Named after the Native American Indians who inhabited the area, Tunica lies near the banks of the Mississippi River to the south-west of Memphis. It was once known for its impoverished neighbourhood of “Sugar Ditch Alley”, although the town’s fortunes have since changed with the arrival of large-scale casinos in the 1990s.
Things to do in Tunica
Founded in 1997 by a group of local citizens, the Tunica Museum showcases the history of the county and its race relations. Learn about the mound-building Tunica people and the early explorations by the Spanish, together with the living conditions in “Sugar Ditch Alley”. There are also exhibits dedicated to the implementation of Jim Crow laws in Tunica and the impact of casinos on the local economy.
On the banks of the Mississippi River is Tunica County River Park, which centres around a contemporary museum dedicated to Delta culture. See a life-size model of a Native American burial mound and admire works by local artists such as Jamie Tate, Donna Blackard and Tom Clifton. Also within the park is an aquarium filled with native fish and turtles.
Keen golfers can enjoy a round at Tunica National Golf & Tennis, which centres around an 18-hole course designed by Mark McCumber. It also boasts four climate-controlled indoor tennis courts, with all of the on-court play visible from the clubhouse. At Murphy’s Bar and Grill, you can feast on catfish and gulf shrimp or enjoy a refreshing drink with the locals.
Getting around Tunica
Tunica is around a one-hour drive from the centre of Memphis and 45 minutes from Memphis International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the United States. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting to Tunica and exploring the surrounding area.