Cleveland MississippiATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Cleveland, Mississippi.
1. GRAMMY Museum Mississippi
MUSIC HISTORY AND TECHNOLOGY
GRAMMY Museum Mississippi is the most technologically-advanced music-themed museum in the South. Visitors can explore the history of recorded music through artifacts and stories of global music icons. The museum offers an interactive experience that celebrates the enduring legacy of music and recording arts.
2. Martin & Sue King Railroad Museum
RAILROAD HISTORY AND MODELS
The Martin & Sue King Railroad Museum features one of the largest O gauge model railroads in the country set in a beautiful and meticulous diorama. The museum houses thousands of artifacts, photographs, and documents related to the history and impact of railroads in the Mississippi Delta, including a real caboose. It offers interesting activities for kids and is considered one of the best railroad museums in the South.
3. Dockery Farms
BIRTHPLACE OF DELTA BLUES
Dockery Farms is widely regarded as the birthplace of Delta Blues, where legendary musicians once lived and performed. The historic cotton plantation offers visitors a glimpse into the agricultural past of the region while honoring its significant musical heritage. Tours of the property showcase original buildings and share the story of how this location influenced American music history.
4. Delta State University
HOME OF FIGHTING OKRA
Delta State University is a historic institution that adds a university-town vibe to Cleveland. The campus is home to unique Delta attractions including the 'Living Masks' of Mississippi bluesmen, the Delta Chinese Heritage Museum, and the 'Boo' Ferris Museum. Visitors should not leave without purchasing a 'Fighting Okra' sweatshirt, the university's beloved mascot.
5. Roy L. and Clara Belle Wiley Planetarium
STARS OF THE DELTA
The Roy L. and Clara Belle Wiley Planetarium is the state's only university-sponsored planetarium, located on the Delta State University campus. Visitors can enjoy immersive astronomical shows and educational programming about the cosmos. The planetarium offers a unique scientific experience in the heart of the Mississippi Delta.
6. Mathews-Sanders Sculpture Garden
OUTDOOR ART GALLERY
The Mathews-Sanders Sculpture Garden is one of the state's only sculpture gardens, located in front of the Bologna Performing Arts Center at Delta State University. The outdoor gallery features an impressive collection of contemporary sculptures set against the backdrop of the university grounds. Art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike can appreciate the creative expressions while strolling through this unique cultural space.
7. Bologna Performing Arts Center
CULTURAL ENTERTAINMENT HUB
The Bologna Performing Arts Center hosts dozens of events throughout the year, bringing cultural performances to the heart of the Delta. Located on the Delta State University campus, this venue presents a variety of shows including music concerts, theatrical productions, and dance performances. The center serves as a cultural hub for both the university community and visitors to Cleveland.
8. Moonstruck Flea Market
TREASURE HUNTER'S PARADISE
Moonstruck Flea Market offers a diverse shopping experience where visitors can hunt for unique treasures and collectibles. The market features various vendors selling antiques, vintage items, handcrafted goods, and local specialties. It's a popular destination for both locals and tourists looking to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs from the Delta region.
9. Downtown Cleveland
BOUTIQUES AND EATERIES
Downtown Cleveland features a beautiful and well-kept area full of independent boutiques, jewelry stores, galleries, and antique shops. Visitors can explore cafes and restaurants offering authentic Southern cuisine and Delta specialties. The charming district allows shoppers and diners to experience the easy and gracious Delta lifestyle that has earned Cleveland recognition as one of the best small towns in the South.
10. Great River Road State Park
MISSISSIPPI RIVER EXPERIENCES
Great River Road State Park is a short drive from Cleveland, offering access to the mighty Mississippi River. The park provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and scenic views of America's most famous waterway. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, wildlife viewing, and learning about the river's significant role in the region's history and ecology.
11. Delta Chinese Heritage Museum
UNIQUE CULTURAL HISTORY
The Delta Chinese Heritage Museum preserves and exhibits the unique story of Chinese immigrants in the Mississippi Delta. Located on the Delta State University campus, the museum showcases artifacts, photographs, and oral histories documenting the contributions of Chinese Americans to the region. Visitors gain insight into a lesser-known but significant aspect of Mississippi's diverse cultural heritage.
12. Boo Ferris Museum
LOCAL BASEBALL LEGEND
The Boo Ferris Museum honors the legacy of Dave 'Boo' Ferris, a Cleveland native who played Major League Baseball for the Boston Red Sox. The museum displays memorabilia from his career and celebrates his contributions to baseball history and local community. Located on Delta State University's campus, it offers sports enthusiasts a glimpse into the life of this celebrated Delta athletic icon.
13. Delta Meat Market
GOURMET SOUTHERN CUISINE
Delta Meat Market is a renowned culinary destination in Cleveland offering artisanal meats, cheeses, and gourmet prepared foods. The establishment combines a butcher shop, market, and restaurant serving elevated Southern cuisine using locally-sourced ingredients. Food enthusiasts visit to experience chef-driven dishes that showcase the rich culinary traditions of the Mississippi Delta with contemporary flair.
14. Hey Joe's
BURGERS AND LOCAL CULTURE
Hey Joe's is a popular local eatery known for its creative burgers and relaxed atmosphere that captures Cleveland's college-town vibe. The restaurant features an eclectic decor with local art and memorabilia that celebrates Delta culture. It's a favorite gathering spot for both Delta State students and visitors looking to enjoy casual dining with authentic local character.
15. Cotton Row Bookstore
LITERARY HAVEN DOWNTOWN
Cotton Row Bookstore is a charming independent bookshop located in Cleveland's downtown district. The store offers a thoughtfully curated selection of titles including works by Mississippi authors, Southern literature, and books about Delta history and culture. Bibliophiles appreciate the knowledgeable staff and the store's role as a cultural touchstone in this college town.