A vivid introduction to music history can be found at the Charles H. Templeton, Sr. Music Museum. Through its collection of musical instruments, sound recordings and sheet music, it tells the story of the music business. These varied records offer different perspectives on the subject: instruments, recordings and written materials are presented side by side.
Collections, History and Culture
Other collections focus on notable figures and their times. The Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library Museum preserves correspondence, photographs, paintings, engravings, statues and other artifacts related to the life and presidency of Ulysses S. Grant. The Frank and Virginia Williams Collection of Lincolniana is devoted to Abraham Lincoln and the American Civil War. It includes documents, books, artifacts, ephemera, philatelic and numismatic items, paintings and sculptures. Both collections offer different perspectives on American history: one through Grant’s life and presidency, the other through Lincoln and the Civil War.
Literature enthusiasts will find a distinctive focus in the John Grisham Room, which displays memorabilia and materials related to John Grisham’s writings and achievements. The Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum presents local history and culture in an interactive way for children and adults. Personal and national topics are thus complemented by an exploration of the county’s history and culture.
Starkville’s development is also reflected in its historical sites. The Nash Street Historic District is locally significant for the city’s transformation from an agricultural trading center into a university-oriented city. The Chapel of Memories is a historic chapel built from bricks salvaged from the Old Main dormitory. Both details tell the story of architectural heritage and the city’s history in different ways.
Parks, Fishing Opportunities and Natural Areas
McKee Park brings together activities for a range of interests: it has three playgrounds that meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, a splash pad, a natural-grass amphitheater and twelve pickleball courts. There are also separate areas for large and small dogs. The offerings range from play and water activities to events, ball sports and spaces for dogs.
Largemouth bass, crappie and catfish can be caught at Chadwick Lake. A Mississippi state fishing license and a Chadwick Lake fishing permit are required. Fishing regulations may change, so check the current requirements before you fish.
To reach the Trim Cane Wildlife Management Area, head north from Starkville on Highway 389: after four miles, you will reach the headquarters building and permit office. Road conditions can change, so check them before setting out. A map dated 2023 lists the area as covering 875 acres and identifies waterfowl ponds, deer management areas and a dove field.
From Starkville, the visitor center at Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge can be reached via Oktoc Road and the Bluff Lake Levee. If you plan to take this route, check road conditions and visitor center hours in advance, as both can change.
Between Starkville and Oktoc
The Oktibbeha County Barn Quilt Trail runs through Starkville to the community of Oktoc. At its launch on October 18, 2014, 15 barn quilt designs were presented. This date offers a historical glimpse of the trail, while its route connects Starkville and Oktoc.
The region also has a connection to music history: Big Joe Williams was born near the Noxubee Swamp on the southern edge of Oktibbeha County. Together with the collections, historic sites and nature-related attractions, this makes for a varied picture as you plan your trip. Whether you are first drawn to history, park amenities, fishing or the route between Starkville and Oktoc, each topic can be explored on its own.
Discover more destinations: Starkville, Mississippi State University, Claiborne, Tunica, Madison, Lafayette, Pontotoc County, Yazoo County.
For the main travel overview: Mississippi.
