Polkville MississippiATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Polkville, Mississippi.
1. The National WWII Museum
HISTORICAL MILITARY EXPERIENCE
The National WWII Museum stands as one of the top attractions in Polkville, offering visitors an immersive journey through World War II history. The museum features extensive collections of artifacts, personal stories, and interactive exhibits that bring the war experience to life. Visitors can explore multiple pavilions dedicated to different aspects of the conflict, including the European and Pacific theaters.
2. Jackson Square
HISTORIC TOWN CENTER
Jackson Square serves as the cultural and historical heart of Polkville, drawing both locals and tourists to its charming surroundings. The square features historic architecture, green spaces, and often hosts community events throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy street performers, local artists, and nearby shops while soaking in the atmosphere of this central gathering place.
3. Phantogram Running Through
MODERN ART INSTALLATION
Phantogram Running Through is a contemporary art installation that has become a must-visit cultural landmark in Polkville. The installation combines visual art with technology to create an immersive experience that changes throughout the day. Visitors often comment on how the artwork interacts with its surroundings, making it a popular spot for photography and contemplation.
4. Polkville Local Museum
RICH CULTURAL HERITAGE
Polkville Local Museum showcases the rich cultural history of the town through carefully curated exhibits and artifacts. The museum documents the evolution of Polkville from its founding to present day, highlighting key historical events and notable residents. Visitors can explore interactive displays that bring the town's heritage to life through photographs, documents, and personal stories.
5. Business District Canal Street
SHOPPING AND DINING HUB
Business District Canal Street represents the commercial heart of Polkville, offering a variety of shopping and dining experiences. The district features a charming mix of locally-owned boutiques, restaurants, and cafes housed in historic buildings with distinctive architecture. Visitors can spend hours exploring the unique shops, sampling local cuisine, and enjoying the friendly small-town atmosphere.
6. Mississippi Aquarium
UNDERWATER MARINE ADVENTURE
The Mississippi Aquarium is a state-of-the-art facility showcasing aquatic life from the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors can observe diverse marine species through immersive exhibits designed to replicate natural habitats. The aquarium also offers educational programs focused on conservation and environmental stewardship.
7. Muddy Waters' Cabin Site
BLUES LEGEND MEMORIAL
Muddy Waters' Cabin Site honors the legendary bluesman with a Mississippi Blues Trail marker at the location where his original home once stood on the Stovall Plantation. Though the actual cabin has been relocated to the Delta Blues Museum, the site remains an important pilgrimage spot for music enthusiasts. Visitors can pay tribute to one of the most influential figures in American music history at this significant cultural landmark.
8. The New Roxy
HISTORIC ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
The New Roxy is a revitalized former movie theater located in Clarksdale's historic New World District that now serves as a vibrant venue for music, art, and theater. The venue maintains much of its original charm while hosting contemporary performances that celebrate the region's rich cultural heritage. Visitors can experience live entertainment in a space that connects the area's past with its present creative energy.
9. Hopson Plantation
AGRICULTURAL HISTORY PRESERVED
Hopson Plantation features an old commissary filled with antiques and artifacts that tell the story of Mississippi Delta culture and agricultural history. The plantation is historically significant as the site of one of the first mechanized cotton pickers, marking a pivotal moment in American farming. Visitors can explore the grounds year-round by appointment, experiencing an authentic glimpse into the region's complex past at no cost.
10. Dewayne Hayes Recreation Area
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PARADISE
Dewayne Hayes Recreation Area offers extensive outdoor recreational opportunities with 100 RV sites and ten primitive camping locations. The area features multiple activities including mountain biking, wildlife viewing, fishing, nature trails, and a water playground for families to enjoy. Visitors can experience the natural beauty of Mississippi while taking advantage of the well-maintained facilities and diverse recreational options.
11. Eugenia Summer Gallery
UNIVERSITY ART SHOWCASE
The Eugenia Summer Gallery is located in the Art and Design Building on the Mississippi University for Women campus, showcasing rotating exhibitions of contemporary art. The gallery provides free access to high-quality artistic displays that feature both established and emerging artists. Visitors can experience thought-provoking artwork in a welcoming academic setting during regular operating hours throughout the year.
12. Franklin Academy
FIRST FREE SCHOOL
Franklin Academy holds the distinction of being the first free public school in Mississippi, opening its doors in 1821 on its current site in Columbus. The historic institution continues to operate as a school today, maintaining its educational legacy for over two centuries. Visitors can appreciate the architectural and historical significance of this landmark that represents an important milestone in Mississippi's educational history.
13. Mississippi Blues Trail Markers
MUSICAL HERITAGE ROUTE
The Mississippi Blues Trail Markers in Coahoma County include 13 designated sites that commemorate significant locations in blues music history. These markers are part of a broader cultural heritage program that also includes Freedom Trail, Mound Trail, Writer's Trail, Country Music Trail, and Mississippi Historical Markers throughout the region. Visitors can embark on a self-guided tour to discover the people, places, and stories that shaped American blues music and culture.
14. 2025 Super Bowl Venue
MAJOR SPORTING EVENT
The 2025 Super Bowl Venue in Polkville has been recognized as one of the top attractions drawing visitors to the area. This state-of-the-art facility will host one of the world's most-watched sporting events, bringing national attention to the region. Sports enthusiasts can tour the venue and learn about the preparations for this prestigious championship game scheduled for early 2025.
15. Battlefield Trail System
CIVIL WAR HERITAGE
The Battlefield Trail System offers visitors three distinct battlefield trails spread across 1,600 acres of hallowed ground in North Mississippi. The trails feature interpretive markers that explain the historical significance of the Civil War battles that took place in the region. Visitors can also explore a National Park Service site and two cemeteries that commemorate those who fought and died during this pivotal period in American history.