Horn Lake, Mississippi: 10 Fun Things To Do Nearby

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10 Fun Things To Do Near Horn Lake, Mississippi (That Locals Actually Love)

If you’re road-tripping down I‑55 or planning a long weekend in North Mississippi, Horn Lake, Mississippi, in DeSoto County, is a smart home base. It’s just a short drive from Memphis but still has that easy small-town vibe. Below are 10 things to do in and near Horn Lake that mix local flavor, outdoor fun, and a little bit of Memphis magic.

1. Spend a Relaxed Day at Latimer Lakes Park

Latimer Lakes Park is one of the best places in Horn Lake to slow down and enjoy the outdoors. It’s big, green, and family‑friendly. You’ll find:
  • Walking and jogging trails
  • Fishing lakes
  • Ball fields and tennis courts
  • Playgrounds for the kids
  • Plenty of open space for a picnic or tossing a football
Bring a folding chair, a small cooler, and maybe a fishing pole. On a warm evening, you’ll see locals walking dogs, kids riding bikes, and families grilling out. If you’re looking for free things to do in Horn Lake, this park should be first on your list.

2. Shop and Snack Along Goodman Road

Goodman Road (Highway 302) is the main strip that runs right through Horn Lake. It’s lined with stores, chain restaurants, and local spots. You can:
  • Hit big-box stores for road trip essentials
  • Try local Mexican or Southern comfort food
  • Grab a sweet tea and do a little people‑watching
Is it fancy? No. Is it real life North Mississippi? Absolutely. If you like seeing how a town really lives—where they shop, eat, and hang out—take a slow drive down Goodman Road and stop wherever looks busy. Locals usually know where the good stuff is.

3. Take a Short Drive to Graceland in Memphis

Here’s the big one. Horn Lake is only about a 10–15 minute drive from Graceland, Elvis Presley’s famous home in Memphis. At Graceland you can:
  • Tour Elvis’s mansion and see the jungle room
  • Visit his private jets
  • Explore exhibits full of costumes, gold records, and cars
Even if you’re not a huge Elvis fan, the tour is surprisingly interesting. It’s like stepping into a 1970s time capsule with shag carpet and all. Tip:
  • Plan at least 3 hours.
  • Buy tickets online ahead of time, especially in summer.
For many visitors, staying in Horn Lake and driving up to Graceland is cheaper and quieter than staying right in Memphis, but you’re still very close to all the action.

4. Feel the Blues on Beale Street

From Horn Lake, it’s an easy drive (usually 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic) to Beale Street in downtown Memphis. If you love live music, you’ll want to set aside one evening for this. On Beale Street you’ll find:
  • Live blues and rock in small bars
  • Street performers and neon lights
  • Classic BBQ joints and late‑night snacks
You don’t have to drink to enjoy Beale. You can just walk, listen to music spilling out of doorways, and soak in the history. If you’re traveling with family, consider going earlier in the evening before it gets too wild.

5. Score Deals at the Tanger Outlets in Southaven

Just a few minutes east of Horn Lake is Southaven, another city in DeSoto County. That’s where you’ll find Tanger Outlets Southaven, a large open‑air shopping center right off I‑55. Expect:
  • Brand‑name clothing stores
  • Shoe and athletic wear outlets
  • Seasonal sales and discounts
  • Casual spots to grab lunch or coffee
If you’re on a road trip and forgot a jacket, need comfy walking shoes, or just love outlet prices, Tanger Outlets is a solid stop. It’s also a good rainy‑day backup plan when outdoor plans get washed out.

6. Catch a Game or Concert at Landers Center

Also in Southaven, about a 10–15 minute drive from Horn Lake, is the Landers Center, a big indoor arena that hosts:
  • Concerts and touring shows
  • Sports events
  • Family shows (circus, ice shows, monster trucks)
If you’re planning a trip to Horn Lake and want to add a special event, it’s worth checking the Landers Center calendar online. You might time it just right for a favorite artist or a fun family show. One nice thing: after a late event, it’s an easy drive back to hotels in Horn Lake or Southaven, so you don’t have to mess with big‑city parking.

7. Explore the Outdoors at Arkabutla Lake

If you’re craving fresh air and wide‑open space, head about 25–30 minutes south of Horn Lake to Arkabutla Lake. It’s one of the big Corps of Engineers lakes in North Mississippi. You can:
  • Fish from the bank or by boat
  • Relax on small swimming and picnic areas
  • Hike or stroll along easy trails
  • Camp at one of the campgrounds if you have gear
The lake is peaceful, especially on weekdays. Bring sunscreen, bug spray, and plenty of water in the warmer months—it can get hot and humid. If you like quiet sunsets over the water, this is a great spot near Horn Lake that many out‑of‑towners never find.

8. Experience Live Sports at AutoZone Park or FedExForum

Sports fans, you’re in luck. Horn Lake puts you close to major and minor league action up in Memphis. You can:
  • Watch Memphis Redbirds baseball at AutoZone Park
  • Catch an NBA Memphis Grizzlies game at FedExForum
  • See the Memphis Tigers (college basketball) at the same arena
Both venues are less than a 30–40 minute drive from Horn Lake. If you’ve never been to a big basketball game, the energy at FedExForum is intense—loud crowds, music, and constant excitement. AutoZone Park, on the other hand, has more of that laid‑back summer baseball feel, with hot dogs, fireworks nights, and family deals.

9. Visit the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel

For a deeper, more reflective experience, drive up to the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis. It’s built around the former Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. Inside you’ll find:
  • Detailed exhibits on the civil rights movement
  • Powerful photographs and videos
  • Stories that connect the past to today
This isn’t a “light” stop, but it’s an important one. Many visitors say it’s one of the most meaningful things they did on their trip. Plan at least 2–3 hours, and note that it can get busy on weekends and holidays. Staying in Horn Lake and making the short drive up is an easy way to fit this into your North Mississippi trip.

10. Enjoy Local Eats and Southern Comfort Food

You don’t have to go far from Horn Lake to find good Southern cooking. DeSoto County has plenty of locally owned spots where the tea is sweet and the portions are generous. Look for:
  • BBQ joints serving ribs, pulled pork, and smoked chicken
  • Meat‑and‑three cafés with fried chicken, collard greens, and cornbread
  • Breakfast diners where you can get biscuits and gravy and a plate full of hash browns
One simple travel rule: If the parking lot is full of pickup trucks at lunchtime, the food is probably worth a stop. Ask your hotel front desk or a gas station clerk, “Where do y’all eat around here?” You’ll usually get a real local recommendation you won’t find on a national list.

Planning Your Stay in Horn Lake

Horn Lake is a smart base if you want:
  • Quick access to Memphis attractions
  • More budget‑friendly hotels
  • A quieter place to sleep away from downtown crowds
You’re close to:
  • Graceland (about 10–15 minutes)
  • Southaven shopping and Landers Center (about 10–15 minutes)
  • Downtown Memphis and Beale Street (about 25–30 minutes)
  • Arkabutla Lake (about 25–30 minutes)
So in one long weekend you can mix:
  • Big‑city music, museums, and sports
  • Small‑town parks and local food
  • Quiet time by the lake

Final Thoughts: Why Horn Lake Works for a Short Getaway

Horn Lake might not be the first name you see in glossy travel magazines, but that’s part of the charm. It’s:
  • Easy to reach off I‑55
  • Close to major Memphis attractions
  • Laid‑back and friendly
If you like the idea of exploring North Mississippi and Memphis without paying big‑city prices every night, Horn Lake is worth a look.

Share Your Horn Lake Experience

Have you visited Horn Lake or DeSoto County? Did you discover a park, restaurant, or day trip that should be on this list? Share your favorite things to do near Horn Lake in the comments so other travelers can check them out on their next Mississippi road trip. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with a friend who’s planning a visit to Mississippi or Memphis—sometimes the best trips start in the small towns just off the interstate.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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