Memphis Arkansas Bridge
Iconic bridge connecting Memphis, TN to West Memphis, AR across the Mississippi River, offering stunning skyline views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Memphis Arkansas Bridge
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic bridge connecting Memphis, TN to West Memphis, AR across the Mississippi River, offering stunning skyline views.
"Catch breathtaking panoramic views of the Memphis skyline, especially magical during sunset."
🌅 Catch the Sunset
The view of the Memphis skyline at sunset from the Arkansas side is unforgettable.
🌃 Bridge Lights at Night
The bridge is beautifully illuminated at night, creating a magical atmosphere.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Cantilever Truss
An impressive feat of engineering, this bridge offers stunning views of the Mississippi River and the Memphis skyline.
Memphis Skyline Views
From the Arkansas side
Catch breathtaking panoramic views of the Memphis skyline, especially magical during sunset.
Bass Pro Shops Pyramid
Memphis side
A unique landmark visible from the bridge, this massive pyramid offers shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Crossing
Beyond the Bridge
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Catch the Sunset
The view of the Memphis skyline at sunset from the Arkansas side is unforgettable.
🌃 Bridge Lights at Night
The bridge is beautifully illuminated at night, creating a magical atmosphere.
🚗 Avoid Rush Hour
Traffic can be heavy during morning and evening commutes. Plan your crossing accordingly.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Great opportunities for photos of the river, skyline, and the bridge itself.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Catch the Sunset
The view of the Memphis skyline at sunset from the Arkansas side is unforgettable.
🌃 Bridge Lights at Night
The bridge is beautifully illuminated at night, creating a magical atmosphere.
🚗 Avoid Rush Hour
Traffic can be heavy during morning and evening commutes. Plan your crossing accordingly.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Great opportunities for photos of the river, skyline, and the bridge itself.
💡 'Old Bridge' Nickname
Locals often call it the 'Old Bridge' to distinguish it from newer crossings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise the Memphis & Arkansas Bridge for its impressive engineering and the stunning views it offers of the Mississippi River and the Memphis skyline, especially during sunset. It's a functional and scenic crossing that serves as a gateway to both Tennessee and Arkansas. Some find traffic can be a deterrent during peak hours.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most direct route is via the Memphis & Arkansas Bridge, which carries Interstate 55. This iconic bridge connects Memphis, Tennessee, to West Memphis, Arkansas, over the Mississippi River.
Currently, there is no dedicated public transportation that directly crosses the Memphis & Arkansas Bridge. It is primarily designed for vehicular traffic.
Driving across offers great views, but for a more immersive experience, consider stopping at overlooks on either side. The Arkansas side provides excellent vantage points for the Memphis skyline.
As of recent information, there are no tolls for crossing the Memphis & Arkansas Bridge.
The crossing itself is relatively short, typically taking only a few minutes. However, traffic conditions can significantly impact travel time, especially during peak hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets or admission fees required to drive across the Memphis & Arkansas Bridge. It's a public interstate highway.
There are no specific entry requirements for U.S. citizens traveling from Memphis, Tennessee, to West Memphis, Arkansas, via the bridge. It's a domestic state-to-state crossing.
The Memphis & Arkansas Bridge is a public highway and is open 24/7 for vehicular traffic.
The bridge is primarily designed for vehicles. Pedestrian and bicycle access is generally not recommended or permitted due to safety concerns and high-speed traffic.
Accessing public viewpoints or overlooks near the bridge is typically free. Enjoy the scenery without any additional charges.
📸 📸 Photography
The Arkansas side offers fantastic vantage points for capturing the entire bridge and the Memphis skyline. Sunset is particularly popular for photography.
While tempting, it's unsafe to take photos while actively driving. Pull over at designated safe areas or use a dashcam if you want to capture the crossing.
Generally, casual photography for personal use is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require permits. Always be mindful of your surroundings and safety.
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photos of the bridge and skyline. Nighttime also provides a beautiful view with the bridge lights.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the bridge. A telephoto lens can be useful for details of the Memphis skyline. Don't forget a tripod for low-light shots.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
West Memphis offers a casino and is a gateway to exploring more of Arkansas. Travelers have noted it's a good starting point for state exploration.
The most prominent landmark visible from the bridge is the Bass Pro Shops Pyramid in Memphis. You'll also get a great view of the Mississippi River.
The Memphis & Arkansas Bridge is a busy interstate highway and is not designed or safe for pedestrian traffic. Stick to driving or cycling on designated paths elsewhere.
Opened in 1949, it's a cantilevered through truss bridge carrying Interstate 55. Locals sometimes refer to it as the 'Old Bridge'.
While the bridge itself doesn't have dining, both Memphis and West Memphis offer a wide array of culinary options, from Southern comfort food to international cuisine.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting the Memphis Zoo or the Children's Museum of Memphis for dedicated family fun. While West Memphis might seem less developed for family attractions, it serves as a convenient stopover. Encourage kids to spot landmarks from the car and discuss the importance of bridges. For a more adventurous family trip, consider using the bridge as a starting point to explore Arkansas's natural beauty, like state parks or hiking trails, which can be a refreshing change from city attractions.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
+1Consider making a stop at the Bass Pro Shops Pyramid in Memphis for a unique retail and entertainment experience. If you're looking to explore more of Arkansas, West Memphis is a good starting point. Reddit users suggest looking beyond the obvious casino for nature spots or unique eateries to make your day trip more memorable.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The bridge itself, with its impressive truss design, offers dynamic angles and compositions. Don't miss the opportunity to capture the bridge at night when it's beautifully illuminated.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel: Memphis & Arkansas Bridge
Locals often refer to it affectionately as the "Old Bridge," distinguishing it from newer crossings. The bridge's construction was a major undertaking, symbolizing the growing connection between Memphis, Tennessee, and West Memphis, Arkansas. Its presence has facilitated commerce and tourism for decades, making it more than just a way to get from point A to point B.
When you drive across, take a moment to appreciate the engineering that went into its creation. The sheer size of the structure and its ability to withstand the river's flow are testaments to the ingenuity of its builders. It's a functional monument that offers a unique perspective on the region's geography and history.
Capturing the Magic: Photography Tips
For those looking to photograph the bridge at night, the illuminated structure creates a magical ambiance. TikTok and Instagram reels frequently showcase these beautiful nighttime shots, highlighting the vibrant lights that adorn the bridge. Remember to prioritize safety; if you're driving, pull over at a safe, designated spot to take photos, or consider using a dashcam to record the journey.
When planning your photo session, consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the full scope of the bridge and the river. A telephoto lens can be useful for zooming in on the details of the Memphis skyline. For low-light conditions, a tripod will be essential for sharp, clear images.
Exploring Beyond the Bridge
On the Arkansas side, West Memphis offers a different, yet equally engaging, experience. While some visitors might initially only find a casino, there are opportunities for nature exploration and unique dining experiences to be discovered. Reddit discussions suggest that West Memphis can be a starting point for venturing further into Arkansas to find cool nature spots or distinctive restaurants, making it more than just a transit point.
Whether you're drawn to the blues and barbecue of Memphis or the burgeoning attractions of Arkansas, the bridge provides easy access to both. Plan your trip to include time to explore the unique character of each side of the Mississippi River for a well-rounded experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit