Skip Memphis and go to Sam A Baker State Park in Missouri. I was there several years ago. Hummingbirds flew to feeders at the park HQ, and a rare and wonderful pileated woodpecker flew frequently over the tents. There were lovely butterflies at the wildflowers, and a crystal clear stream flowed over pink and gray pebbles. When we waded, minnow zipped up to see if our feet were good to eat, then zipped away. (If possible, avoid going on a weekend.)

Or you could go to the Cahokia Mounds and learn about ancient Americans.

Or you could go up to Hannibal. It's delightful. If you haven't read Huckleberry Finn, read it first.

Or you could go to Reelfoot Lake in Tennessee, where Spanish moss hangs on the cypresses and some people have seen 125 kinds of bird in one day. You might want to borrow a boat for that jaunt.

By the way, I wonder if the people who have mentioned Mountain View Arkansas have checked the mileage from there to STL. I believe it's pretty far.

As for Memphis, I hear that Graceland is depressing, full of sagging furniture. I've been to Memphis (not in detail) and I believe a trip there would mean a lot of time on the interstate just to find - another city much like the one you just left.

I wish to be fair, so I will say that it is perfectly possible that the restrooms in Tennessee are nicer than when I was last there.