Arcola MississippiATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Arcola, Mississippi.
1. Leroy Percy State Park
NATURE AND WILDLIFE HAVEN
Leroy Percy State Park is the oldest state park in Mississippi, offering visitors a serene natural escape with beautiful cypress trees and abundant wildlife. The park features hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and a warm artesian well that feeds into the swimming pool. Visitors can also enjoy camping facilities, picnic areas, and the chance to spot alligators in their natural habitat.
2. Jim Henson Exhibit
MUPPET CREATOR'S LEGACY
The Jim Henson Exhibit celebrates the life and work of the famous Muppet creator who was born in nearby Greenville but spent his early years in Leland. This charming museum showcases original Muppet memorabilia, photographs, and artifacts that tell the story of Henson's Mississippi roots and his global influence. Visitors can learn about how Kermit the Frog, one of Henson's most beloved characters, was inspired by Henson's childhood experiences playing in Deer Creek.
3. Mississippi Wildlife Heritage Museum
HUNTING AND CONSERVATION HISTORY
The Mississippi Wildlife Heritage Museum preserves and showcases the rich hunting, fishing, and outdoor traditions of the state. The museum features impressive displays of wildlife specimens, vintage hunting equipment, and conservation exhibits that tell the story of Mississippi's natural resources. Visitors can explore how these outdoor activities have shaped the culture and economy of the Delta region through the years.
4. Highway 61 Blues Museum
DELTA BLUES LEGACY
Highway 61 Blues Museum celebrates the rich musical heritage of the Mississippi Delta, often considered the birthplace of the blues. The museum houses an impressive collection of photographs, instruments, and memorabilia related to blues legends who called this region home. Visitors can immerse themselves in the sounds and stories of musicians who traveled along Highway 61, spreading this uniquely American art form to the world.
5. Vicksburg National Military Park
CIVIL WAR BATTLEFIELD
Vicksburg National Military Park commemorates one of the Civil War's pivotal campaigns across its impressive 1,800-acre grounds. The park features over 1,300 monuments, statues, and memorials dedicated to soldiers from both sides of the conflict, along with preserved trenches and fortifications. Visitors can also explore the USS Cairo, a salvaged Civil War-era ironclad ship that offers a rare glimpse into naval warfare of the period.
6. Mississippi State Capitol
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT BUILDING
The Mississippi State Capitol is a magnificent Beaux-Arts style building that has served as the seat of state government since 1903. The building features a stunning 180-foot high dome topped with a golden eagle and ornate interior spaces adorned with stained glass, marble, and intricate architectural details. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about Mississippi's legislative process and the building's remarkable history and restoration.
7. Bay Saint Louis Beach
GULF COAST GETAWAY
Bay Saint Louis Beach offers visitors a picturesque stretch of shoreline along the Gulf of Mexico with soft sand and gentle waves. The beach is backed by a charming, walkable downtown area with shops, restaurants, and art galleries that showcase the town's creative spirit. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and spectacular sunsets in this relaxed coastal community that has rebuilt beautifully since Hurricane Katrina.
8. McRaven House
MISSISSIPPI'S MOST HAUNTED
McRaven House, often called Mississippi's most haunted house, offers visitors a journey through three distinct architectural periods dating back to 1797. The historic home served as a field hospital during the Civil War and has witnessed numerous deaths, contributing to its reputation for paranormal activity. Tours of the meticulously preserved rooms reveal original furnishings and artifacts while guides share tales of the home's former residents, some of whom are said to still linger within its walls.
9. Vicksburg Riverfront Murals
PAINTED MISSISSIPPI HISTORY
The Vicksburg Riverfront Murals transform the city's flood wall into a stunning outdoor art gallery depicting scenes from local history. These detailed paintings showcase important events and daily life in Vicksburg from prehistoric times through the modern era, creating a visual timeline for visitors. The murals stretch along the riverfront, offering beautiful views of the Mississippi River while telling the story of this historically significant city.
10. Walter Anderson Museum of Art
GULF COAST'S ARTISTIC TREASURE
The Walter Anderson Museum of Art celebrates the life and work of one of Mississippi's most iconic artists known for his deep connection to the natural world. The museum houses an extensive collection of Anderson's works, including paintings, drawings, and ceramics that capture the beauty of the Gulf Coast. The centerpiece of the museum is the Ocean Springs Community Center murals, which depict the rich flora and fauna of the region in bold, vibrant colors.
11. B.B. King Museum
BLUES LEGEND'S LEGACY
The B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center honors the life and legacy of the legendary "King of the Blues" in his hometown. The museum features interactive exhibits, rare artifacts, and recordings that trace King's journey from Mississippi Delta cotton fields to international music stardom. Visitors can also pay respects at B.B. King's final resting place in the museum's meditation garden, making this a powerful pilgrimage site for music lovers.
12. Mississippi Aquarium
GULF MARINE SHOWCASE
The Mississippi Aquarium is a state-of-the-art facility showcasing aquatic life from the region's rivers to the depths of the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors can observe dolphins, sea turtles, rays, and numerous fish species in immersive habitats designed to highlight Mississippi's diverse aquatic ecosystems. The aquarium also offers special animal encounters, educational programs, and conservation initiatives focused on protecting the Gulf's marine environment.
13. Doe's Eat Place
LEGENDARY DELTA STEAKHOUSE
Doe's Eat Place is a James Beard Award-winning restaurant that began as a grocery store in 1941 and evolved into one of the Delta's most beloved culinary institutions. The humble establishment is famous for its enormous porterhouse steaks, hot tamales, and authentic Mississippi Delta atmosphere that has attracted celebrities and food enthusiasts for decades. Visitors dine in what feels like someone's home kitchen, experiencing a genuine piece of Mississippi food heritage that remains largely unchanged since its founding.
14. Greenville Farmers' Market
LOCAL DELTA PRODUCE
The Greenville Farmers' Market offers visitors and locals access to fresh produce, handmade goods, and artisanal foods from throughout the Delta region. Farmers and vendors showcase seasonal vegetables, fruits, honey, baked goods, and crafts that represent the agricultural heritage of the area. The market serves as a community gathering place where visitors can experience local culture and connect directly with the people who grow and make the region's food.
15. Delta Blues Museum
BIRTHPLACE OF THE BLUES
The Delta Blues Museum, Mississippi's oldest music museum, preserves and presents the history and heritage of the unique American musical art form that developed in the region. Located in the historic Clarksdale freight depot, the museum houses instruments, recordings, memorabilia, and personal artifacts from blues legends like Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, and Son House. Visitors can see the remains of the cabin where Muddy Waters lived during his days as a sharecropper on Stovall Plantation, offering a tangible connection to the origins of the blues.