Hornsby TennesseeATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Hornsby, Tennessee.
1. Shiloh National Military Park
HISTORIC CIVIL WAR BATTLEFIELD
Shiloh National Military Park preserves the site of the first major battle in the Western theater of the Civil War. Visitors can explore over 4,200 acres of battlefield with monuments, historic cabins, and a national cemetery where many Union soldiers are buried. The park offers ranger-led programs, hiking trails, and a comprehensive museum that tells the story of this pivotal 1862 battle.
2. Big Hill Pond State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Big Hill Pond State Park spans over 4,000 acres of forested land with diverse ecological features including cypress swamps and hardwood forests. The park offers extensive hiking and mountain biking trails, with the 70-foot observation tower providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can enjoy fishing, paddling, and camping facilities, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts in southwest Tennessee.
3. Buford Pusser Home and Museum
WALKING TALL LEGEND
The Buford Pusser Home and Museum showcases the life of the legendary McNairy County Sheriff made famous by the 'Walking Tall' movies. Visitors can tour Pusser's actual home, preserved as it was at the time of his death in 1974, with original furnishings and personal items. The museum houses his police car, personal weapons, and extensive memorabilia documenting his fight against corruption and organized crime in the region.
4. Chickasaw State Park
SCENIC RECREATIONAL RETREAT
Chickasaw State Park offers 1,400 acres of natural beauty set among hardwood forests and is one of Tennessee's oldest state parks. The park features Lake Placid for fishing and paddling, miles of hiking and horseback riding trails, and modern camping facilities. Visitors can enjoy the historic structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, including the iconic stone picnic pavilions and rustic cabins.
5. West Tennessee Heritage Center
REGIONAL HISTORY MUSEUM
The West Tennessee Heritage Center preserves and showcases the rich cultural history of the region through immersive exhibits and artifacts. The museum houses collections relating to Native American history, Civil War events, agricultural development, and local pioneer life. Visitors can explore rotating exhibits, participate in educational programs, and gain insight into the forces that shaped West Tennessee's unique identity.
6. Lone Oaks Farm
EDUCATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CENTER
Lone Oaks Farm serves as both a working farm and an educational center operated by the University of Tennessee Extension. The 1,200-acre property features pristine lakes, rolling pastures, and diverse ecosystems used for agricultural research and youth education programs. Visitors can participate in scheduled events, educational workshops, and outdoor recreation while experiencing the beauty of this model agricultural enterprise.
7. Rockabilly Highway Murals
MUSICAL HERITAGE ARTWORK
The Rockabilly Highway Murals in downtown Selmer celebrate the region's rich musical heritage with vibrant street art. These large-scale paintings depict local music legends and the cultural impact of rockabilly music that emerged from the area. Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour to view these artistic tributes that honor McNairy County's contribution to American music history.
8. Shiloh Winery
LOCAL WINE TASTING
Shiloh Winery produces small-batch wines in the historic community near the famous Civil War battlefield. Visitors can sample a variety of locally crafted wines in the rustic tasting room while learning about the winemaking process from knowledgeable staff. The winery offers special events throughout the year, including harvest festivals and pairing dinners featuring regional cuisine.
9. McNairy County Farmers Market
FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE
The McNairy County Farmers Market brings together local growers and artisans offering fresh produce, handcrafted goods, and homemade treats. Held seasonally in downtown Selmer, the market has become a community gathering place where visitors can connect directly with farmers and learn about regional agricultural traditions. The market frequently features live music, cooking demonstrations, and special events celebrating the rural heritage of the area.
10. Crazy K Ranch
FAMILY OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Crazy K Ranch offers family-friendly outdoor adventures on a sprawling property with diverse recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy zip lines, ATV trails, fishing ponds, and seasonal events like hayrides and pumpkin patches. The ranch provides camping options and group facilities, making it a popular destination for family outings and gatherings in the region.
11. Court Square Market & Cafe
HOMETOWN EATS & TREATS
Court Square Market & Cafe serves as both a charming eatery and community gathering spot in historic downtown Selmer. The cafe offers Southern-inspired breakfast and lunch options featuring locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Visitors appreciate the warm atmosphere, homemade desserts, and the adjacent market area featuring regional specialty food items and gifts.
12. Hagy's Catfish Hotel
LEGENDARY RIVERSIDE DINING
Hagy's Catfish Hotel is an iconic riverside restaurant that has been serving Southern specialties since 1938 near the banks of the Tennessee River. The restaurant is famous for its crispy fried catfish, hush puppies, and other traditional Southern dishes served in a rustic setting filled with local history. Visitors come for both the celebrated food and the unique atmosphere of this family-owned establishment that has served generations of locals and tourists visiting nearby Shiloh National Military Park.
13. Rockabilly Park
MUSIC HERITAGE CELEBRATION
Rockabilly Park honors the musical legacy of McNairy County with displays celebrating local artists who contributed to the distinctive rockabilly sound. The park features commemorative plaques, a performance stage, and decorative elements that pay tribute to the area's music history. Visitors can enjoy scheduled concerts and events that keep the rockabilly tradition alive in its birthplace region.
14. Selmer Farmers & Artisans Market
LOCAL CRAFTS AND PRODUCE
The Selmer Farmers & Artisans Market showcases the best of local agriculture and craftsmanship in a vibrant community setting. Vendors offer seasonal produce, handmade goods, baked items, and unique gifts representing the region's rural traditions. The market serves as both a shopping destination and a social hub where visitors can experience authentic small-town Tennessee culture.
15. McNairy County Historical Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE PRESERVATION
The McNairy County Historical Museum houses collections that document the area's rich past from Native American settlements through pioneer days and into the modern era. Exhibits feature artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the county's development, notable citizens, and significant historical events. Visitors gain insight into local history through carefully preserved items and interpretive displays maintained by dedicated volunteers.