March 6, 2026 |
Tennessee State Parks is entering an exciting chapter in park history, breaking ground on new lodges at both Henry Horton State Park and Natchez Trace State Park. Each lodge will give visitors more opportunities to extend their stay and experience each park’s activities through thoughtful design that incorporates the best views and unique personality of each park.
Two Tennessee State Parks Break Ground on New Lodges: Henry Horton State Park and Natchez Trace State Park
Henry Horton State Park
The new lodge design will be rooted in the park's history and heritage, dating back to its opening in the 1960s. The lodge will feature 76 guest rooms, focused on universal design for accessibility, including rooms designed for guests with visual impairments, and is expected to open in the summer of 2027. Large windows at the entrance will frame sweeping sky views with the Duck River as a stunning backdrop. Guest rooms will include balconies, giving visitors views of the native grasslands and the river. The northern porch will serve as a welcoming gathering spot where guests can relax and experience beautiful views of the park. The lodge construction will incorporate sustainability practices, including the use of regional Southern Yellow Pine mass timber and native plant landscaping. Additional features include:
- Zero-entry pool featuring a gentle, sloped entrance that allows for wheelchair accessible entry.
- Outdoor guest terrace
- Lodge seating area with fireplace
- Outdoor amenity deck
- Gift shop
- Bar
The new Conference Center will include a pre-function hall, landscaped outdoor breakout area, and three meeting spaces that can be combined into one large space with banquet seating for 200. Additional features will include seating nooks, boardroom, and two breakout rooms.
Henry Horton State Park is located along the shores of the historic Duck River, one of the most biodiverse rivers in North America. Henry Horton is a perfect getaway destination to enjoy biking, hiking, paddling, skeet shooting, and its 18-hole golf course during your visit. After a round of golf, you can unwind at the Restaurant at Henry Horton, sipping craft cocktails around the fire pit on the outdoor patio. Additionally, the restaurant can host smaller events and provides on-site catering through the park’s venues.
The park also has standard and rustic cabins and features a campground with RV, tent, hammock, backcountry, and group site camping.
Natchez Trace State Park
The Lodge at Natchez Trace will sit along scenic Pin Oak Lake, offering peaceful waterfront views for guests seeking a relaxing outdoor retreat. The lodge will feature 49 guest rooms, including ADA-accessible rooms, and is expected to open in the spring of 2028. Each room will include a private balcony or patio, giving visitors expansive views of the lake. The wraparound porch will provide space for guests to immerse themselves in a natural setting. Additional features include:
- Zero-entry pool featuring a gentle, sloped entrance that allows for wheelchair accessible entry.
- Outdoor gaming area
- Fire pits
- Outdoor lake overlook
- Restaurant and bar
- Inviting lobby where guests can gather, relax, and unwind
The conference space will feature a boardroom and four separate meeting rooms that can be combined into one large ballroom with a capacity of 200 guests. In addition, the restaurant will provide on-site catering for groups utilizing these spaces.
The Lodge at Natchez Trace is surrounded by 48,000 acres of public lands and lakes, making it a true wilderness destination in West Tennessee. Whether you are looking for a relaxing place to spend time on the water with family or friends, or want to take advantage of hiking, hunting, shooting, and horseback riding in the surrounding lands, Natchez Trace State Park offers a beautiful retreat from the ordinary.
The park also has standard, rustic, and camping cabins. Additionally, the park offers RV and tent, backpacking, and wrangler camps. The RV sites feature water and electric service.