In Simpson County, water destinations of different kinds sit alongside tangible traces of local history. Simpson County Lake is defined by its size and location north of Magee; D’Lo Water Park is on the Strong River. In Mendenhall, a Neoclassical courthouse draws attention to architecture, while museums offer insights into local and institutional history. The landscape, opportunities for activity, and architectural history thus offer different ways to get to know the region based on your own interests.
Lake and River Park
Simpson County Lake covers 76 acres and lies 5 miles north of Magee on Highway 49. Its size and location provide two clear points of reference: it is described as a body of water of a particular extent and can be located north of Magee. When comparing water destinations in the county, you can set its location against the river setting of D’Lo Water Park.
D’Lo Water Park is a scenic park on the Strong River in the central town of D’Lo, near Mendenhall. This gives it a different setting from Simpson County Lake: here, the river is part of the location description, while the lake’s size and location on Highway 49 take center stage. The two places offer different geographical points of reference without needing to be linked into a single excursion route.
Recreation and Sports in Magee
Jimmy Clyde Sportsplex has nearly a mile of wide walkways that can be used as a running track. McNair Springs has a lighted baseball field measuring 340 feet long. These details show two different forms of physical activity: walkways that can be used as a running track, and a field with a specific length. This makes it possible to distinguish between a route and a playing field when considering the sports facilities in Magee.
Architecture and Local History
Simpson County Courthouse stands in downtown Mendenhall. The monumental, three-story building is made of yellow brick and designed in the Neoclassical style. Its material, height, and style provide a clear architectural description. The term “Neoclassical” refers to a classically influenced style; the courthouse offers a specific building where you can see this style.
Magee Elementary is also part of the town’s history: the school in Magee was designated a Mississippi Landmark on May 6, 2022. The two buildings differ in what stands out about them. For the courthouse, it is the building’s form and material; for Magee Elementary, it is the state landmark designation and its recorded date.
The Mississippi State Sanatorium Museum offers insights into the lives and history of the institution through immersive narrative and biographical exhibits, as well as artifacts. Museum tours are available upon request; confirm the arrangements before you arrive. The focus brings together exhibit formats, people’s lives, and the institution’s history.
Magee Museum is located in the west wing of the Community House next to the Civic Center on First Avenue NW in Magee. Genealogist Mrs. Sharelle Kennedy Williams helped establish and curate the museum. Thus, its location is also connected to a specific person involved in the house’s creation and design.
Mendenhall’s history of hospitality includes the Mendenhall Hotel: it grew out of a hotel built on Main Street in 1911 and is historically associated with the Revolving Tables. This connection adds another perspective to the local history alongside architecture and the history of its museums.
A Fixed Date in Magee
The 51st annual Magee Crazy Day is scheduled for October 24, 2026. If you would like to plan your trip around this date, check the event details in advance. This date applies to this specifically scheduled edition.
Discover more destinations: Magee, Mendenhall, Attala County, Kemper County, Tate County, Hancock County, Rankin, Covington
For the broader travel overview: Mississippi.
