Quality of Life
Safe, Friendly, Affordable.
Lauderdale County enjoys the convenience of its neighboring big cities, Memphis and Jackson, but remains pristinely rural with a population of less than 28,000 people. The county offers safe, friendly communities, affordable housing, a reasonable cost of living and an overall high quality of life.
Lauderdale County's abundant parks, wildlife and outdoor recreational areas have won the Governor's Award for Excellence several times. For those who prefer the indoors, the fascinating museums and quaint, small town shops offer the perfect place for a quiet afternoon.
History & Heritage
Steep bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River made this area a strategic location during the Civil War. The fort was originally built by Confederate troops in 1861 and named after General Gideon J. Pillow. It was abandoned in 1862 due to the Union Navy’s advancement. The 1,642-acre state park attracts 1.5 million visitors each year and features a well-preserved fort, Civil War reenactments and a Civil War trail. The park’s museum offers Civil War artifacts, including a canon and interpretive displays. Fort Pillow State Historic Park was designated as a Wildlife Observation Area by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
Outdoor Recreation
Lauderdale County offers numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation. This area along the Mississippi River is a great place for hikers, hunters and fishermen. At places like Fort Pillow State Historic Park, the family campground features tent and RV sites. The park has a moderately difficult five-mile hiking trail to backcountry camping, too. The average high and low temperatures, 89 degrees in July and 29 in January, attest to four distinct, but mild, seasons. Ripley averages three inches of snow each year, with 53 inches of annual precipitation.
Ripley City Park
Ripley City Park is 50 acres of beautifully landscaped park right in the heart of Ripley. It features four lighted multi-purpose athletic fields, three playgrounds, a lighted walking and jogging trail, a sand volleyball court, a tetherball court, four state-of-the-art lighted tennis courts and a lighted nine-hole disc golf course. In the summer, the park's swimming pool and three water slides are open to the public. The park has several pavilions and two large, open venues with plenty parking spaces, grills, serving and picnic tables and electricity throughout the park. One mile away, Ripley Family Fitness Center offers a wonderful variety of cardio and strengthening opportunities.
