Holly Springs MississippiATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Holly Springs, Mississippi.
1. Marshall County Historical Museum
THREE FLOORS OF HISTORY
The Marshall County Historical Museum offers three floors filled with a diverse collection of artifacts and memorabilia showcasing the region's rich heritage. Visitors can explore various exhibits that highlight the cultural and historical significance of Marshall County. The museum provides an immersive educational experience for history enthusiasts of all ages.
2. Strawberry Plains Audubon Center
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION HAVEN
Strawberry Plains Audubon Center spans 3,000 acres of model habitat dedicated to promoting wildlife diversity and conservation education. The center offers educational and outreach programs to inspire visitors to participate in conservation efforts. Nature enthusiasts can explore the diverse ecosystems and observe various species in their natural habitat.
3. Holly Springs National Forest
NATURAL BEAUTY AND RECREATION
Holly Springs National Forest provides beautiful natural landscapes perfect for family camping trips and outdoor adventures. The forest features diverse wildlife, hiking trails, and serene environments that showcase Mississippi's natural beauty. While it lacks running water facilities, the forest remains a popular destination for those seeking peaceful wilderness experiences.
4. Wall Doxey State Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION AREA
Wall Doxey State Park offers visitors a scenic lake setting for fishing, boating, and relaxation in the Holly Springs area. The park features camping facilities and hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts looking to connect with nature. Visitors should note that there is a $5 entry fee to access the park's amenities and natural attractions.
5. Hillcrest Cemetery
HISTORIC FINAL RESTING PLACE
Hillcrest Cemetery is a historically significant burial ground that amazes visitors with its unique atmosphere and historical significance. The cemetery serves as the final resting place for many notable figures from Holly Springs' past. Visitors often find themselves surprisingly captivated by the cemetery's historical markers and peaceful ambiance.
6. Kirkwood National Golf Club
PREMIER GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Kirkwood National Golf Club provides golfers with a well-maintained course known for its challenging layout and beautiful surroundings. The club offers a complete golfing experience with professional facilities and services for players of all skill levels. Golf enthusiasts visiting Holly Springs consider this course a must-play destination in northern Mississippi.
7. Rust College
HISTORIC BLACK COLLEGE
Rust College stands as one of the oldest historically Black colleges in the United States, founded in 1866 during the Reconstruction era. The campus features historic architecture and represents an important educational institution in African American history. Visitors can appreciate both the college's historical significance and its continuing mission of providing quality education.
8. The Holly Springs Depot
HISTORIC RAILWAY STATION
The Holly Springs Depot represents an important piece of the city's transportation history and architectural heritage. The restored depot building showcases period design elements and houses exhibits related to the railway's significance to the region. Visitors can gain insights into how rail transportation shaped the development of Holly Springs and the surrounding areas.
9. Burton Place
ANTEBELLUM HISTORIC HOME
Burton Place, dating back to circa 1840, stands as one of Holly Springs' significant antebellum homes showcasing period architecture and design. The historic property offers visitors a glimpse into pre-Civil War Southern life and culture through its preserved features and furnishings. Tours of the home provide historical context about the families who lived there and their place in local history.
10. Kate Freeman Clark Art Gallery
LOCAL ARTIST SHOWCASE
The Kate Freeman Clark Art Gallery celebrates the work of its namesake artist, a talented painter from Holly Springs who studied under William Merritt Chase. The gallery houses an impressive collection of Clark's paintings, many of which were unknown to locals until after her death in 1957. Visitors can appreciate the artistic legacy of this remarkable woman who left her entire collection to her hometown.
11. Magnolia Mansion
GRAND SOUTHERN ESTATE
Magnolia Mansion, built circa 1852, exemplifies the grandeur of Southern plantation architecture with its impressive columns and spacious design. The historic home features period furnishings and decorative elements that transport visitors to the antebellum era. Tours of the mansion provide insights into the lifestyle of wealthy Southern plantation owners before the Civil War.
12. Chewalla Lake Recreation Area
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE DESTINATION
Chewalla Lake Recreation Area offers a tranquil setting for camping, fishing, and hiking in the Holly Springs National Forest. The lake provides excellent fishing opportunities with various species available for anglers to pursue. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained campsites and the peaceful atmosphere perfect for connecting with nature.
13. Foxfire Ranch
BLUES MUSIC VENUE
Foxfire Ranch serves as an authentic blues venue near Holly Springs where visitors can experience live performances in a rustic setting. The ranch hosts regular Sunday blues picnics featuring talented musicians continuing Mississippi's rich musical traditions. Music lovers appreciate the genuine atmosphere and the opportunity to hear blues in its cultural homeland.
14. Yellow Fever Church Museum
EPIDEMIC HISTORICAL SITE
The Yellow Fever Church Museum preserves the history of the devastating 1878 yellow fever epidemic that dramatically impacted Holly Springs. The museum details how the church served the community during this tragic period when many residents perished from the disease. Exhibits provide a somber but important historical perspective on how epidemics shaped Southern communities in the 19th century.
15. Airliewood
CIVIL WAR HISTORIC MANSION
Airliewood is a magnificent Gothic Revival mansion that once served as headquarters for Union General Ulysses S. Grant during the Civil War. The historic home features impressive architecture with ornate details and is surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds. Visitors can learn about the property's significant role during a pivotal period in American history.