View source for Reelfoot Lake State Park

{{Short description|State park in Tennessee, United States}}
{{Use American English|date=July 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}}
{{Infobox park
| name = Reelfoot Lake State Park
| image = Image:Reelfoot Lake.jpg
| photo_width = 300px
| photo_alt = 
| photo_caption = Reelfoot Lake
| type = Tennessee State Park
| location = [[Tiptonville, Tennessee|Tiptonville]], [[Lake County, Tennessee]]
| coords = {{coord|36.363|-89.4327|region:US_type:landmark|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| area = 
| created = 
| established = 1925
| operator = [[Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation|TDEC]]
| visitation_num = 
| status = 
| website = [https://tnstateparks.com/parks/reelfoot-lake Reelfoot Lake State Park]
| map = 
| map_width = 
| map_alt = 
| map_caption = 
}}

'''Reelfoot Lake State Park''' is a [[state park]] in the northwest corner of [[Tennessee]] in the [[United States]]. It encompasses [[Reelfoot Lake]] and is situated in [[Lake County, Tennessee|Lake]] and [[Obion County, Tennessee|Obion]] counties. The park itself makes up {{convert|280|acre|km2}}, divided into ten sections around the lake.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://tnstateparks.com/parks/reelfoot-lake#:~:text=Reelfoot%20Lake%20State%20Park%20is%20located%20in%20the,a%20short%20period%20of%20time,%20creating%20Reelfoot%20Lake. |title=Reelfoot Lake State Park}}</ref> A major [[hunting]] and [[fishing]] preserve, it is part of a much larger wildlife refuge which comprises {{convert|25000|acre|km2}}, {{convert|15000|acre|km2}} of which are water, and harbors almost every kind of [[shorebird]], as well as the golden and American [[bald eagle]]s. Other animals are also diverse and abundant. The many species of flowering and non-flowering plants attract [[botany]] enthusiasts from all over the country. [[Taxodium distichum|Bald cypress]] dominates the margins of the lake, but many other trees and shrubs are also present.

== History ==
A series of [[Earthquake|earthquakes]] in [[1811–1812 New Madrid earthquakes|1811 and 1812]] are credited with the creation of Reelfoot Lake. These seismic events caused a portion of North West Tennessee to subside and the [[Mississippi River]] to flow backward for a short period of time. As the water rushed back towards the direction from which it previously came, the forested area adjacent was flooded, creating a new lake.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tennessee Wildlife - Reelfoot Lake History |url=https://oldcypresslodge.com/reelfoot-lake-history/ |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=Old Cypress Lodge |language=en-US}}</ref>

Reelfoot Lake State Park was established in 1925 when the state purchased land surrounding the lake for preservation. In 1981 The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency successfully introduced nesting [[Bald eagle|eagles]] to the park.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rust |first=Randal |title=Reelfoot Lake State Resort Park |url=https://tennesseeencyclopedia.net/entries/reelt-lake-state-resort-park/ |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=Tennessee Encyclopedia |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Activities ==
Activities at Reelfoot Lake State Park include boating, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. There are picnic facilities, and a museum and nature center. Planned programs and events take place in the park.

=== Boating ===
Reelfoot lake is open to boating throughout the year. Boat ramps are located at various points around the lake. As Reelfoot Lake contains a partially submerged forest, boaters should use caution at all times.

=== Fishing ===
Fishing is available throughout the year on Reelfoot lake. Bass, crappie, and catfish are most popular sought after fish. The appropriate Tennessee fishing license and lake permits are required for anglers.	
<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.eregulations.com/tennessee/fishing |title=Tennessee Fishing Seasons & Rules |website=eRegulations}}</ref>

=== Hiking ===
Reelfoot Lake State Park offers several easy to moderate trails allowing access to the unique wetland areas available. Trail information is available at the park's visitor center.

=== Museum and Visitor Center ===
The R.C. Donaldson Memorial Museum features a variety of exhibits displaying the ecology, history, and culture of the area. The nature center at the museum contains various non-releasable raptors, several snakes, and other wildlife. It also serves as the park Visitor Center.

=== Picnic facilities ===
Reelfoot offers visitors approximately 200 picnic sites. Most of the sites have grills and all sites are adjacent to drinking
water, toilet facilities, and playgrounds. The park also offers five large pavilions for group use.

=== Wildlife viewing ===
A plethora of wildlife is available for viewing at Reelfoot Lake State Park. Popular wildlife for viewing include Bald eagles, golden eagles, ospreys and other birds of prey. Reelfoot Lake is also located on a major migratory bird flyway which creates opportunities to view a variety of waterfowl, shorebirds, herons, and songbirds. It also has a diversity of turtles and snakes. Turtles include the pond slider, painted, and map turtles. Snakes include the banded and diamondback water snakes, the venomous cottonmouth, and the milk and corn snakes. Frogs, also common, include the green frog, and the gray and green tree frogs, which are vocal during the summers.

=== Planned programs ===
Rangers at Reelfoot offer a variety of programs throughout the year. From January through Mid-March, the park offers a bald eagle tour around Reelfoot lake. Scenic boat tours are offered on the lake from May through September.

==References==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{commons category}}
* {{Official website}}
*[https://tnstateparks.com/parks/reelfoot-lake Reelfoot Lake Official Website]

{{Protected areas of Tennessee}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:State parks of Tennessee]]
[[Category:Protected areas of Lake County, Tennessee]]
[[Category:Protected areas of Obion County, Tennessee]]
[[Category:Nature centers in Tennessee]]
[[Category:Natural history museums in Tennessee]]


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