In 1825, humanist reformer Frances Wright founded the Nashoba Commune on 670 acres north of Wolf River, now part of Shelby Farms Park and Agricenter International.

Throughout the 1800s, the commune provided practical and cultural education to emancipated slaves after they worked off the costs of their indentured servitude.

In 2007, a public and private non-profit partnership was established to provide for the daily operation of the park and to plan for its future use.

Encompassing about 4,500 acres (1,800 ha) of land,[1] Shelby Farms is a large urban park in the United States and one of the largest in Tennessee.

[2] It is within the area of East Memphis Several lakes, natural forests, and the wetlands of the Wolf River are situated in hilly surroundings.

Although the park is surrounded by routes used by commuter traffic, smaller species can still find habitats large enough to survive.

Former Shelby County Mayor Bill Morris was instrumental, along with park superintendent Tom Hill, in introducing the bison, which now number about 45.

[4] Remains of an early settlement from the late 19th century can be found at the eastern tip of Shelby Farms park, consisting of ruins of a residential building, a disintegrated barn, car wrecks dating from the 1950s and 1960s, old fences and a family burial site.

[12] James Corner Field Operations (JCFO) located in New York won the SFPC's competition for the park's master plan.

An unpaved trail, the Tour de Wolf, takes hikers and bikers through the woods of Shelby Farms Park for 6.08 miles (9.8 km).

Off-leash dog activities are designated in a 120-acre (49 ha) area that includes meadows, lakes and hiking trails.

[citation needed] It is also the first trail in Tennessee to use a pedestrian hybrid beacon at two major crossings: Highland and Graham.