Isola MississippiATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Isola, Mississippi.
1. Club Ebony
HISTORIC BLUES VENUE
Club Ebony is a historic blues venue in Isola that has hosted numerous legendary blues musicians. The club offers visitors a glimpse into the rich musical heritage of the Mississippi Delta region. Visitors can enjoy live music performances in an authentic setting that has been a cultural landmark for decades.
2. B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center
BLUES LEGEND TRIBUTE
The B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center celebrates the life and music of the legendary blues musician B.B. King. Located near Isola in Indianola, this interactive museum features exhibits on King's career, Mississippi Delta history, and the evolution of blues music. Visitors can explore artifacts, recordings, and multimedia presentations that tell the story of King's rise from humble beginnings to international fame.
3. B.B. King's Corner
BLUES MUSIC MEMORABILIA
B.B. King's Corner is a cultural spot near Isola that honors the blues icon's legacy with various memorabilia. The location serves as a tribute to King's influence on American music and the Delta blues tradition. Visitors can immerse themselves in blues history while exploring this dedicated space celebrating one of Mississippi's most famous musicians.
4. Indianola Pecan House
SOUTHERN PECAN DELICACIES
Indianola Pecan House is a popular specialty shop offering a variety of pecan treats and Southern delicacies. Visitors can sample and purchase freshly made pecan candies, pies, and other regional specialties in this charming establishment. The shop showcases the agricultural heritage of the region and provides a taste of authentic Southern flavors.
5. Lake Dawson
SCENIC WATERSIDE RECREATION
Lake Dawson is a picturesque body of water on the banks of which Isola is situated. The lake offers recreational opportunities for fishing, boating, and enjoying the natural beauty of the Mississippi Delta landscape. Visitors can experience the peaceful atmosphere and observe local wildlife while spending time at this scenic spot.
6. Natchez Trace Parkway
HISTORIC SCENIC HIGHWAY
Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile scenic road that follows the historic Old Natchez Trace used by American Indians, European settlers, and traders. The parkway features numerous historical sites, hiking trails, and picturesque overlooks showcasing the natural beauty of Mississippi. Visitors can drive portions of this national scenic byway to experience both history and nature within a reasonable distance from Isola.
7. Elvis Presley Birthplace
KING OF ROCK'S ORIGIN
The Elvis Presley Birthplace in Tupelo is the humble two-room house where the King of Rock and Roll was born in 1935. This historic site includes a museum, memorial chapel, and the restored original home that tells the story of Elvis's early years. Visitors can tour the grounds to gain insight into the formative influences that shaped one of music's most iconic figures.
8. U.S.S. Cairo Museum
CIVIL WAR IRONCLAD
The U.S.S. Cairo Museum houses the restored remains of a Civil War ironclad gunboat that was sunk in the Yazoo River in 1862 and raised a century later. Visitors can explore the partially reconstructed vessel and view thousands of artifacts recovered from the wreckage. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into naval warfare during the Civil War and the lives of sailors who served aboard these early armored vessels.
9. Windsor Ruins
ANTEBELLUM COLUMNS STANDING
Windsor Ruins consists of 23 dramatic columns that remain from what was once the largest antebellum Greek Revival mansion in Mississippi. Built in 1861, the mansion was destroyed by fire in 1890, leaving only these haunting columns as a reminder of the pre-Civil War South. Visitors can walk among these stately columns and imagine the grandeur of the original structure that symbolized the wealth of plantation society.
10. Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument
CIVIL RIGHTS HERITAGE
The Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument preserves the residence where civil rights leader Medgar Evers lived and was tragically assassinated in 1963. This historic house museum stands as a powerful reminder of the struggle for civil rights in Mississippi and the sacrifice of those who fought for equality. Visitors can tour the restored home to learn about Evers' legacy and the civil rights movement in the Deep South.
11. Mississippi Blues Trail
MUSICAL HERITAGE JOURNEY
The Mississippi Blues Trail consists of historic markers throughout the state that tell the story of the blues and those who created this uniquely American art form. Several markers can be found near Isola, highlighting the Delta region's significant contribution to blues music. Visitors can follow the trail to discover the places, people, and events that shaped the development of the blues from its roots in Mississippi.
12. Rosalie Mansion
ANTEBELLUM ARCHITECTURAL GEM
Rosalie Mansion is a magnificent antebellum home built in 1823 that overlooks the Mississippi River in Natchez. The mansion features Federal-style architecture and is furnished with period pieces that showcase the opulence of pre-Civil War Southern society. Visitors can take guided tours of this historic house to admire its architectural details and learn about the families who once called it home.
13. St. Mary Basilica
GOTHIC REVIVAL MASTERPIECE
St. Mary Basilica is a stunning Gothic Revival church completed in 1886 that stands as one of the most architecturally impressive religious buildings in Mississippi. The basilica features beautiful stained glass windows, intricate woodwork, and a soaring interior that inspires awe in visitors. Tours of this historic church offer insights into both its architectural significance and its role in the religious history of the region.
14. Mississippi Freedom Trail
CIVIL RIGHTS HISTORY
The Mississippi Freedom Trail commemorates people, places, and events of the Civil Rights Movement through historical markers across the state. The trail documents Mississippi's central role in the struggle for racial equality and voting rights during the mid-20th century. Visitors can follow these markers to gain a deeper understanding of the courage and determination of those who fought against segregation and discrimination.
15. Jim Henson Exhibit
MUPPETS CREATOR TRIBUTE
The Jim Henson Exhibit in Leland celebrates the life and work of Jim Henson, creator of the Muppets, who spent his early childhood in this Delta town. The exhibit displays memorabilia, photographs, and information about Henson's creative journey from Mississippi to international fame. Visitors can learn about how Henson's Mississippi roots influenced his artistic vision and the development of his beloved puppet characters.