Smart City Memphis: Mud Island — The Mystery in the Mississippi

November 17, 2025

Smart City Memphis

Smart City Memphis revisits the history of Mud Island — once a hopeful riverfront park, but over decades burdened by failed promises, underfunding, and lost potential. The article argues that the island’s 52 acres still represent one of the city’s great opportunities. With the transformation of the old river museum into Baron Von Opperbean & the River of Time, Mud Island might finally get a future worthy of its jewel-on-the-river location.

The piece explores past missteps — failed attractions, lack of upkeep, and shifting priorities — while pointing to BVO as a creative, community-centered path forward.

“Few cities possess anything like 52 acres on the Mississippi River available for reinvention across from downtown.”