Hickory MississippiATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Hickory, Mississippi.
1. Lazy Acres Agritainment
FAMILY FUN ON FARM
Lazy Acres Agritainment offers family-friendly agricultural entertainment in Hickory. Visitors can enjoy seasonal activities like corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and farm animal interactions. The attraction provides a perfect blend of education and fun for people of all ages.
2. Chunky River Recreation Trading Post
RIVERSIDE OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Chunky River Recreation Trading Post serves as a hub for outdoor activities along the scenic Chunky River. Visitors can rent canoes, kayaks, and fishing equipment to explore the waterway. The trading post also offers supplies and local knowledge for those looking to experience Mississippi's natural beauty.
3. Dunn's Falls Water Park
HISTORIC WATERFALL RETREAT
Dunn's Falls Water Park features a beautiful 65-foot waterfall created by John Dunn in the 1850s. The park offers swimming, picnicking, and hiking opportunities set amongst stunning natural scenery. Visitors can also explore a historic working water mill and pioneer homestead on the premises.
4. Okatibbee Lake
RECREATION-RICH RESERVOIR
Okatibbee Lake is a 3,800-acre reservoir offering various water-based recreational activities near Hickory. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, and camping at this popular outdoor destination. The lake is home to abundant wildlife and features multiple parks along its shoreline.
5. Dentzel Carousel
HISTORIC HAND-CARVED CAROUSEL
The Dentzel Carousel is a National Historic Landmark featuring hand-carved animals created by Gustav Dentzel in 1896. Located in Highland Park, this beautifully preserved carousel continues to delight visitors of all ages. The carousel represents one of the few remaining examples of its kind in America.
6. Holly Springs National Forest
PRISTINE WOODLAND ESCAPE
Holly Springs National Forest encompasses over 155,000 acres of protected woodland in northern Mississippi near Hickory Flat. The forest offers extensive hiking trails, camping areas, and opportunities for wildlife viewing throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy fishing, hunting (in season), and exploring the diverse ecosystem of pine and hardwood forests.
7. Chewalla Lake Recreation Area
LAKESIDE LEISURE SPOT
Chewalla Lake Recreation Area features a beautiful 260-acre lake surrounded by pine forests within Holly Springs National Forest. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, and picnicking in this tranquil natural setting. The recreation area also offers camping facilities, hiking trails, and wildlife observation opportunities.
8. Park Along the River and Mississippi Arboretum
RIVERSIDE BOTANICAL SHOWCASE
Park Along the River and Mississippi Arboretum offers a beautiful riverside setting featuring native plants and walking trails. The arboretum showcases Mississippi's diverse flora and provides educational opportunities about local ecology. Visitors can enjoy peaceful walks, picnicking, and special events throughout the year in this natural sanctuary.
9. Hickory Baptist Church
HISTORIC COMMUNITY LANDMARK
Hickory Baptist Church stands as a historic religious landmark in the heart of Hickory. The church features unique architecture and serves as an important gathering place for the community. Visitors can appreciate the building's historical significance and peaceful atmosphere.
10. Multicultural Center & Museum
DIVERSE CULTURAL HERITAGE
The Multicultural Center & Museum celebrates the diverse cultural heritage of Mississippi through exhibits and educational programs. Visitors can explore displays that highlight the contributions of various ethnic groups to the region's history. The museum offers insights into the rich tapestry of cultures that have shaped the area.
11. Canton Movie Museums
FILM HISTORY SHOWCASE
Canton Movie Museums highlight the town's prominent role as a filming location for numerous Hollywood productions. Visitors can explore memorabilia, props, and behind-the-scenes information from movies filmed in the area. The museums offer a fascinating glimpse into the filmmaking process and Canton's cinematic legacy.
12. Mississippi Blues Trail
MUSICAL HERITAGE JOURNEY
The Mississippi Blues Trail features markers throughout the state commemorating significant sites in blues music history. Visitors can follow the trail to learn about influential musicians, recording locations, and venues that shaped this distinctive American art form. The trail provides a self-guided tour through the cultural landscape that birthed the blues.
13. Historic Canton Square
CHARMING DOWNTOWN DISTRICT
Historic Canton Square features beautifully preserved architecture surrounding a classic courthouse square layout. Visitors can explore unique shops, dining establishments, and historical buildings in this charming district. The square regularly hosts community events, festivals, and the famous Canton Flea Market.
14. Sister Thea Bowman Home
CIVIL RIGHTS FIGURE'S RESIDENCE
The Sister Thea Bowman Home preserves the residence of an influential educator, missionary, and advocate for cultural awareness. Sister Bowman was known for her work promoting intercultural understanding and her contributions to Catholic liturgical practices. Visitors can learn about her remarkable life and lasting impact on education and civil rights.
15. Old Madison County Jail
HISTORIC LAW ENFORCEMENT SITE
The Old Madison County Jail stands as a well-preserved example of historic law enforcement architecture in Mississippi. The building offers visitors a glimpse into the past through exhibits and tours of the former detention facility. Its distinctive structure and historical significance make it an intriguing destination for those interested in local history.