Marion MississippiATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Marion, Mississippi.
1. Marion County Museum & Archives
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Marion County Museum & Archives offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history of Marion County through its collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing the settlement, development, and cultural heritage of the area. The museum serves as an educational resource for both locals and tourists interested in understanding Marion's historical significance.
2. Lake Bill Waller
SCENIC OUTDOOR RECREATION
Lake Bill Waller provides a peaceful retreat for outdoor enthusiasts in Marion with opportunities for fishing, boating, and picnicking. The lake features well-maintained shores and facilities for visitors to enjoy a day of relaxation surrounded by natural beauty. Families particularly appreciate the calm waters and shaded areas that make it an ideal spot for gatherings throughout the year.
3. Lake Columbia
WATER RECREATION PARADISE
Lake Columbia is a popular recreational destination offering a variety of water activities including fishing, boating, and swimming. The lake is known for its clean waters and abundant fish population, making it a favorite spot for anglers. Surrounding the lake are picnic areas and walking paths that provide additional options for visitors to enjoy the natural setting.
4. Dunn's Falls
HISTORIC NATURAL WONDER
Dunn's Falls features a stunning 65-foot waterfall created by the damming of Chunky Creek, offering visitors a picturesque natural attraction near Marion. The site includes a historic water-powered mill and cabin that showcase the area's industrial heritage. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, picnicking, and photography opportunities in this serene setting that combines natural beauty with historical significance.
5. Bonita Lakes
OUTDOOR RECREATION COMPLEX
Bonita Lakes is a multi-use recreational area featuring three lakes, miles of trails, and picnic facilities just a short drive from Marion. The complex offers opportunities for fishing, boating, hiking, and jogging in a scenic environment. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained paths that wind around the lakes, providing beautiful views and access to various activity areas.
6. The Dentzel Carousel
HISTORIC MERRY-GO-ROUND
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 is one of the few remaining examples of Dentzel's work and continues to operate for public enjoyment. Visitors can experience a piece of American entertainment history while riding this meticulously maintained carousel with its original hand-painted scenes and hand-carved figures.
7. Mississippi Arts & Entertainment Experience
CELEBRATING STATE'S ARTISTS
The Mississippi Arts & Entertainment Experience (The MAX) showcases the state's contributions to arts and entertainment through interactive exhibits and displays. The facility honors Mississippi's creative legacy and features the Walk of Fame Stars celebrating notable artists from the state. Visitors can explore the rich cultural heritage of Mississippi through multimedia presentations, artifacts, and educational programming.
8. MSU Riley Center
HISTORIC PERFORMING ARTS VENUE
The MSU Riley Center is a beautifully restored 1889 grand opera house that now serves as a performing arts venue and conference center. The center hosts a variety of performances including concerts, plays, and dance productions in its ornate Victorian theater. Visitors are transported back in time by the elegant architecture while enjoying modern entertainment in this cultural landmark.
9. Jimmie Rodgers Museum
FATHER OF COUNTRY MUSIC
The Jimmie Rodgers Museum celebrates the life and legacy of the "Father of Country Music" who was born in Meridian. The museum houses memorabilia, instruments, and personal items belonging to this influential musician who helped shape American music. Visitors can learn about Rodgers' pioneering career through exhibits that document his rise to fame and lasting impact on country, blues, and folk music.
10. Merrehope/F.W. Williams Home
ANTEBELLUM ARCHITECTURAL GEMS
Merrehope and the F.W. Williams Home are two historic houses that offer visitors insight into the architectural styles and lifestyles of different eras in Mississippi's history. Merrehope, an 1858 Greek Revival mansion, survived Sherman's destructive march, while the F.W. Williams Home represents the Victorian period. Tours of these beautifully preserved homes feature period furniture, decorative arts, and stories of the families who lived there.
11. Bonita Lakes Mall
PREMIER SHOPPING DESTINATION
Bonita Lakes Mall serves as the region's primary shopping center with numerous retail stores, dining options, and entertainment facilities. The mall features major department stores alongside specialty shops offering fashion, electronics, home goods, and more. Shoppers from Marion and surrounding communities enjoy the convenience of having diverse shopping options under one roof, complemented by a food court and cinema.
12. Highland Park
HISTORIC URBAN GREEN SPACE
Highland Park is a historic urban park featuring beautiful landscaping, walking paths, and recreational facilities including tennis courts and playgrounds. The park is home to the famous Dentzel Carousel and offers a peaceful retreat for families and individuals seeking outdoor enjoyment. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained grounds and the park's role as a community gathering place for generations of local residents.
13. Meridian Museum of Art
LOCAL CULTURAL SHOWCASE
The Meridian Museum of Art houses an impressive collection of works by Mississippi artists and hosts rotating exhibitions in a historic building that once served as the city's library. The museum offers educational programs, workshops, and special events that engage visitors of all ages in artistic appreciation and creation. Art enthusiasts from Marion and beyond visit to explore the diverse range of paintings, sculptures, and other media that represent the region's creative talent.
14. Mississippi Industrial Heritage Museum
HISTORIC FACTORY COMPLEX
The Mississippi Industrial Heritage Museum at the Soule Steam Feed Works preserves an authentic early 20th-century industrial complex with its original steam machinery and tools. Visitors can explore this rare intact factory that once manufactured innovative steam equipment used worldwide in the timber industry. The museum offers demonstrations of historic machinery and educational exhibits that highlight the region's industrial past and technological innovations.
15. Antique Mall of Meridian
VINTAGE TREASURE HUNT
The Antique Mall of Meridian offers an extensive collection of vintage items, collectibles, and antiques from multiple vendors under one roof. Shoppers can browse through furniture, jewelry, glassware, toys, and memorabilia spanning different eras and styles. Visitors from Marion frequently make the short trip to hunt for unique treasures and nostalgic pieces that connect them to the region's past.