Marietta MississippiATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Marietta, Mississippi.
1. Brice's Crossroad's Visitors and Interpretive Center
CIVIL WAR HISTORICAL SITE
Brice's Crossroad's Visitors and Interpretive Center is a comprehensive museum dedicated to the Civil War battle that took place in the area. The center features exhibits about the battle, the opposing armies, and the leaders involved in this significant historical event. Visitors can explore a bookstore, view special group tours, and learn about the 1,400-acre battlefield site.
2. Jamie L Whitten Historical Center
LOCAL HISTORY MUSEUM
The Jamie L Whitten Historical Center preserves and showcases the history of the local region. Visitors can explore exhibits highlighting cultural heritage and significant historical events that shaped the area. The center serves as an educational resource for both locals and tourists interested in learning about Mississippi's past.
3. Bonds House Museum
HISTORIC RESIDENTIAL BUILDING
Bonds House Museum offers visitors a glimpse into the past through its well-preserved historical residence. The museum features period furnishings and artifacts that showcase the lifestyle of earlier generations in the region. Tours of the house provide educational insights into the architectural styles and daily life of historical Mississippi.
4. Ross B. Pharr Park
NATURAL SPRINGS WONDER
Ross B. Pharr Park is home to a unique natural attraction featuring thirteen springs of running water with nine different varieties of water. The twenty square foot area, originally called 'Nemo Akim' or 'Purple Shell,' was first inhabited by Native Americans. Beyond this fascinating geological feature, the park offers recreational facilities including ball fields, swings, and playgrounds for visitors of all ages.
5. Rails and Trails Museum
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION HISTORY
Rails and Trails Museum is located in the historic train depot in downtown Booneville, highlighting the region's rich transportation history. The museum features Native American artifacts, Civil War history and artifacts, and railroad memorabilia that tell the story of the area's development. Operated by the Prentiss County Historical Preservation Society, it offers visitors an authentic look at how railways shaped the local communities.
6. Tupelo National Battlefield
CIVIL WAR BATTLEFIELD
Tupelo National Battlefield preserves the site of a significant Civil War battle that took place in Mississippi. Visitors can explore the grounds where Union and Confederate forces clashed in 1864, with interpretive displays explaining the battle's context and importance. The battlefield offers a solemn and educational experience for history enthusiasts and those interested in America's military past.
7. Elvis Presley Birthplace
MUSIC LEGEND'S HOME
The Elvis Presley Birthplace is where the King of Rock and Roll was born and spent his early childhood years. This humble two-room house has been preserved and transformed into a museum that showcases the modest beginnings of one of music's most influential figures. The site also includes a chapel, museum, and memorial garden dedicated to Elvis's legacy.
8. Natchez Trace Parkway
HISTORIC SCENIC DRIVE
The Natchez Trace Parkway offers a scenic drive through historical pathways once used by Native Americans and early American settlers. Travelers can enjoy several wonderful stops including Indian mounds, caves, scenic overlooks, and walking trails as they journey through the picturesque countryside. The parkway provides both recreational opportunities and a connection to the region's rich cultural heritage.
9. Prentiss County Historical Society Museum
REGIONAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Prentiss County Historical Society Museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts representing the area's past. Exhibits showcase everything from Native American relics to pioneer tools and Civil War memorabilia that tell the story of northeastern Mississippi. The museum provides educational programming and serves as a repository for the region's collective memory and cultural heritage.
10. Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield Site
PRESERVED CIVIL WAR GROUND
Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield Site commemorates a Confederate victory during the American Civil War. The preserved battlefield allows visitors to walk the grounds where General Nathan Bedford Forrest led his troops to victory in June 1864. Interpretive markers throughout the site help visitors understand the battle's strategies, outcomes, and historical significance.
11. Oren Dunn City Museum
TUPELO'S HISTORICAL SHOWCASE
The Oren Dunn City Museum preserves and displays the history of Tupelo and the surrounding region. Located in Ballard Park, the museum features exhibits on Native American history, pioneer life, and the devastating 1936 tornado that shaped the city's development. The outdoor village area includes historic structures that have been relocated to the site, providing visitors with an immersive historical experience.
12. Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo
WILDLIFE AND FAMILY FUN
Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo houses over 220 animals representing more than 87 different species from around the world. Visitors can embark on guided tours to see American bison roaming the 200-acre property and interact with various exotic and domestic animals. The park offers family-friendly activities including a petting zoo, pony rides, and seasonal events that make it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
13. Tupelo Hardware Company
ELVIS'S GUITAR STORE
Tupelo Hardware Company is the famous store where Gladys Presley purchased Elvis's first guitar instead of the bicycle he initially wanted. Still operating as a traditional hardware store, it has become a pilgrimage site for Elvis fans from around the world. Visitors can stand in the spot where a young Elvis made the decision that would change music history forever.
14. Johnnie's Drive-In
ELVIS'S FAVORITE DINER
Johnnie's Drive-In is Tupelo's oldest restaurant and was a regular dining spot for young Elvis Presley. The classic American diner maintains much of its original 1950s charm, including the booth where Elvis preferred to sit, now marked for visitors. Famous for its dough burgers and nostalgic atmosphere, the restaurant attracts both food enthusiasts and Elvis fans seeking an authentic taste of history.
15. Tanglefoot Trail
RAILS-TO-TRAILS PATHWAY
Tanglefoot Trail is a 43.6-mile paved pathway built on the former railroad line that once served the area's timber industry. The trail winds through charming small towns, pastoral countryside, and wooded areas, offering recreational opportunities for walkers, runners, and cyclists. Named after the historic Tanglefoot railroad engine, the trail connects several communities and provides interpretive signage about local history along the route.