Reelfoot Lake Tours
  • Serene lake with green lily pads and yellow flowers in the foreground. Tall trees reflect in the water under a dramatic cloudy sky at sunset.
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    Silhouette of a person by trees at sunset, with vibrant orange sky reflected in water.

    Tours at Reelfoot Lake

    Reelfoot Lake State Park offers a variety of tours throughout the year.

    Reservations can be made online and are strongly recommended as tours frequently sell out, and reservations are the only way to ensure a spot is available for you and/or your party.

    Reserve Now

    Eagle Tours  

    Months Available: January and February
    Join experienced park naturalists on daily bus or van tours to see bald eagles and waterfowl. During the two-hour tours, eagles can be seen perching, flying, or soaring and snatching a fish from the lake. Telescopes for viewing and information about the natural and cultural history of the wildlife and area are provided. Reserve your spot online in advance.     

    Annual Reelfoot Lake Eagle Festival
    This family-friendly festival features eagle tours and a variety of interpretive programs. For more information about Reelfoot Lake Eagle Festival, visit the park’s Facebook page or call 1-731-253-9652.  

    • eagle flying through the blue skies leaving its perch on the nearest tree

    Program participants should be able to do the following, independently or with the assistance of a companion or adaptive equipment.

    Essential Eligibility Criteria: Eagle Tour

    • Follow Directions

      Understand and follow directions and instructions to avoid and/or manage risks.  

    • Tolerate Exposure

      Tolerate periodic exposure to natural elements including sun, light precipitation, wind, and cold temperatures for up to two (2) hours

    • Identify Risks

      Be able to identify and recognize environmental risks, including but not limited to, loose and unstable surfaces, steep and uneven terrain, and potentially hazardous animals, insects and plants.  

    • Manage Steps

      Move up or down a maximum of 17-inch steps into and out of the van, with or without assistance.  

    • Sit in Vehicle

      Remain seated during travel in the van moving at a maximum speed of 60 mph.

    Pontoon Photography Tours for Groups

    This is a special tour that allows groups to enjoy the beauty of Reelfoot Lake State Park. Rangers will work with the group for the best time of day for photography and the visitor's schedule. Each season at Reelfoot Lake offers a variety of things to see and photograph. Trips are conditional depending on water level, wind, and weather for the safety of our visitors and equipment. 

    Length: 3 hours 

    Cost: $50 per person with a 7-person minimum  

    Rates are subject to change.  

    What Each Season Might Bring 
    Spring: osprey, fisherman, eagles, shorebirds, pelicans 
    Summer: water lillies (bloom in July), osprey, eagles, frogs, shorebirds 
    Fall: pelicans which arrive in early October, fall colors, shorebirds 

    Call 1-731-253-9652 to schedule a tour.  

    • A bright orange sunset fades into the night sky above, atop tall cypress trees and a dark lake.
    • A group of people in kayaks paddle through a peaceful, tree-lined waterway with vibrant fall foliage. A sunny day with a calm and serene atmosphere.
    • A serene, sunlit forest river with tall trees on both sides. The foliage displays vibrant green and yellow tones, reflecting a tranquil autumn scene.

    Deep Swamp Kayak Tours  

    Join park naturalists for a kayak trip into the old-growth cypress forest of Reelfoot Lake.

    The canoes glide around huge cypress trees, and a variety of birds are usually seen, including nesting eagles. The old-growth cypress forest is a unique area of Reelfoot Lake. Park provides kayaks, lifejackets, and paddles. Guided trips are offered during the weekends and reservations are required. The tours are not offered when lake levels become too low.  

    Duration: 3 hours
    Availability: March and April, mornings only
    Difficulty: Medium
    Age Limit: At least 10 years old

    Reserve Now

    Essential Eligibility Criteria : Deep Swamp Canoe Tours

    • Follow Directions

      Understand and follow directions and instructions to avoid and/or manage risks.

    • Tolerate Exposure

      Tolerate periodic exposure to the elements including sun, light rain, wind, and hot or cold temperatures for up to three (3) hours.  

    • Self-Care

      Perform self-care including maintaining nutrition and hydration, personal hygiene, and managing existing medical conditions.  

    • Enter and Exit Paddle Craft

      Enter and exit the paddle craft by maintaining balance while stepping into the vessel, sitting in a low seat, and orienting legs into a comfortable position.  

    • Manage Self in Paddle Craft

      Remain seated for entire trip. Use a paddle to propel and steer the vessel through the water. Wear a properly fitted Type III Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD) provided by the park for the entire trip.

    Scenic Pontoon Boat Tours

    Learn about the history and wonders of Reelfoot Lake on these popular tours. In addition to seeing a variety of flowers along the shore and the lake’s beautiful water lilies, many birds can be seen, including great blue herons, ducks, and eagles. The interpretive cruises depart daily from the visitor center, weather permitting. The tour is approximately three hours long. For groups of 10 or more, special afternoon cruises may be planned, Monday through Friday. 

    Months Available: May - September 

      • reelfoot_lake.jpg

      Wildlife on the Water

      Enjoy access to Reelfoot Lake while observing wildlife and learning about why the lake is a key conservation area for birds and aquatic wildlife!

      Hours: Typically every morning
      Duration: 2 Hours

      • credit_jim_denham_photos_reelfoot_lake.jpg

      Quake to Lake History

      Experience the effects of the New Madrid Earthquakes and learn how the formation of Reelfoot Lake changed the course of Tennessee history!

      Hours: Typically during afternoon weekends
      Duration: 1 hour

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      Sunset on Reelfoot Lake

      Relax and reconnect with the sights and sounds of nature during a sunset pontoon tour on Reelfoot Lake.

      Hours: Typically during evening weekends
      Duration: 2 hours

    Reserve Now

    We offer private pontoon tour options upon request, and we can do them anytime! 
    Please email or call to get a form to make a request.

    Essential Eligibility Criteria: Pontoon Boat Tour

    • Follow Directions

      Understand and follow directions and instructions to avoid and/or manage risks.

    • Tolerate Exposure

      Tolerate periodic exposure to the elements including sun, light rain, wind, and hot or cold temperatures for up to two (2) hours.  

    • Enter and Exit Boat

      Move up or down a maximum 12-inch step into and out of the pontoon boat with or without assistance.  

    • Manage Self in Boat

      Remain seated for the entire two (2) hour boat tour, moving at a maximum speed of 15 mph.  

    Additional tours  

      • Two white pelicans glide on a tranquil lake, framed by towering cypress trees. The scene conveys serenity and natural beauty, under soft sunlight.

      Pelican Festival

      Month Available: October 

      The annual Reelfoot Lake Pelican Festival features three days of family-friendly fun. Get up close to these magnificent birds on our pelican canoe floats, and don't forget your camera!   

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