Technical Tours
Smart Rivers 2025 offers engaging, interactive technical tours of land- and water-based sites that demonstrate innovative or compelling cases of inland navigation and transport infrastructure. View the details below.
Registration is required. Additional fees may apply.
Thursday, 11 September
Technical Tour: Port of Memphis Bus Tour
2:00 PM-5:00 PM | Included in Full Conference Registration
Attendees will learn about port operations and facilities on this guided bus tour through the International Port of Memphis, the second largest inland port on the shallow draft portion of the Mississippi River, and the 5th largest inland port in the United States.
Technical Tour: Memphis Waterfront Walking Tour
2:00 PM-5:00 PM | Included in Full Conference Registration
Take a guided walking tour of Tom Lee Park, the stunning new 31-acre park on the Memphis riverfront that has welcomed one million visitors in its first year. Tom Lee Park is part of a network of beautiful, natural public spaces designed to reconnect Memphians with the Mississippi River and its natural, cultural and economic importance. Our host, Memphis Rivers Parks Partnership, along with representatives from the US Army Corps of Engineers will be your guides.
Optional Tour: Graceland Tour
2:00 PM-5:00 PM | Additional Fees Required
Chartered Bus to Graceland where you will experience the home of Elvis Presley, complete with tour of Graceland, his private jets and the Elvis Presley’s Memphis Entertainment Complex.
Friday, 12 September
Friday Technical Waterside and Marine Facility Tour
9:00 AM-2:00 PM | $50 fee covers costs associated with bus transportation and lunch
Hop aboard the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)’s largest working towboat, the MV Mississippi* to enjoy a waterside tour of the Mississippi River near Memphis and a briefing by the Corps navigation and river maintenance. After lunch on the vessel, your boat tour will end at Ensley Engineer Yard, the USACE full-service marine maintenance facility, where you will have a walking tour of the facility. After the tour, buses will return you to downtown Memphis. This special tour is space-limited and will be first-come, first-serve. Be sure to sign up early!
*If MV Mississippi is not available due to operations scheduling, an alternate Corps vessel will accommodate participants.