Things to Do in Paris, Tennessee
The best things to do in Paris, Tennessee, are seeing the Eiffel Tower replica, eating catfish at the World’s Biggest Fish Fry in April and getting out on Kentucky Lake at Paris Landing State Park. Paris is a city of 10,316 people and the seat of Henry County, in the northwest corner of the state.
Paris was incorporated on September 30, 1823, making it the first town incorporated in West Tennessee, ahead of Memphis by three years. It was named for the French capital in honor of the Marquis de Lafayette.
Eiffel Tower Park
The city’s tower is a 60-foot steel Eiffel Tower in the park once called Memorial Park. Engineering students at Christian Brothers University in Memphis built the first wooden version for the 1990 Memphis in May festival, and Paris dedicated it here on January 29, 1993. A local machine shop later rebuilt it in steel.
★ Good to know The park also has a splash pad, a swimming pool, a trout pond, a 3/4-mile walking track and an 18-hole disc golf course, so it’s an easy stop with kids.
World’s Biggest Fish Fry
Henry County has thrown this festival for more than 70 years. It runs over the last full week of April with a grand parade, a carnival, a rodeo and live music. The all-you-can-eat catfish dinners are served Wednesday through Saturday of that week in the Fish Tent, which is really a building.
★ Good to know It’s the county’s busiest week, so book a room well ahead if you want to go.
Paris Landing State Park
This 1,126-acre park sits on the western shore of Kentucky Lake, northeast of town on US 79. It has a swimming beach, a marina that has served boaters for more than 50 years, an 18-hole lakeside golf course and an aviary for birds of prey that can’t return to the wild. The 91-room lodge opened in 2022, and every room has a balcony over the lake.
★ Good to know Tennessee State Parks charge no entry fee, and the Restaurant at Paris Landing, inside the lodge, has a full bar and lake views.
Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge
The refuge protects more than 60,000 acres along 65 miles of the Tennessee River and Kentucky Lake, and more than 316 bird species have been recorded here. The visitor center near Springville has exhibits and the Blue Heron Bookstore. The 2.5-mile Britton Ford Trail and the V.L. Childs Observation Deck are close by.
★ Good to know Many trails, roads and bays close November 15 to March 15 to protect wintering wildlife; the Chickasaw National Recreation Trail stays open year-round.
Downtown Paris and the courthouse square
Downtown centers on the courthouse lawn, with family-owned shops in 1920s buildings selling home decor, clothing, jewelry and locally made candy. Local artists have painted murals in many of the alleys, and they tell pieces of the town’s history.
★ Good to know Shop owners will gift-wrap for you, and the square is where most seasonal events set up.
Krider Performing Arts Center
Known locally as KPAC, this auditorium on Volunteer Drive hosts touring concerts, comedy and pageants through the year. The Paris-Henry County Arts Council also puts on events around town, including Arts ‘Round the Square.
★ Good to know Check the chamber’s event calendar before your trip; shows are booked a few at a time.
Also in town
The Paris-Henry County Heritage Center, a local history museum at 614 N. Poplar St., and the W.G. Rhea Public Library are both in the downtown footprint.
How tall is the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Tennessee?
The city lists it as a 60-foot steel tower, roughly a 1:20 scale copy of the original. It stands in Eiffel Tower Park at 1020 Maurice Fields Drive.
When is the World’s Biggest Fish Fry?
It runs over the last full week of April each year in Paris. The all-you-can-eat catfish dinners are served Wednesday through Saturday of that week.
Is Paris, Tennessee, near Kentucky Lake?
Yes. Paris Landing State Park is on the lake’s western shore, northeast of town on US 79, with a lodge, marina, beach and golf course.
What is Paris, Tennessee, known for?
Its Eiffel Tower replica, the World’s Biggest Fish Fry and being the first incorporated town in West Tennessee, in 1823. For more trip ideas, see our small towns in Tennessee.
Where to find them
- Eiffel Tower Park 1020 Maurice Fields Dr., Paris, TN 38242 Website Directions
- World's Biggest Fish Fry 517 Royal Oak Dr., Paris, TN 38242 Website Directions
- Paris Landing State Park 16055 Hwy 79 N, Buchanan, TN 38222 Website Directions
- Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge 1371 Wildlife Dr., Springville, TN 38256 Website Directions
- Downtown Paris and the courthouse square Court Square, Paris, TN 38242 Website Directions
- Krider Performing Arts Center 650 Volunteer Dr., Paris, TN 38242 Website Directions
Plan your trip: for events and current visitor info in Paris, see Paris-Henry County Chamber of Commerce →
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Where to stay in Paris
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