Sight South Main & the Riverfront
Lorraine Motel
A sight in South Main & the Riverfront, free to visit and worth about 30 minutes. Best time to go: Morning.
Why go
Site of Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination, preserved as part of the National Civil Rights Museum.
It is one of 6 curated places we feature in South Main & the Riverfront, alongside 2 places to eat, 1 activity and 1 place to shop. 6 more of our picks sit within about half a mile in a straight line, so it pairs easily with National Civil Rights Museum and Central BBQ. At about 30 minutes, it slots neatly between bigger plans.
- Type
- Sight · Culture
- Neighborhood
- South Main
- Price
- Free
- Time needed
- 30 min
- Best time
- Morning
Nearby
Our closest curated picks, including 2 beyond South Main & the Riverfront. Distances are straight-line, not walking or driving.
- 1National Civil Rights Museum
Museum built around the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. King was assassinated in 1968.
Sight · Memphis · 0.0 mi straight-line - 2Central BBQ
Local favorite for pulled pork, dry-rub ribs and smoked wings across from the museum.
Food · Memphis · 0.1 mi straight-line - 3South Main Street
Arts district of restored warehouses, galleries and shops along the Main Street trolley line.
Shopping · 0.1 mi straight-line - 4Arcade Restaurant
Memphis's oldest cafe, a 1919 diner on South Main known for sweet potato pancakes and its neon sign.
Food · 0.1 mi straight-line - 5Central Station Hotel
Hotel in the restored 1914 Memphis Central Station, still served by Amtrak's City of New Orleans.
Stay · 0.2 mi straight-line - 6Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken
Downtown outpost of the Mason, Tennessee, spicy fried chicken shop, a short walk from South Main.
Food · 0.3 mi straight-line
On these curated routes
Lorraine Motel is a stop on our Memphis New Year's Eve route. Open it to see the full day-by-day plan.
More to do in South Main & the Riverfront
Lorraine Motel is our only sight pick in South Main & the Riverfront; here is what else we recommend there. See the full South Main & the Riverfront guide.
When to go: weather by month, based on Memphis
Our climate figures for South Main & the Riverfront come from nearby Memphis. Average daily highs in Memphis run from 48°F in January to 93°F in August; May is usually the wettest month. For Lorraine Motel itself, we suggest: Morning.
Modelled monthly averages for Memphis from NASA POWER, not a forecast. Memphis weather by month (covers South Main & the Riverfront).
Getting there
Map links open a live search for Lorraine Motel, so hours and directions come straight from the map app.
- Coordinates
- 35.13450, -90.05760
- Destination
- South Main & the Riverfront, Tennessee
- Website
- civilrightsmuseum.org
Lorraine Motel: quick answers
How much time do you need at Lorraine Motel?
Plan on about 30 minutes at Lorraine Motel. That is our curated estimate for a typical visit; groups that linger will want more.
When is the best time to visit Lorraine Motel?
Our pick: Morning. Insider tip: The museum is traditionally closed Jan 1, but the balcony and wreath are visible from the plaza.
Is Lorraine Motel free?
Yes, we list Lorraine Motel as free to visit. Check the official website before you go, since special exhibits, parking or tours can carry a fee.
Which TripsCircle routes include Lorraine Motel?
Lorraine Motel appears on Memphis New Year's Eve, a curated route you can open on TripsCircle and plan with your group.
Add Lorraine Motel to your crew's plan
Save it to a shared TripsCircle itinerary, settle the timing with a quick poll, and split the costs with everyone going to South Main & the Riverfront.
Plan South Main & the Riverfront
- South Main & the Riverfront travel guide 6 places
- Memphis weather (covers South Main & the Riverfront) weather by month
Lists & regions
Also in South Main & the Riverfront
- Big River Crossing Activity
Curated recommendation, not live listing data. Confirm hours, prices, bookings and access before you go.