Court Square

The basics

Though it’s a half-mile (0.8 kilometer) north of bustling Beale Street, Court Square is still surrounded by the buzz of downtown Memphis. Throughout the year, it’s a popular break spot for professionals and a stop on some historical walking tours. During the warmer months, community events like food truck rallies and outdoor concerts take place, allowing you to leave the Beale Street Entertainment District crowd behind and explore a more local-focused part of downtown.

Things to know before you go

• Visit during the late evening to see the Hebe Fountain illuminated by a light display.

• Court Square was the site of the city’s first schoolhouse, but it’s no longer present.

• Film buffs might recognize Court Square’s appearance in the movie, The Firm.

How to get there

Court Square is located at 62 North Main Street in downtown Memphis. Street parking and parking garages surround the park, which can be accessed by car when exiting south on Riverside Drive from I-40. It’s only a short walk from Beale Street, though you could just as easily ride the streetcar down to the Beale and Main stop.

When to get there

The square is open to the public throughout the day and night, though like any public site in a downtown area, it has fewer people present the later it gets. Consider grabbing lunch to-go from a nearby cafe and enjoying it in the park. If you’re wandering the city under the moonlight, stop by to see the Hebe Fountain's dazzling light.

Getting to the Mississippi is a walk in the park

If you’re searching for more green space, riverside views await nearby. Walk two blocks west, and you’ll reach Fourth Bluff Park, or go one block farther to Mississippi River Park. Walking and biking trails, playgrounds, and a cafe connect laid-back riverside parks, granting views of the Wolf River Harbor and the Mighty Mississippi just beyond Mud Island Park.