Forest History and Water
The Gavin Forest Educational Tour is an 11-mile self-guided driving tour with information about the forest’s history and ecology. It connects two perspectives on the same subject: the forest in its historical development and as an ecological habitat.
Big Creek Reservoir offers a different perspective on nature. It includes a 200-acre lake where boat tours are available. Fish species there include bass, bream, crappie, and catfish. The area is characterized by rolling hills and is home to cedars considered the oldest in Mississippi. The differences between the experiences are clear: the Gavin Forest Educational Tour focuses on forest history and ecology, while the reservoir offers the lake, boat tours, and surrounding landscape.
Historic Sites and Collections
The Laurel Central Historic District in Jones County is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a point of reference for Laurel’s history. Landrum’s Homestead & Village offers a different view of the past: this living history museum gives visitors an immersive experience of life in the late 19th century.
The Veterans Memorial Museum houses thousands of military artifacts and memorabilia. Veterans and volunteers offer individual and group tours there every day. The museum is set amid the tall pines of Jones County.
If you’re choosing a historical theme, these sites offer distinct areas of focus: the Historic District represents the history of a named district, Landrum’s Homestead & Village looks at life in the late 19th century, and military collections and tours shape the experience at the Veterans Memorial Museum. This lets you explore local history, a historical way of life, or a collection as distinct points of entry.
Blues, Theater, and Laurel Throughout the Year
In Ellisville stands the Amos Deason House, a Greek Revival-style building. Historically, it is associated with the murder of Major Amos McLemore, an officer in the Confederate Army. The architectural style and the event give the house two distinct historical dimensions. Visitors can also learn about the history and contributions of African Americans in Laurel and Jones County.
The Jones County Blues marker documents blues musicians from the Laurel area, including Sam Myers, Albennie Jones, and Blind Roosevelt Graves. The Laurel Mother’s Day Blues Festival began in 1987. The marker and festival history provide two specific points of reference for blues history: the musicians named and a historical start year.
Another cultural option is the Laurel Little Theatre, which has been based at the Arabian Theatre for more than 60 years. It stages musicals throughout the year; specific program details may change, so it’s worth checking the current schedule before visiting. The Loblolly Festival takes place every year on the first Saturday in October and celebrates Laurel’s heritage as a sawmill town. This recurring date is a specific reason to plan a trip. Its celebration of the sawmill heritage complements architecture, museums, and music with local industrial history.
Discover more destinations: Laurel, Kemper County, Harrison, Lee, Grenada County, Monroe County, Hancock County, Webster County.
For the broader travel overview: Mississippi.
