Alligator MississippiATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Alligator, Mississippi.
1. Hopson Plantation Commissary
HISTORIC COTTON PLANTATION SITE
Hopson Plantation Commissary is a preserved plantation site showcasing the Delta's agricultural history through its original commissary building and farm equipment. Visitors can explore artifacts and hear stories about the transition from manual to mechanized cotton picking. It's a unique venue that blends local history with live music and occasional events.
2. Hopson Plantation
PIONEERING AGRICULTURAL HISTORY
Hopson Plantation is known for being one of the first sites in the world to use mechanical cotton pickers, transforming Southern agriculture. The plantation offers historical tours where guests can learn about life on a working Mississippi Delta farm. Its rustic buildings and atmosphere attract history enthusiasts and music fans alike.
3. Delta Bohemian Tours
CULTURAL AND BLUES TOURS
Delta Bohemian Tours provides guided driving and walking tours throughout the Mississippi Delta, focusing on blues music history and local culture. Led by knowledgeable locals, the tours offer insights into influential musicians and significant sites. It's a popular choice for visitors seeking a genuine Delta experience.
4. Red's Lounge
ICONIC BLUES JUKE JOINT
Red's Lounge is a legendary blues club featuring live music in an authentic juke joint setting. It's a favorite among musicians and fans for its intimate atmosphere and traditional Delta blues performances. The venue plays a pivotal role in preserving the region's rich musical heritage.
5. Ground Zero Blues Club
LIVE BLUES MUSIC VENUE
Ground Zero Blues Club, co-owned by actor Morgan Freeman, is a world-renowned venue celebrated for its nightly blues performances. The club offers Southern cuisine and a lively, rustic setting adorned with memorabilia. It draws visitors globally for an unforgettable Delta music experience.
6. Alligator Lake
WILDLIFE AND FISHING DESTINATION
Alligator Lake is a 60-acre oxbow lake within Leroy Percy State Park, known for its abundant wildlife and fishing opportunities. Anglers can catch crappie, sunfish, and bass while observing native alligators basking along the shoreline. The park features an observation tower for safe and scenic alligator viewing.
7. Yazoo River
SCENIC RIVER AND ECOSYSTEM
The Yazoo River winds through the heart of the Mississippi Delta, offering beautiful waterways and floodplain scenery. Popular for boating and fishing, the river also harbors a healthy alligator population. Its banks are ideal for bird-watching and wildlife observation.
8. The Ranchero
CLASSIC STEAK AND SEAFOOD
The Ranchero is a well-known restaurant in Clarksdale, praised for its Southern-style steaks and seafood dishes. With a cozy, rustic ambiance and hospitable service, it caters to locals and travelers alike. The establishment is a longtime favorite for celebratory dinners and casual nights out.
9. The Holy Moly
ECLECTIC DINING AND SHOPPING
The Holy Moly in downtown Clarksdale combines a restaurant, lounge, boutique shops, and art galleries under one roof. Guests can enjoy creative cuisine, browse local crafts, and view rotating art exhibits. It's a lively hub for creativity and community gatherings.
10. Deak's Mississippi Saxophones & Blues Emporium
BLUES MUSIC SHOP
Deak's Mississippi Saxophones & Blues Emporium is a specialty store dedicated to harmonicas and blues memorabilia. Owned by local musician Deak Harp, the shop offers music lessons alongside instrument sales. It's a unique destination for blues aficionados and musicians.
11. Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art
MUSIC AND ART STORE
Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art is a beloved shop offering blues music, books, local art, and rare memorabilia. It serves as an information center for blues fans and hosts in-store performances and signings. The store embodies the soul of the Mississippi Delta arts scene.
12. Hambone Gallery
LOCAL ART AND CULTURE
Hambone Gallery features the vibrant paintings and mixed-media work of artist Stan Street. The gallery often hosts live music events, blending the area's visual and musical creativity. It's a key stop for visitors interested in authentic Delta culture.
13. Mississippi River Blues Trail
LEGENDARY BLUES HERITAGE ROUTE
The Mississippi River Blues Trail is a series of historic markers and sites celebrating iconic blues musicians and events. Visitors can follow the trail through Clarksdale to learn about the roots and influence of the blues genre. It provides a self-guided outdoor tour rich in music history.
14. Ramon's Restaurant
SOUTHERN ITALIAN CUISINE
Ramon's Restaurant specializes in Southern-Italian cuisine with classics like spaghetti, lasagna, and homemade sauces. Known for its family-friendly environment and generous portions, the restaurant has been a community staple for decades. It's an inviting spot for both locals and visitors seeking hearty meals.
15. Downtown Alligator
SMALL-TOWN DELTA CHARM
Downtown Alligator provides an authentic glimpse into the laid-back pace of Delta life with its historic buildings and quiet streets. While limited in size, the downtown area offers an opportunity to connect with local residents and appreciate the town's rural setting. It's an essential stop for those seeking the true spirit of the Mississippi Delta.