Chances are, you’ve been scrolling on Insta or TikTok and saw people posing beside (or sometimes on) a giant Memphis sign. With its white block letters and colorful outlines, this newer landmark has quickly become synonymous with the Bluff City. And whether you’re a tourist or a local, you might not know about this iconic sign and its origins. So we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about it.
History of the Memphis, Tennessee Sign
Mud Island has been around since 1899, though it was originally City Island until the 1950s, before turning into a River Park in the ‘80s. The Memphis sign itself only made its debut in May of 2019. It was originally part of a plan to boost the 901 on social media and attract younger audiences to the city. Photographers and influencers alike have made it a hotspot for photos, and this public installation has even helped revive Mud Island traffic. With its backdrop of downtown Memphis, many have made it a challenge to take the most unique shots atop or beside the sign. And it’s a much more accessible location than many of Memphis’ murals and other art installations.
How to Get to the Memphis Sign
While Mud Island is currently under construction, visitors can still walk the half-mile, bike, or use scooters on the Skybridge to see the 50-foot Memphis sign, the Mighty Mississippi, and the city skyline. You can also drive over the A.W. Willis bridge to the island, park at the Mud Island River Park parking in North Lot, and walk through the park to the sign. Plus, entry to Mud Island is always free, making it the perfect activity for a day out.
Other Things to Consider
In summer, Mud Island is open from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, and in winter this changes to 6:00 am to 5:00 pm. You can’t swim in the Mississippi River, but you can always walk the scale model or launch a boat from the south ramp past the marina for an amazing view of downtown, Mud Island, and even Harbor Town further along the river. There’s also a natural beach on the south tip of the island, and a free dog park in Harbor Town where your pup can enjoy some off-leash fun.
![The countdown is ON, Memphis! We’re officially 30 days out from the @unitememphis 5K + 1-Mile Walk/Run—and this year, we’re stepping into unity on 901 Day 🙌🏽
📍 Monday, September 1 | National Civil Rights Museum
🕘 Start time: 9:01AM
🎶 Food, music & fun to follow
Whether you’re walking or running, this isn’t just a race—it’s a movement. And there’s no better time to join in than now. 👟✨
🎓 COLLEGE STUDENTS: Be one of the first 100 to register using your .edu email with promo code NEXTGENUNITE and your ticket is just $10 (that’s a $32 savings 👀). Limit 2 per person, so tell a friend!
Let’s walk. Let’s run.
Let’s #UniteMemphis 💛
🔗 [link in bio]](https://wearememphis.com/wp-content/uploads/sb-instagram-feed-images/526805187_18335272954206022_6056852028660485499_nfull.webp)
