Laurel MississippiATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Laurel, Mississippi.
1. Lauren Rogers Museum of Art
HISTORIC ART INSTITUTION
The Lauren Rogers Museum of Art is Mississippi's first art museum and houses impressive collections of American and European art, Native American baskets, and Japanese woodblock prints. Built in 1923 as a memorial for Lauren Eastman Rogers, the Georgian Revival building itself is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can explore rotating exhibitions, permanent collections, and educational programs that celebrate both regional and international artistic traditions.
2. Landrum's Homestead & Village
LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM
Landrum's Homestead & Village recreates a late 19th-century settlement with over 80 historic structures and thousands of artifacts. Visitors can explore blacksmith shops, a gristmill, a one-room schoolhouse, and other period buildings that showcase pioneer life in rural Mississippi. The village hosts special events throughout the year, including a popular Country Christmas celebration featuring traditional decorations and activities.
3. Laurel Little Theatre
HISTORIC COMMUNITY PLAYHOUSE
The Laurel Little Theatre operates from the historic Arabian Theatre, a 1927 vaudeville and silent movie house with stunning Moroccan-inspired architecture. For over 60 years, this community theater organization has produced quality plays, musicals, and special performances for local audiences. The volunteer-driven company produces four main-stage shows each season while preserving an important cultural landmark in downtown Laurel.
4. Laurel Main Street
REVITALIZED DOWNTOWN DISTRICT
Laurel Main Street encompasses the city's vibrant downtown district, which has undergone significant revitalization featured on HGTV's 'Home Town' series. Visitors can explore historic buildings housing boutique shops, restaurants, art galleries, and specialty stores in a walkable neighborhood. The district regularly hosts community events, including festivals, markets, and seasonal celebrations that showcase Laurel's small-town charm and creative spirit.
5. Pearl's Diner
AUTHENTIC SOUTHERN COOKING
Pearl's Diner serves authentic Southern comfort food in a casual, homey atmosphere that attracts both locals and visitors. Their menu features daily meat-and-three specials, with standouts including fried chicken, country-fried steak, collard greens, and homemade desserts. The restaurant embodies classic Southern hospitality and home-style cooking traditions that have become increasingly featured as part of Laurel's growing tourism scene.
6. Laurel Mercantile Co.
HOMETOWN GOODS STORE
Laurel Mercantile Co. is a modern general store owned by Ben and Erin Napier of HGTV's 'Home Town' fame, offering American-made goods, home décor, and gifts. The shop features the couple's Scotsman Co. woodworking products alongside curated items that reflect Southern heritage and craftsmanship. Visitors often come to experience the store featured prominently on television while discovering locally-crafted products that celebrate Laurel's renaissance.
7. Rasberry Greene
ENCHANTING EVENT VENUE
Rasberry Greene is a picturesque event venue set on 35 acres of countryside just outside Laurel, popular for weddings and special occasions. The property features a renovated barn, outdoor ceremony spaces, and natural landscapes that create a romantic rural setting. Though primarily a private event space, Rasberry Greene occasionally hosts public events and has become emblematic of Laurel's growing reputation for Southern charm and hospitality.
8. The Knight Butcher
PREMIUM MEAT SHOP
The Knight Butcher is a specialty meat shop offering premium cuts, homemade sausages, and prepared foods in downtown Laurel. This family-owned business combines traditional butchery with modern culinary offerings, including ready-to-cook meals and gourmet ingredients. Visitors appreciate the shop's commitment to quality, personalized service, and locally-sourced products that represent the best of Southern food traditions.
9. Cafe La Fleur
UPSCALE CAJUN CUISINE
Cafe La Fleur offers upscale Cajun and Creole cuisine in an intimate setting in downtown Laurel. Chef Tess Loo creates dishes that blend Louisiana flavors with Mississippi ingredients, including specialties like shrimp and grits, crawfish étouffée, and bread pudding. The restaurant has become a culinary destination that showcases the region's diverse food heritage while contributing to Laurel's growing reputation for quality dining options.
10. Lott Furniture Co.
HISTORIC FURNITURE STORE
Lott Furniture Co. has operated in downtown Laurel since 1917, making it one of the oldest continuously operating furniture stores in Mississippi. The store occupies a beautifully preserved historic building featuring original architectural elements and offers a mix of contemporary furniture and classic pieces. Featured on HGTV's 'Home Town,' Lott Furniture represents Laurel's commitment to preserving local businesses while embracing new opportunities.
11. Pinehurst Park
HISTORIC URBAN GREENSPACE
Pinehurst Park is a historic 12-acre public park in Laurel featuring walking trails, a pond, and recreational facilities designed by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., son of the famed Central Park designer. The park includes tennis courts, picnic areas, and historic structures that have served the community since its creation in the early 20th century. As one of Laurel's most beloved public spaces, Pinehurst Park offers residents and visitors a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.
12. Slowboat Brewing Company
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Slowboat Brewing Company is Laurel's first craft brewery, offering a rotating selection of handcrafted beers in a relaxed taproom setting. The brewery frequently hosts live music, food trucks, and community events that have made it a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Slowboat's success represents the growth of Mississippi's craft beer scene and Laurel's evolving identity as a destination for creative enterprises.
13. De Soto National Forest
NATURAL WOODLAND ESCAPE
De Soto National Forest encompasses over 500,000 acres of protected wilderness near Laurel, offering outdoor recreation opportunities including hiking, camping, and fishing. The forest's diverse ecosystems include longleaf pine savannas, wetlands, and rivers that support abundant wildlife and rare plant species. Visitors can explore designated wilderness areas, scenic drives, and historic sites that showcase the natural and cultural heritage of southern Mississippi.
14. Hattiesburg Zoo
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ANIMAL PARK
The Hattiesburg Zoo houses over 100 species of animals in a compact, well-designed setting just a short drive from Laurel. Visitors can enjoy animal exhibits, a carousel, train rides, high ropes adventure courses, and educational programs throughout the year. The zoo's continued expansion and commitment to conservation have made it one of the region's top family attractions and an easy day trip for Laurel residents and tourists.
15. Mississippi's Tamale Trail
UNIQUE CULINARY EXPERIENCE
Mississippi's Tamale Trail includes several stops near Laurel where visitors can sample the state's unique take on the traditional Mexican dish that became embedded in Delta culture over a century ago. These hot tamales typically feature spiced meat surrounded by cornmeal dough, steamed in corn husks, and served with distinctive regional variations. The culinary trail highlights the multicultural influences that have shaped Mississippi's food traditions and offers an authentic taste of local flavor.