West Tennessee has more than its fair share of individuals who follow their own drum beats. We’re going to look at three people who have carved out a niche of self-expression that has resulted in a unique visitor experience they share with the world. These run the gamut from wildlife, history, and art, and they are all accessible to the public within close proximity of Green Frog Farm.
The most commercially successful hobby-to-business is Claude Connelly’s creation, Tennessee Safari Park. The drive-through safari park opened its doors in 2006 and quickly became a regional attraction. Locals had been accustomed to his field of majestic, grazing bison for many years, but as his collection of animals grew, the family business began inviting visitors to drive through an extensive collection of free-roaming species that range from emus and ostriches to zebras and camels. The bucolic setting of the Connelly’s antebellum home next to the safari park adds to the charm and feels like it should be in a movie starring Matt Damon.
The wide open spaces and the mixture of species provide healthier, enriched habitats for animals than many zoos offer. Claude Connely’s son, Jon, has become an exotic animal expert and has been responsible for expanding his father’s vision.
Tennessee Safari Park is just two miles from Green Frog Farm, which is the next stop on our tour of eccentric visionaries. Green Frog was founded by Dr. John Freeman to preserve West Tennessee history. The first building, the general store at the entrance to the property, was moved and restored in 1991. Since then, almost 30 structures were added, including a cotton gin that was moved from Mantua, Alabama that was operational in 1910. Dr. Freeman has a passion for the pioneer era when resourceful individuals had to carve out a life from the wilderness by constructing rugged log cabins in small farming communities.
Today Green Frog Farm is a wedding and event venue with beautifully landscaped grounds and cabins for rent. Cabin guests get a free tour of the settlement included with their stay. Visitors typically pay $8 per person to tour the buildings. Depending on how much you want to linger and explore, you can make a full day out of touring the grounds and the buildings. It’s a true family business that is now managed by Dr. Freeman’s daughter, Krista, who has transformed the property into a magical experience with beautiful vistas and cozy spots, perfect for photography. She brought her eye for interior design to the rugged raw material of the cabins, instilling a rustic elegance and comfort to each space.
Our third visionary is in Brownsville, Tennessee, about 40 miles away. Local artist Billy Tripp has been adding pieces to his sculpture park known as the Mindfield for 35 years. What started out as a few small towers of recycled metal items has evolved into a massive collection that now incorporates a grain silo, water tower, and more than one boat. And it’s still a work in progress!
The sculpture is visible from several blocks away, and access to the park has its own quirky twist. The artist partners with local barber Anthony Turner who offers his own small experiential museum in front of the giant sculpture. Turner displays all kinds of historical memorabilia ranging from popular culture to the civil rights movement. And of course, you can get a haircut there too. If you plan a visit to the Mindfield, we recommend stopping by Livingston’s Soda Fountain in downtown Brownsville.