In Lincoln County, historic buildings and collections sit alongside a large lake in a state park. Brookhaven, in particular, offers a chance to explore cultural history at a variety of sites, from a former city hall in the Colonial Revival style to museums with regional and military collections. Lake Lincoln provides a scenic contrast; the state park also has a public disc golf course.
Architecture and History in Brookhaven
The former Brookhaven City Hall is an outstanding example of an institutional building in the Colonial Revival style. The Godbold Transportation Center also has a history of previous use: it is housed in a former power plant. During its renovation, the brickwork and tall chimney were preserved. Together, the two buildings represent different chapters in Brookhaven’s architectural history.
The Downtown Brookhaven Historic District includes the Haven Theater, also known as the Brookhaven Little Theatre, and Railroad Park as contributing properties. The names refer to different places, both of which are part of this historic district. For visitors interested in architectural heritage, the district offers another point of interest alongside the former city hall and the converted power plant.
Art and Collections
The Mississippi School for the Arts is located on Brookhaven’s historic Whitworth College campus. The Mary Jane Lampton Auditorium, built in 1913, is also on campus. The combination of campus and auditorium adds a distinctive look at Brookhaven’s arts and educational institutions to the impressions made by the historic buildings downtown.
The Lincoln County Historical and Jewish Heritage Museum was built in 1896 as Temple B’Nai Shalom. It features artifacts and history related to Lincoln County, as well as a Jewish B’nai Sholom heritage exhibit organized by the Institute of Southern Jewish Life. Exhibit details may change; check whether it is currently on display before visiting.
The Military Memorial Museum offers a different history of collecting. On display are photographs, artifacts, and personal belongings of local veterans, as well as military equipment dating from the First World War onward. The museum is located in a historic former railroad depot at 125 S. Whitworth Avenue. Its collections and location provide two tangible points of reference for military history: personal mementos and equipment from different eras.
Lake Lincoln and Activities in the State Park
Lake Lincoln State Park is in the northeastern part of Lincoln County. Lake Lincoln, a 550-acre lake, is within the park. Magnolia Cove is a public 18-hole disc golf course in the state park. The fee is $3.00, including park admission.
A comparison with Brookhaven Fishing Pond shows two very different bodies of water: Lake Lincoln covers 550 acres, while the pond covers 1.5 acres. Brookhaven Fishing Pond is stocked with largemouth bass, sunfish, and catfish. While the lake provides the scenic setting for the state park, the smaller pond can be described mainly by its size and the fish species listed.
Events with Date-Specific Programs
The 2022 edition of the Ole Brook Festival was held in downtown Brookhaven. The program at the time included a 5K run benefiting Heritage Hills Orphan Ministry and food vendors. A schedule from 2023 is described for Downtown Jazzed Up: at 6 p.m., the Brookhaven High School Band led a second-line parade along Cherokee and Whitworth Avenue to the stage at Railroad Park. If you are planning a trip around an event, check the dates and program details for your travel period.
Explore More Destinations
Brookhaven, Jones, Pike, Claiborne, Jackson County, Prentiss, Monroe County, Neshoba County
For the broader travel overview: Mississippi.
