Bay Springs MississippiATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Bay Springs, Mississippi.
1. Bay Springs Lake
DEEP WATER RECREATION HAVEN
Bay Springs Lake is a reservoir in Tishomingo County, formed by the Jamie Whitten Lock and Dam on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway. The lake contains 6,700 acres with 133 miles of shoreline and is the only deep water lake on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway. Visitors can enjoy recreational activities such as boating, fishing, camping, swimming, and hiking in the surrounding parks and campgrounds.
2. Crow's Neck Environmental Education Center
NATURE LEARNING EXPERIENCE
Crow's Neck Environmental Education Center is located on a 530-acre peninsula of Bay Springs Lake. The center is operated by Northeast Mississippi Community College and offers a variety of educational programming. Nature enthusiasts, teachers, and curious learners will find numerous activities focused on environmental education and appreciation.
3. Bay Springs Golf Course
HISTORIC GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Bay Springs Golf Course opened in 1965 and offers a classic golfing experience in Mississippi. The course features well-maintained greens and fairways that challenge golfers of all skill levels. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing day on the links while taking in the natural beauty of the Bay Springs area.
4. Bear Creek Golf Course
CHALLENGING 18-HOLE COURSE
The Bear Creek facility in Laurel features an 18-hole golf course spanning 6,482 yards. The course offers a challenging experience for golfers with varied terrain and strategic hole placements. Visitors enjoy the scenic surroundings while testing their skills on this well-designed course.
5. Ross B. Pharr Park
UNIQUE NATURAL SPRINGS AREA
Ross B. Pharr Park in the Town of Marietta is home to a fascinating twenty square foot area containing thirteen springs of running water. The springs have been identified to have nine different varieties of water, making it a unique natural attraction. The area, originally called 'Nemo Akim' or 'Purple Shell,' was first inhabited by Native Americans and now offers ball fields, playgrounds, and other recreational facilities.
6. Piney Grove Recreation Area
OUTDOOR FAMILY FUN
Piney Grove Recreation Area offers various outdoor activities for families in Prentiss County. Visitors can enjoy picnic facilities, walking trails, and water-based recreation in a serene natural setting. The area provides a peaceful retreat for those looking to connect with nature while enjoying recreational amenities.
7. Old Bridge Beach Recreation Area
WATERFRONT LEISURE SPOT
Old Bridge Beach Recreation Area provides waterfront access for swimming and sunbathing in Prentiss County. The beach area features sandy shores and designated swimming zones for safe water recreation. Families appreciate the combination of natural beauty and developed facilities that make for comfortable day trips.
8. Brice's Cross Roads National Battlefield Site
HISTORIC CIVIL WAR SITE
Brice's Cross Roads National Battlefield Site preserves the location of a significant Civil War battle that took place in June 1864. The site features interpretive displays that explain the battle's historical context and military significance. Visitors can walk the grounds where Confederate forces under Nathan Bedford Forrest defeated a larger Union army in one of the most decisive tactical victories of the war.
9. Rails & Trails Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE SHOWCASE
Rails & Trails Museum showcases the rich transportation and cultural history of Prentiss County. The museum features artifacts, photographs, and exhibits detailing the impact of railroads on the region's development. Visitors gain insight into the area's past through thoughtfully curated displays that connect local stories to broader historical contexts.
10. Pharr Mounds
ANCIENT NATIVE AMERICAN SITE
Pharr Mounds is an important archaeological site containing eight Native American burial mounds dating from 1-200 CE. The mounds represent one of the largest Middle Woodland period ceremonial sites in the southeastern United States. Visitors can explore the area and learn about the indigenous cultures that once thrived in the region through interpretive displays and walking paths.
11. W.M. Browning Cretaceous Fossil Park
PREHISTORIC DISCOVERY ZONE
W.M. Browning Cretaceous Fossil Park offers visitors the opportunity to discover and collect fossils from the Cretaceous period. The park contains exposed formations where ancient marine fossils can be found, including shark teeth, mosasaur remains, and various invertebrates. Amateur paleontologists and families alike enjoy the hands-on experience of uncovering pieces of Mississippi's prehistoric past.
12. Canal Section Wildlife Management Area
HUNTER'S PARADISE
Canal Section Wildlife Management Area provides extensive hunting opportunities in a managed natural habitat. The area supports diverse wildlife populations including deer, turkey, and various small game species. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the well-maintained land that balances conservation with recreational access.
13. Divide Section Wildlife Management Area
PRISTINE WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE
Divide Section Wildlife Management Area offers pristine wilderness for hunting, fishing, and wildlife observation. The protected area features diverse ecosystems that support a wide range of native Mississippi flora and fauna. Nature enthusiasts can explore undeveloped landscapes while participating in seasonal recreational activities regulated to preserve the natural environment.
14. John Bell Williams Wildlife Management Area
DIVERSE HABITAT CONSERVATION
John Bell Williams Wildlife Management Area preserves critical habitat for numerous species native to Mississippi. The area features varied terrain including forests, wetlands, and open fields that support diverse wildlife populations. Conservation efforts combine with recreational opportunities to create a space where visitors can connect with nature while supporting ecological preservation.
15. Jamie Whitten Lock and Dam
ENGINEERING MARVEL
Jamie Whitten Lock and Dam is an impressive engineering structure that forms Bay Springs Lake on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway. The facility allows for navigation between the Tennessee River and the Tombigbee River system, creating an important transportation corridor. Visitors can observe large vessels navigating the lock system while learning about the waterway's significance to regional commerce and recreation.