A 65-foot waterfall tells a story of harnessing water power in the past: Dunn’s Falls in southern Lauderdale County was once used to power a mill grinding locally grown grain. Today, the site is a park managed by the Pat Harrison Waterway District and a natural refuge.
Water, Trails and Landscapes
Bonita Lakes Park covers 3,300 acres within Meridian city limits. Activities include fishing, canoeing, kayaking and boating, and there is also a boat launch. Those interested in trails will find more than 10 miles along a lakeshore on the Bonita Lakes Equestrian Trails. The route passes through flat and hilly sections—a different perspective on the landscape than you get from the water.
The listed directions to Bonita Lakes take you from I-59/20 via Exit 154-A eastbound or Exit 154 westbound to Highway 19 South. Signage and road conditions may change; check your route before setting out.
At Okatibbee Lake, more than 4,000 acres of water offer opportunities for boating and water sports. Anglers can also find several of the species listed there: largemouth bass, striped bass, catfish, crappie and sunfish. Five beaches or swimming areas, along with public boat ramps and docks, round out the lake’s facilities. Bonita Lakes combines activities on the water with lakeside equestrian trails; at Okatibbee Lake, the focus is on the water, boating and fishing.
Music, Museums and Living History
The Jimmie Rodgers Museum displays the original guitar of “The Singing Brakeman” and other memorabilia from Jimmie Rodgers’ life and career. Railroad equipment from the steam locomotive era is also on view. Private tours are available by appointment throughout the week. Arrange a time before your visit.
The Jimmie Rodgers Music Festival began in 1953 and has offered live musical entertainment by top performers ever since. The annual event draws thousands to hear musical talent and honor Jimmie Rodgers. Event details may change, so check the latest dates before your trip.
The Meridian Museum of Art is housed in the historic Old Carnegie Library in downtown Meridian and presents changing exhibitions. Its Museum-School programs include classes for children and adults, tours and gallery talks. The Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience, or The MAX, focuses on Mississippi’s global legacy in all areas of the arts; its offerings include exhibitions, performances, classes and events.
At Soulé Steam Feed Works, visitors can see the manufacturing process, from raw materials to finished product. The facility is considered America’s last fully preserved steam engine factory. The MSU Riley Center serves several purposes: it is a performing arts center, conference center and educational center, and includes a fully restored 1889 Grand Opera House theater with about 950 seats.
Architecture and Memorial Sites
The Temple Theater is a four-story brick theater and meeting hall in the Moorish architectural style. It was added to the National Register on December 18, 1979. The Dentzel Carousel has another historic connection to the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis: Gustav Dentzel made it for the fair in 1896. The carousel, together with the Carousel House, is designated a National Historic Landmark.
The Meridian Railroad Museum is located in the former freight depot and Railway Express Agency building, beside Meridian Union Station and Norfolk Southern’s main line. Merrehope in Meridian dates to 1858 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was one of only six houses within Meridian city limits to survive the Meridian Campaign. Each year, Merrehope hosts the “Trees of Christmas” event.
For another look at history, the Meridian Civil Rights Trail begins downtown in the African-American Business District. In Kewanee, Lauderdale County, the Simmons-Wright Company Store is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is considered a preserved example of a rural general store. The Simmons-Wright Company in Kewanee has operated as a general store since 1884.
Discover more destinations: Meridian, Lafayette, Alcorn County, Issaquena County, Stone County, Simpson County, Covington, Warren.
For the broader travel overview: Mississippi.
