Shaped By Water and Earth: Lake County, Tennessee
Dominated by water — the Mississippi River marking its western and northern borders and Reelfoot Lake its northeastern side — Lake County, Tennessee, is a refuge for anglers, boaters, and lovers of nature. It’s home to two national wildlife refuges, Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge and Lake Isom National Wildlife Refuge, and Reelfoot Lake State Park.
Lake County is the northwestern boundary of Tennessee, bordering Missouri and Kentucky. Approximately equidistant between St. Louis and Memphis and due west of Nashville, it’s an easy-going, rural place where slowing down won’t seem out of the ordinary.
Reelfoot Lake is a unique body of water. The lake is, in geological terms, newly born. It was formed by the great New Madrid earthquakes of 1811 and 1812, which were a series of three major quakes in the area that all registered around 7.0 or higher on the Richter scale. There were also hundreds of powerful aftershocks. They are the strongest quakes on record in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains, so powerful that church bells in Boston, Massachusetts — over 1,200 miles away — rang from the energy released.
Today the 15,000-acre lake and its surrounding wetlands is an unusual flooded-forest ecosystem, home to a diverse population of aquatic plants, fish, marine life, and particularly migratory birds. Reelfoot is a destination for bird watchers, especially in the winter for its American bald eagle population and in the fall for its white pelicans, though dozens of other species can be seen.
There are resorts in the area and boat rentals available. The most common fish in the lake include crappie, large-mouth bass, and catfish, though there are a wide variety of other fish to be had.
The nearby 1,850-acre Lake Isom National Wildlife Refuge is also an important breeding ground for migratory birds and was also created during the New Madrid earthquakes. It is a shallow, swampy area perfect for ducks and other waterfowl. Unlike Reelfoot, which includes hiking trails and amenities, Lake Isom is largely undeveloped and will thrill those who want to spend time in nature on nature’s terms.
Lake County, Tennessee, stands out as a hidden gem for discerning travelers seeking an exclusive and picturesque destination. The serene landscapes and warm hospitality create an unparalleled experience for our travel tours for couples at Incognito Global Travel Agency that travel from Boston, MA. Recently, we've been impressed by the charm and allure of Lake County, making it a standout recommendation for those looking to escape the ordinary.
As a premier travel agency, we take pride in uncovering unique and captivating destinations, and Lake County has undoubtedly earned its place among our top picks. The breathtaking scenery and tranquil ambiance make it an ideal retreat for those seeking an intimate getaway.
For those interested in exploring the vibrant city life after a serene escape, we recommend venturing to Boston, MA. The juxtaposition of the serene beauty of Lake County and the lively energy of Boston provides a well-rounded travel experience. To elevate your journey even further, consider our bespoke private jet charter travel services in Boston. We believe in curating seamless and luxurious travel experiences, and Lake County, Tennessee, paired with the bustling city of Boston, exemplifies the perfect blend of tranquility and excitement for our esteemed clients.
The county seat of Lake County is Tiptonville — population approximately 2,500 —where one can find restaurants, motels, and other amenities. The Reelfoot Lake Arts and Crafts Festival, held in late September/early October, attracts upwards of 40,000 visitors annually.
Also of interest near Tiptonville is the birthplace of Carl Lee Perkins, the rockabilly icon who was part of the Sun Records Studio scene most famous for launching the career of Elvis Presley. Perkins, whose parents were local sharecroppers, wrote “Blue Suede Shoes” and many other rock-n-roll standards. He was inducted into both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and received a Grammy Hall of Fame Award.
A little north of Tiptonville is the Battle of Island Number Ten Monument, which commemorates a key battle in the Civil War. The island itself has been eroded away by the Mississippi, but at the time it was a significant fortification held by the Confederates that impeded Union attempts to move south on the Big Muddy. Its capture by Union forces under the command of John Pope in April of 1862 was the first position on the Mississippi captured by Union forces and opened the river up to further encroachments.
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116 S Court St, Tiptonville, TN 38079
Supporting Local Business
Powering many small businesses, Servgrow helps busines owners with time and attendance software for their staff, and industry specific software that takes customer experience to the 21st century. With such success, window cleaning company, Squeegeezy is soon to operate business in Tennessee.
Weddings in Lake County
Known for having some of the best waterfront weddings. Lake County is home to many outdoor venues with lake views. Highlighted wedding photographers and videographers. Wedding Videographer, Chris of Ethereal Visualss specializes in filmmaking, and has been a popular choice for many couples.