T. O. Fuller State Park
Rate this placeNearby: Boxtown Park Weaver Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
T.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
O. Fuller State Park, located in the state of Tennessee, offers visitors a diverse range of activities and attractions to enjoy. Named after Dr. Thomas O. Fuller, a prominent African American educator, this 1,138-acre park is a haven for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
One of the main reasons to visit T. O. Fuller State Park is its stunning natural beauty. The park is home to a variety of ecosystems, including dense forests, open grasslands, and wetlands, providing opportunities for hiking, bird-watching, and wildlife spotting. The park's extensive trail system allows visitors to explore and enjoy the landscape at their own pace.
Within the park, visitors will find several points of interest worth exploring. The Chucalissa Indian Village is an archaeological site that showcases a prehistoric Native American settlement. Here, visitors can learn about the rich cultural heritage of the Mississippians through exhibits, reconstructed dwellings, and ancient artifacts.
Another notable point of interest is the T. O. Fuller State Park Nature Center. This center offers educational programs and exhibits that highlight the park's flora, fauna, and natural history. It serves as an excellent resource for those seeking to understand and appreciate the local ecosystem.
T. O. Fuller State Park is also known for its golf course, which is the only public golf course in Memphis that was designed by an African American. This 18-hole course provides a scenic and challenging experience for golf enthusiasts.
As for interesting facts about the park, T. O. Fuller State Park was Tennessee's first state park open to African Americans during the era of segregation. It holds historical significance as a testament to the struggles and achievements of African Americans in the state's park system.
The best time to visit T. O. Fuller State Park is generally during the spring and fall seasons. During these periods, the weather is pleasant, and you can witness the beauty of blooming flowers or vibrant fall foliage. However, the park offers activities throughout the year, including camping, fishing, and picnicking, so visitors can enjoy its offerings regardless of the season.
To ensure accuracy, it is recommended to verify the information provided here by consulting multiple independent sources such as official park websites, visitor guides, and reputable travel resources.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Boxtown Park
Weaver Park
Bison Park
Chickasaw Park
Western Park