Chunky MississippiATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Chunky, Mississippi.
1. Lazy Acres Agritainment
FAMILY FARM ADVENTURE
Lazy Acres Agritainment offers a fun-filled experience with seasonal farm activities, including pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and hayrides. This attraction emphasizes family entertainment alongside agricultural education, making it a local favorite for both kids and adults. Special events throughout the year provide an ever-changing array of things to do and see.
2. Chunky River Recreation Trading Post
OUTDOOR RECREATION HUB
Chunky River Recreation Trading Post serves as a gateway for visitors seeking outdoor adventures along the Chunky River. Guests can rent canoes or kayaks and purchase supplies before embarking on fishing, paddling, or nature watching excursions. The Trading Post is known for its friendly staff and serves as an essential stop for anyone exploring the waterways around Chunky.
3. Chunky River
RIVER ACTIVITIES & SCENERY
The Chunky River winds gently through the countryside, providing a tranquil setting for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Its rural banks are home to abundant wildlife, attracting nature lovers and photographers alike. This scenic waterway is also steeped in local history, with its name derived from the Choctaw language.
4. Dunn's Falls Water Park
WATERFALL AND RECREATION
Dunn's Falls Water Park features a picturesque 65-foot waterfall and historic gristmill in a serene park setting. Guests enjoy hiking, picnicking, and exploring the natural beauty along the Chunky River. The park offers family-friendly fun and educational experiences about the region's early industry.
5. Okatibbee Lake
RESERVOIR & WILDLIFE AREA
Okatibbee Lake is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and bird watching, surrounded by a wooded recreation area. The lake's campgrounds and picnic sites attract outdoor enthusiasts from across the region. Its diverse landscape provides a peaceful retreat for visitors of all ages.
6. Chunky Shoals Fish Camp
RIVERFRONT DINING & LODGING
Chunky Shoals Fish Camp offers guests rustic riverfront cabins and some of the best Southern-style catfish dining in the area. Visitors can enjoy fishing and relaxing by the water before sampling local favorites inside the cozy dining hall. The camp is known for its friendly service and welcoming, small-town atmosphere.
7. Meridian Railroad Museum
TRAIN HISTORY EXPERIENCE
The Meridian Railroad Museum celebrates the rich railroad heritage of east Mississippi through interactive displays and vintage train cars. Enthusiasts and families alike can tour the museum, which preserves the story of the region's vital transportation links. The museum is a top attraction for those interested in history and technology.
8. Highland Park Dentzel Carousel
HISTORIC AMUSEMENT RIDE
The Highland Park Dentzel Carousel, built in 1909, is one of only a handful of original wooden carousels left in North America. This National Historic Landmark features beautifully hand-carved animals and offers rides for all ages in a charming park setting. The carousel is a treasured piece of local and national history.
9. MSU Riley Center
PERFORMING ARTS THEATER
The MSU Riley Center is a beautifully restored performing arts venue known for its mix of concerts, theater, and special events. The historic opera house, dating back to 1889, continues to draw audiences with its top-tier acoustics and elegant architecture. It stands as a cultural cornerstone in downtown Meridian.
10. Weidmann's Restaurant
ICONIC SOUTHERN DINING
Weidmann's Restaurant is one of Mississippi's oldest continuously operating restaurants, famous for its classic Southern cuisine and historic charm. Guests savor dishes like fried green tomatoes and Southern-style grits in a setting filled with local artifacts. The restaurant is a favorite for both locals and travelers seeking a taste of tradition.
11. Meridian Little Theatre
COMMUNITY THEATER PRODUCTIONS
Meridian Little Theatre showcases live performances ranging from comedies to dramas and musicals, engaging audiences of all ages. This community-driven venue has operated for decades, highlighting the talents of local actors and crew. Theatergoers appreciate its intimate setting and vibrant programming.
12. Bonita Lakes Park
OUTDOOR URBAN OASIS
Bonita Lakes Park offers a peaceful escape with walking trails, picnic areas, and scenic lakes surrounded by forested hills. Visitors enjoy hiking, running, fishing, and wildlife watching in this expansive city park. Its natural beauty makes it the perfect place for outdoor recreation year-round.
13. Meridian Museum of Art
LOCAL & REGIONAL ART
The Meridian Museum of Art displays a diverse collection of visual art from Mississippi and beyond, including rotating exhibitions and community programs. Housed in a former historic Carnegie library, the museum provides free admission to visitors. It serves as a cultural hub for art lovers and aspiring artists alike.
14. Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience (The MAX)
CULTURAL HERITAGE CENTER
The MAX is a state-of-the-art museum dedicated to celebrating Mississippi's creative legends in music, art, literature, and film. Interactive exhibits and immersive galleries tell the stories of the state's greatest artists and entertainers. The center inspires visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
15. Soule Steam Feed Works
INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE MUSEUM
Soule Steam Feed Works is a preserved industrial site where visitors can learn about early 20th-century steam engineering and manufacturing. Guided tours explore the machinery and workshops that once powered Mississippi's agricultural industry. The museum hosts live demonstrations during annual Steam Fest events.