Metcalfe MississippiATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Metcalfe, Mississippi.
1. Greenville Air Force Base Museum
MILITARY HISTORY PRESERVED
The Greenville Air Force Base Museum showcases the rich military aviation history of the region with authentic artifacts and aircraft displays. Visitors can explore exhibits chronicling the base's significant role during World War II and beyond. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into both local history and America's military heritage.
2. Winterville Mounds
ANCIENT NATIVE AMERICAN SITE
Winterville Mounds is a significant archaeological site featuring ceremonial mounds built by Native Americans between 1000 and 1450 CE. The site includes a museum with artifacts that tell the story of the indigenous people who once thrived in the Mississippi Delta. Visitors can walk among the preserved mounds and gain insight into the sophisticated prehistoric cultures that created them.
3. Washington County Courthouse
HISTORIC LEGAL LANDMARK
The Washington County Courthouse stands as an impressive architectural landmark in downtown Greenville with its distinctive design and historical significance. Built in the early 20th century, the courthouse continues to serve as the center of local government operations. Its stately presence offers visitors a glimpse into the region's civic history and architectural heritage.
4. Greenville History Museum
DELTA HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Greenville History Museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits chronicling the development of the Mississippi Delta region. Displays cover everything from early settlement to the cotton economy, civil rights movement, and modern developments. The museum provides visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the forces that shaped this historically significant region.
5. Natchez Trace Parkway
HISTORIC SCENIC ROUTE
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile scenic road following the historic travel corridor used by Native Americans and later European settlers. The parkway offers stunning natural landscapes, numerous hiking trails, and historical markers explaining the route's significance. Visitors can enjoy recreational activities while learning about the important role this ancient path played in American history.
6. Elvis Presley Birthplace
KING'S HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
Elvis Presley's Birthplace preserves the modest two-room house where the King of Rock and Roll was born in 1935. The site has expanded to include a museum, chapel, and gardens celebrating the life and legacy of this cultural icon. Visitors can experience the humble origins of one of music's most influential figures and gain insight into the factors that shaped his extraordinary career.
7. U.S.S. Cairo Museum
CIVIL WAR IRONCLAD
The U.S.S. Cairo Museum displays the restored remains of a Civil War ironclad gunboat that was sunk in the Yazoo River in 1862 and recovered a century later. The remarkably preserved vessel offers visitors a rare look at Civil War naval technology and life aboard a Union warship. The accompanying exhibits feature artifacts recovered from the ship, providing a tangible connection to this pivotal period in American history.
8. St. Mary Basilica
GOTHIC REVIVAL MASTERPIECE
St. Mary Basilica stands as one of the most architecturally significant churches in the South with its striking Gothic Revival design and ornate interior. Completed in 1886, the church features beautiful stained glass windows, intricate woodwork, and impressive marble altars. Visitors of all faiths appreciate the basilica for its historical importance, architectural beauty, and peaceful atmosphere.
9. Windsor Ruins
ANTEBELLUM PLANTATION COLUMNS
Windsor Ruins consists of 23 hauntingly beautiful Corinthian columns that remain from what was once one of the largest antebellum mansions in Mississippi. The original mansion, completed in 1861, was destroyed by fire in 1890, leaving only these dramatic columns as testimony to its former grandeur. The site provides a poignant reminder of the complex history of the Old South and has become an iconic Mississippi landmark.
10. Rosalie Mansion
ANTEBELLUM RIVER ESTATE
Rosalie Mansion is a meticulously preserved antebellum home overlooking the Mississippi River, built in 1823 on the site of a former French fort. The mansion features period furnishings, decorative arts, and architecture that exemplify the prosperity of pre-Civil War Natchez. Guided tours offer visitors insight into 19th-century plantation life and the historical context of this significant era in Southern history.
11. Doe's Eat Place
LEGENDARY DELTA STEAKHOUSE
Doe's Eat Place is an iconic Mississippi Delta restaurant that began as a grocery store in 1941 and evolved into a nationally acclaimed steakhouse known for its massive porterhouse steaks and hot tamales. The humble, family-run establishment has earned multiple James Beard awards and continues to draw food enthusiasts from across the country. The restaurant offers not just exceptional food but also an authentic slice of Delta culture in its unpretentious setting.
12. Delta Blues Museum
BIRTHPLACE OF AMERICAN MUSIC
The Delta Blues Museum celebrates the rich musical tradition that emerged from the Mississippi Delta and influenced global popular music. Exhibits feature instruments, recordings, photographs, and memorabilia related to legendary blues musicians like Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson, and B.B. King. The museum serves as a cultural cornerstone in preserving and sharing the story of this uniquely American art form that arose from the African American experience in the Deep South.
13. Greenville Farmers' Market
LOCAL PRODUCE AND CRAFTS
The Greenville Farmers' Market brings together local growers, artisans, and food producers offering fresh Delta-grown produce and handmade goods. Visitors can browse seasonal fruits and vegetables, prepared foods, and unique craft items while enjoying the community atmosphere. The market provides a wonderful opportunity to experience local culture and support small businesses in the region.
14. Mississippi River Park
RIVERSIDE RECREATION AREA
Mississippi River Park offers spectacular views of America's most famous waterway along with recreational facilities for visitors to enjoy. The park features walking paths, picnic areas, and opportunities to watch river traffic and enjoy spectacular sunsets. It serves as a reminder of the mighty river's continuing importance to the region's identity, economy, and natural environment.
15. Greenville Mall
DELTA SHOPPING DESTINATION
Greenville Mall serves as the primary shopping center for the region, housing a variety of national retailers, specialty shops, and dining options. The climate-controlled indoor mall provides a comfortable shopping experience regardless of weather conditions. Visitors and locals alike appreciate the convenience of having diverse shopping options centralized in one accessible location.