of-the-art Benton County Library and find records dating back to the early 1800’s. The library features a Genealogy Room with an active group of volunteers eager to help you find information, and an amazing archive downstairs with records dating back to the earliest Benton County history. Unlike many southern communities, Benton County’s courthouse was never destroyed by fire, which means county records have survived as far back as they were kept. These valuable records have been carefully preserved in the archive and all pertinent information has been entered into a computer database making it easily retrievable and creating a very attractive location for genealogists.

     Now it’s time for a visit to Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park just a few short miles from the court square. From the square we’ll turn on Lake Street and continue through Eva and directly into the park. This scenic park is dedicated to Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest and the historic Battle of Johnsonville, but also holds a treasure trove of historical information about life on the Tennessee River. Our first stop is Pilot Knob, the highest point in West Tennessee overlooking yet another portion of the Tennessee River Valley. Atop the knob, visitors will find a monument to the Battle of Johnsonville as well as the Tennessee River Folklife Museum.

     At the monument, you can learn about the battle and view the area where the conflict took place. Inside the museum, you will find a wonderful history of life on the river with displays, videos, and audio recordings depicting river life from the earliest man to the present time. Displays include information on local arts and crafts, the mussel industry, logging, fishing, wildlife, and much more. The centerpiece of the display is a brailing boat once used to harvest mussel shells from the riverbed.

     The park also offers lodging with seven beautiful cabins on the lake, a primitive cabin, RV and primitive camping, and a rustic group lodge. Two large covered pavilions are available for family reunions, picnics, group outings, and such, and the Eva Beach day use area features swimming in the lake, a boat ramp, a playground, picnic facilities, restrooms, and more. Additionally, the park maintains a number of hiking trails and hosts numerous events throughout the year including a music festival, Civil War reenactment events, and the popular “Lighting of the Knob” at Christmastime.

     As we head back to town, we’ll want to check out Lakeshore United Methodist Assembly. This great facility boasts a beautiful swimming pool, cabins, a meeting facility, ropes courses, and much more. Lakeshore is a favorite destination for many youth groups, but is open to the public in many ways.

     Just up the road we can visit Beaver Dam Resort just a short drive from the main road. Watch for the sign. This resort features a marina, food and refreshments, a boat ramp, gas, and more.

     As you return to Camden you may want to proceed back to Highway 70 (Main Street) traveling West. Once you cross Highway 641 you are only a few blocks from Camden City Park. This city run facility features several ball fields, a public swimming pool, two playgrounds, a covered stage, covered pavilions, a walking track, restrooms, and more.

     Continue through the park and you will come to a stop sign at Mount Carmel Road. A left turn will take you to the Patsy Cline Memorial about two miles away where the crash of a light airplane on March 5th 1963 took the lives of country music stars Patsy Cline, Cowboy Copas, and Hawkshaw Hawkins along with their pilot Randy Hughes. Visitors will find a stone marker and an informational kiosk as well as a newly created walking trail. Future plans for the site include a new parking area, a sign at the entrance and a new memorial.

     Back to Camden where we can refresh, gas up the car, grab a bite to eat, stop in one of our many wonderful shops and stores, book a few nights at a local motel, and prepare for the next leg of our journey.

    Our next stop is Big Sandy, Tennessee, a community protected from incursion by Kentucky Lake by a series of levies constructed before the flooding of the river in the mid 1900’s. Again we have some great options for shopping and dining as we make our way into the Big Sandy Peninsula where we will visit the Big Sandy Unit of the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge. This location includes an informational kiosk, a wildlife viewing platform, the Chickasaw National Walking Trail, Historic Mount Zion Church, and Pace Point where the Big Sandy River and Tennessee River converge. Pace Point is considered to be one of the premier birding locations in the country. During the winter months, visitors can see bald eagles that nest and hunt on the refuge.

     As we leave the refuge we cross the peninsula to Danville for a ride across the Benton/Houston Ferry, one of only two ferries operating in the State of Tennessee. This scenic ride across the Tennessee River reduces a one and a half hour ride by road to approximately seven minutes. The view from the ferry is spectacular.

     Back toward town we will pass the entrance to Bass Bay Resort and Marina, which features cabin rentals, a marina, and more.

     It’s time to head back to Camden for a night’s stay and another day of fun and excitement as we focus on Benton County’s greatest attraction. Benton County lies on the shores of beautiful Kentucky Lake on the Tennessee River. This pristine lake is the largest manmade impoundment in the country offering limitless opportunities for recreation including hunting, fishing, boating, swimming, skiing, tubing, and on and on and on…

     Popular game fish in the lake include large and small mouth bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill, shell crackers, and even sager. Lying along the Mississippi Flyway, Benton County is also a prime location for waterfowl hunting and the county traditionally records high harvest numbers in deer and turkey as well.

     With the shoreline under the control of the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife, real estate development on the lake is limited creating a very natural, unspoiled environment. Although some buildings and development can be seen, the lakeshore is virtually undisturbed providing an aesthetically delightful experience.

     We hope you enjoy the many attractions offered in Benton County and we invite you to check out our neighbors as well including the new Paris Winery just over the county line to our North in Henry County on Highway 641. The region of West and Middle Tennessee along the Tennessee River abounds with opportunities for visitors from the relaxed to the exciting and everything in between.

     For additional information, contact the Benton County Chamber of Commerce at 877-584-8395 or email chamber1@usit.net. We hope you enjoy your visit to Benton County, Tennessee