Walnut Grove MississippiATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Walnut Grove, Mississippi.
1. Golden Memorial State Park
FISHING AND SCENIC TRAILS
Golden Memorial State Park features a beautiful 15-acre spring-fed lake stocked with bass and bream for excellent fishing opportunities. The park offers scenic hiking trails that include the second-largest loblolly pine tree in Mississippi. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, bird feeding, and peaceful relaxation on the pier while watching cloud reflections bounce off the water.
2. Walnut Grove Town Square
COMMUNITY GATHERING SPACE
Walnut Grove Town Square serves as the heart of this small community of fewer than 1,000 residents. The square hosts various community events including outdoor concerts and seasonal festivals throughout the year. It provides a charming place for locals and visitors to connect while enjoying the small-town atmosphere.
3. Roosevelt State Park
RECREATION AND CAMPING
Roosevelt State Park, located near Walnut Grove, offers a 150-acre lake perfect for fishing, boating, and swimming activities. The park features extensive camping facilities, cabins, picnic areas, and hiking trails through scenic woodland areas. Visitors can enjoy the park's playground, disc golf course, and regular community events throughout the year.
4. Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium
HISTORIC SPORTS VENUE
Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium is a historic 60,000-seat outdoor stadium hosting football games and major events near the Walnut Grove area. The stadium serves as home to Jackson State University's football team and has hosted numerous memorable sporting events since its opening in 1950. Visitors can experience the electric atmosphere of Southern college football and other special events throughout the year.
5. Mississippi Museum of Natural Science
WILDLIFE AND ECOLOGY EXPLORATION
The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science showcases the state's diverse ecosystems through extensive exhibits featuring native fish, reptiles, amphibians, and other wildlife. The museum includes a 100,000-gallon aquarium network, fossil collections, and educational displays about Mississippi's natural heritage. Visitors can also enjoy 2.5 miles of nature trails through the adjacent 300-acre natural area featuring woodland, swamp, and river habitats.
6. Mississippi Civil Rights Museum
CULTURAL HERITAGE SITE
The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum documents the struggle for civil rights and equality in Mississippi through powerful interactive exhibits and historical artifacts. The museum features eight galleries that chronicle the movement from 1945 to 1976 through personal stories, photographs, and multimedia presentations. Visitors can experience this emotional journey through Mississippi's complex history that honors the activists who fought for change.
7. Old Capitol Museum
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT BUILDING
The Old Capitol Museum, housed in Mississippi's historic state capitol building (1839-1903), showcases the state's governmental history and architectural significance. The Greek Revival masterpiece has been restored to its original grandeur and features exhibits on government, law, and significant historical events in Mississippi. Visitors can explore the legislative chambers, governor's office, and rotunda while learning about pivotal moments in state history.
8. Geyser Falls Water Theme Park
FAMILY WATER ENTERTAINMENT
Geyser Falls Water Theme Park offers 13 waterslides, a 6-acre wave pool, and numerous water attractions within reasonable driving distance from Walnut Grove. The park features Mount Everwet, a massive water playground, and the Quarter Mile Lazy River for relaxing float experiences. Families can enjoy full-day entertainment with food options, private cabanas, and attractions suitable for all ages.
9. Pearl River Resort
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
Pearl River Resort comprises two casinos, multiple restaurants, and entertainment venues operated by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. The resort features over 2,400 slot machines, dozens of table games, and regular live entertainment for adult visitors. Guests can enjoy the spa facilities, golf courses, and various dining options ranging from casual to fine dining experiences.
10. Neshoba County Fair
HISTORIC COUNTY FESTIVAL
The Neshoba County Fair, known as "Mississippi's Giant House Party," is a historic week-long event featuring distinctive cabin communities, political speaking, horse races, and carnival attractions. Dating back to 1889, this unique fair showcases Mississippi culture with live music, agricultural exhibits, and famous Southern food. The fairground's colorful cabins, passed down through generations, create a one-of-a-kind community atmosphere during the late July event.
11. Meridian's Historic Downtown
ARTS AND ARCHITECTURE
Meridian's Historic Downtown features beautifully preserved architecture, the restored 1890 Grand Opera House, and a thriving arts district. The area includes the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience (MAX), celebrating the state's creative legacy through interactive exhibits. Visitors can explore local shops, restaurants, and regular cultural events in this revitalized urban center.
12. Bonita Lakes Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTER
Bonita Lakes Park encompasses three lakes across 3,300 acres of beautiful natural landscape perfect for outdoor recreation near the Walnut Grove region. The park offers extensive trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding around the scenic waterways. Visitors can enjoy fishing, non-motorized boating, picnicking, and the peaceful atmosphere of this expansive natural area.
13. Mammy's Cupboard
UNIQUE HISTORIC RESTAURANT
Mammy's Cupboard is a distinctive restaurant housed in a building shaped like a 28-foot tall woman's skirt, creating one of Mississippi's most unusual dining experiences. The restaurant serves Southern classics including homemade pies that have achieved legendary status among travelers. This roadside attraction has been operating since 1940, combining quirky architecture with authentic regional cuisine.
14. Lefleur's Bluff State Park
URBAN NATURE ESCAPE
Lefleur's Bluff State Park offers 305 acres of natural landscape along the Pearl River, providing an urban wilderness escape with fishing, camping, and hiking opportunities. The park features a nine-hole golf course, picnic areas, playgrounds, and nature trails through diverse ecosystems. Its location adjacent to the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science and Mississippi Children's Museum creates a comprehensive recreational and educational destination.
15. Mississippi Agriculture Museum
RURAL HERITAGE SHOWCASE
The Mississippi Agriculture Museum preserves the state's agricultural heritage through exhibits showcasing farm life, technology, and traditions from the 1920s through the 1950s. The museum complex includes a recreated small town, heritage center, and living history demonstrations of traditional crafts and farming methods. Visitors can explore vintage equipment, a general store, blacksmith shop, and other buildings that bring Mississippi's rural past to life.