Tourism
![Image of marina with boats by shore.](https://picsfordevsite.blob.core.windows.net/tempforbentoncounty/birdson-marina-sized.jpg)
A family-owned resort, the Birdsong Resort, Marina, and Family Lakeside RV Campground is a recreational complex and vacation community on Kentucky Lake. This resort offers cottages with full kitchen and other amenities, second-home resident lots, a community center, and a quiet zone for primitive camping. The marina is home to a new and used boat sales and service.
The only freshwater pearl- culturing farm in America, the Tennessee Freshwater Pearl Museum offers tours of its showroom and farm. Visitors can learn about the unique biology of mussels and how they produce their stunning, highly sought-after prize. Freshwater pearls are Tennessee’s state gem and approximately 80% of the mussel shells exported from the United States are harvested in Tennessee.
- Birdsong is a popular spot for fishing tournaments.
- The resort has a something for everyone, including a children’s playground and pet area.
- Cabins have up to six bedrooms.
- Visitors can witness a diver retrieving farmed mussels.
- Pearls from around the world are displayed in the showroom/giftshop.
A family-owned resort, the Birdsong Resort, Marina, and Family Lakeside RV Campground is a recreational complex and vacation community on Kentucky Lake. This resort offers cottages with full kitchen and other amenities, second-home resident lots, a community center, and a quiet zone for primitive camping. The marina is home to a new and used boat sales and service.
The only freshwater pearl- culturing farm in America, the Tennessee Freshwater Pearl Museum offers tours of its showroom and farm. Visitors can learn about the unique biology of mussels and how they produce their stunning, highly sought-after prize. Freshwater pearls are Tennessee’s state gem and approximately 80% of the mussel shells exported from the United States are harvested in Tennesseee.
![Image of trees, buildings, and water at NBF State Park.](https://picsfordevsite.blob.core.windows.net/tempforbentoncounty/NBFSP.jpg)
Blending history and outdoor recreation are Benton County’s NBF State Park and Eva Beach. NBF State Park began as a recreation area constructed by a Depression Era work recovery program. As a Tennessee State Park, it now homes the Pilot Knob Interpretive Center and Museum. The Museum features the historical culture of residents along the Tennessee River as well as the history of the park and Civil War history.
- Eva Beach Recreational Area is a popular spot for swimming; it also offers kayak rentals.
- NBF has 30 miles of hiking trails, including a 20-mile trail with backcountry shelters for camping.
- Facilities include seven rental cabins; an RV campground; two primitive campgrounds; and a group lodge.
- Pilot Knob overlook is the highest point in west Tennessee.
Blending history and outdoor recreation are Benton County’s NBF State Park and Eva Beach. NBF State Park began as a recreation area constructed by a Depression Era work recovery program. As a Tennessee State Park, it now homes the Pilot Knob Interpretive Center and Museum. The Museum features the historical culture of residents along the Tennessee River as well as the history of the park and Civil War history.
![Image of a road sign discussing the patsy cline memorial.](https://picsfordevsite.blob.core.windows.net/tempforbentoncounty/patsy-cline-sized.png)
A monument stands on the historic site where country music stars Patsy Cline, Cowboy Copas, Hawkshaw Hawkins, and pilot Randy Hughes lost their lives in a plane crash on March 5, 1961. The somber memorial in a beautiful setting is a quiet, reflective space.
- Patsy Cline is considered one of the most influential vocalists of the 20th century.
- Cline is the first woman to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
- Loretta Lynn and Cline shared a close friendship.
- Her version of Willie Nelson’s country classic, “Crazy” was inducted into the Library of Congress in 2003.
![Image of the green and white ferry.](https://picsfordevsite.blob.core.windows.net/tempforbentoncounty/houston-ferry-sized.png)
The Benton-Houston Ferry is one of only two ferries in the state and considered the last ferry operating on the Tennessee River. More than just a river boat, this ferry is a part of local life. It travels across the Tennessee River between Benton and Houston counties. Many locals rely on the ferry service to get to work. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing boat ride and a taste of local culture.
- The ferry runs year-round.
- Hours of operation are Monday-Friday from 5:30 am to 6:00 pm local time and Saturday and Sunday from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm local time.
- Automobiles, people on foot, and motorcycles can ride for $1.50 or less and Trucks, buses, and other large vehicles and ride for $4.00 or less.
The Benton-Houston Ferry is one of only two ferries in the state and considered the last ferry operating on the Tennessee River. More than just a river boat, this ferry is a part of local life. It travels across the Tennessee River between Benton and Houston counties. Many locals rely on the ferry service to get to work. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing boat ride and a taste of local culture.
![Image of girl on a horse with green grass in the background.](https://picsfordevsite.blob.core.windows.net/tempforbentoncounty/natchez-trace-sized.png)
Developed in 1939, Natchez Trace State Park was named for the historic, wilderness road, Natchez Trace, which extended about 440 miles from Nashville, TN, to Natchez, MS. With four lakes, visitors can experience a variety of water activities. Cub Lake has a free, public swim beach; Pin Oak offers water skiing; Browns Lake and Maples Lake offer Jon boats, life jackets, and paddles available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Developed in 1939, Natchez Trace State Park was named for the historic, wilderness road, Natchez Trace, which extended about 440 miles from Nashville, TN, to Natchez, MS. With four lakes, visitors can experience a variety of water activities. Cub Lake has a free, public swim beach; Pin Oak offers water skiing; Browns Lake and Maples Lake offer Jon boats, life jackets, and paddles available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Developed in 1939, Natchez Trace State Park was named for the historic, wilderness road, Natchez Trace. A spur of the historic road still runs through the park.
- There are 250 miles of horse-riding trails in the south end of the park.
- The Bucksnort Wrangler Camp features 65 campsites with full hook-ups.
- Hiking trails range from .5 mile to 4.5 miles, plus a 40-mile backpacking trail.
![Image of duck on leaves near the water.](https://picsfordevsite.blob.core.windows.net/tempforbentoncounty/wildlife-refuge-sized.png)
Located on and around Kentucky Lake, the TNWR has three units: Big Sandy, Duck River, and Busseltown, which stretch for 65-miles along the Tennessee River. The refuge was established in 1945 to provide feeding, resting, and nesting habitat for migratory birds and is maintained by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service.
Located on and around Kentucky Lake, the TNWR has three units: Big Sandy, Duck River, and Busseltown, which stretch for 65-miles along the Tennessee River. The refuge was established in 1945 to provide feeding, resting, and nesting habitat for migratory birds and is maintained by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service.
- Pace Point on the Big Sandy Peninsula is considered one of the top 10 birding locations in Tennessee.
- The refuge’s hunt program spans from spring to fall and requires an annual hunting permit.
- The monthly “Refuge Discovery Series” includes educational programs led by rangers.
- The one-mile Chickasaw National Recreation Trail is open year-round.
![Image of a floating slide going into the water.](https://picsfordevsite.blob.core.windows.net/tempforbentoncounty/camp-mackmorris-sized.png)
A traditional boy scout camp, this lake-side haven also is available as a corporate team facility. Whether camping in the wild or in a cabin, Mack Morris is the place where campers’ skills grow along with their friendships and memories.
A traditional boy scout camp, this lake-side haven also is available as a corporate team facility. Whether camping in the wild or in a cabin, Mack Morris is the place where campers’ skills grow along with their friendships and memories.
- Visitors can reserve facilities separately
- Canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, and sailboats are available for rent.
- The camp offers an archery, rifle, and shotgun range.
- There are eleven primitive campsites.
![Image of two people on a boat fishing in the lake.](https://picsfordevsite.blob.core.windows.net/tempforbentoncounty/kentucky-lake-sized.png)
Kentucky Lake makes up the eastern border of the County. One of the largest manmade lakes in the United States, Kentucky Lake offers excellent fishing, including largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill, and yellow and white bass. Enjoy boating, kayaking, and other on the water activities. The nearby Big Sandy National Wildlife Refuge and Duck River Unit Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge also offer hiking and camping activities. Our hot summers but mild, cool winters let visitors experience outdoor recreation throughout the year.
Kentucky Lake makes up the eastern border of the County. One of the largest manmade lakes in the United States, Kentucky Lake offers excellent fishing, including largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill, and yellow and white bass. Enjoy boating, kayaking, and other on the water activities. The nearby Big Sandy National Wildlife Refuge and Duck River Unit Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge also offer hiking and camping activities. Our hot summers but mild, cool winters let visitors experience outdoor recreation throughout the year.
- Part of the 652-mile Tennessee River, Kentucky Lake was created in 1944 by the Tennessee Valley Authority.
- There are more than 240 species of fish in the Tennessee Valley region.
- Aside from being a great recreation area, Kentucky Lake is a source of hydro-electric power for the region.
![Image of trees above a shoreline with sunlight streaming down.](https://picsfordevsite.blob.core.windows.net/tempforbentoncounty/lakeshore-campground-sized.png)
Lakeshore is a camp and retreat located on the shores of the Tennessee River near Eva, Tennessee. The Providing Christian hospitality, rest, and reflection for guests of all ages and backgrounds, programming includes summer camps, parent/guardian weekends, special need camps, retreats, work weekends, and a variety of other events.
Lakeshore is a camp and retreat located on the shores of the Tennessee River near Eva, Tennessee. The Providing Christian hospitality, rest, and reflection for guests of all ages and backgrounds, programming includes summer camps, parent/guardian weekends, special need camps, retreats, work weekends, and a variety of other events.
- Lakeshore offers a tiered pricing system for campers to make camp affordable for all income levels.
- TreeHouse Camp offers youth a chance to sleep in platform tents overlooking the forest and river.
- Ropes courses are offered as team building exercises for groups of all ages.
- Volunteers of any skill type are welcome to share their knowledge and labor with Lakeshore.
![Image of a golfcourse with golf-ball signs.](https://picsfordevsite.blob.core.windows.net/tempforbentoncounty/magic-valley-sized.png)
This must-play golf course located in Camden; Magic Valley Golf Club is one of the best 9-hole courses in the Kentucky Lake area. Constantly upgrading the course and amenities, the staff takes great strides to make all golfers feel at home. From tee to green, no matter your skill level, you will be inspired by the hospitality as well as beauty of the course.
This must-play golf course located in Camden; Magic Valley Golf Club is one of the best 9-hole courses in the Kentucky Lake area. Constantly upgrading the course and amenities, the staff takes great strides to make all golfers feel at home. From tee to green, no matter your skill level, you will be inspired by the hospitality as well as beauty of the course.
- No tee times required.
- Open every day, year-round.
- Non-members are welcome.
- Weekday special - 18 holes with golf cart for $30.
![Image of trees an old barn with a blue quilt hanging near the top](https://picsfordevsite.blob.core.windows.net/tempforbentoncounty/quilt-block-trail-sized.png)
Quilt blocks are 4x4 pieces of wood painted with a quilt design reminiscent of the 19th and 20th Centuries. They decorate the exterior of barns, homes, and businesses. The county-wide trail features more than 120 quilt blocks that may be viewed from the road. Brochures are available at the Benton County Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy these historical designs and our scenic country roads.
Quilt blocks are 4x4 pieces of wood painted with a quilt design reminiscent of the 19th and 20th Centuries. They decorate the exterior of barns, homes, and businesses. The county-wide trail features more than 120 quilt blocks that may be viewed from the road. Brochures are available at the Benton County Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy these historical designs and our scenic country roads.
- Every quilt block is made by hand.
- Many quilts have a backstory available in the brochure.
- There are no duplicates on the trail.
![Image of a memorial stone to honor veterans with flags waving nearby.](https://picsfordevsite.blob.core.windows.net/tempforbentoncounty/veterans-memorial-sized.png)
Connecting the past to the future, the Benton County Veterans Memorial pays tribute to the women and men who have served in the U.S. military. The Memorial’s dual purpose is to honor the fallen heroes of Benton County and remind civilians to thank living veterans for their service. The Memorial is located in Benton County Industrial Park.
Connecting the past to the future, the Benton County Veterans Memorial pays tribute to the women and men who have served in the U.S. military. The Memorial’s dual purpose is to honor the fallen heroes of Benton County and remind civilians to thank living veterans for their service. The Memorial is located in Benton County Industrial Park.
- The Memorial was unveiled in 2010.
- Johnsonville’s TVA Volunteer Group assisted with the project in 2009.
- The Don’t Forget Our Vets memorial bike ride and poker run is held annually.
![Image of a drive in.](https://picsfordevsite.blob.core.windows.net/tempforbentoncounty/birdsong-drivein-sized.png)
This summertime favorite offers new releases as well as classics from April through October. Movie-goers can enjoy the relative privacy of their vehicle to talk to fellow passengers and munch on the snacks offered at the box office.
This summertime favorite offers new releases as well as classics from April through October. Movie-goers can enjoy the relative privacy of their vehicle to talk to fellow passengers and munch on the snacks offered at the box office.
- Sound is transmitted through FM radio of your vehicle.
- Box office opens at 7:00 pm.
- Movies start at 8:15 pm.
- Tickets are $10 for ages 11 and up.