Friars Point MississippiATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Friars Point, Mississippi.
1. Mississippi River Access Point
HISTORIC RIVER VIEWS
The Mississippi River Access Point in Friars Point provides the only public access to the banks of the Mississippi River in Coahoma County. Visitors can enjoy scenic views of America's most iconic river while connecting with the deep historical significance of this once-bustling cotton shipping port. The riverside location offers opportunities for reflection, photography, and experiencing the natural beauty that has inspired countless blues musicians and writers.
2. Hirsberg's Drugstore Historic Site
BLUES LEGEND LANDMARK
Hirsberg's Drugstore Historic Site marks the location where blues legend Robert Johnson is said to have performed in Friars Point. This culturally significant spot was immortalized in Johnson's song 'Traveling Riverside Blues,' making it a must-visit for music history enthusiasts. The site connects visitors to the rich blues heritage of the Mississippi Delta region and the legacy of one of its most influential artists.
3. North Delta Museum
LOCAL HISTORY GEM
The North Delta Museum is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Friars Point that captures the essence of local history and culture. The museum preserves and showcases artifacts and exhibits related to the rich heritage of the Mississippi Delta region. Visitors can explore displays highlighting the area's agricultural past, musical contributions, and the significant role Friars Point played as a major cotton shipping center.
4. Conway Twitty Birthplace
COUNTRY MUSIC HERITAGE
The Conway Twitty Birthplace commemorates the location where the country music legend was born in Friars Point. Visitors can learn about the early life and musical journey of one of country music's most celebrated performers. This site represents an important piece of American music history and highlights Friars Point's contribution to the country music landscape.
5. Friars Point Historical Downtown
PRESERVED RIVER PORT
Friars Point Historical Downtown offers visitors a glimpse into the past of this once-thriving Mississippi River port town founded in 1836. The preserved architecture and historical markers throughout the downtown area tell the story of its days as the largest cotton shipping center south of Memphis. Literary enthusiasts will appreciate walking the same streets that inspired renowned Mississippi writers like Tennessee Williams and William Faulkner.
6. Delta Blues Museum
MISSISSIPPI'S MUSICAL HERITAGE
The Delta Blues Museum, Mississippi's oldest music museum, is housed in the historic Clarksdale freight depot built in 1918. Established in 1979, this award-winning institution preserves and showcases the rich history of blues music and its profound influence on American culture. The museum features permanent and traveling exhibits, educational programs, and hosts major events like the Sunflower River Blues and Gospel Festival in August and the Juke Joint Festival in April.
7. Magnolia Motor Speedway
RACING EXCITEMENT CENTRAL
Magnolia Motor Speedway is a state-of-the-art racing facility featuring a .375 mile dirt oval track near Columbus. Racing enthusiasts can enjoy high-speed competition in various vehicle classes throughout the racing season. The venue provides an exciting entertainment option for visitors looking to experience the thrill of motorsports in Mississippi.
8. Friendship Cemetery
HISTORIC MEMORIAL GROUNDS
Friendship Cemetery in Columbus is the burial site of four Confederate generals and more than 2,000 Civil War soldiers. Historically significant as the site of America's first Memorial Day observance in April 1866, the cemetery contains graves of soldiers from every battle between the War of 1812 to the Bosnian Conflict. The grounds include the burial sites of two Mississippi governors and a dedicated Jewish section, offering visitors a meaningful connection to the region's past.
9. Lowndes County Courthouse
CIVIL WAR LEGISLATIVE HUB
The Lowndes County Courthouse served as the meeting place for the Mississippi Legislature during the Civil War after Union forces captured Jackson. This historic building represents a crucial chapter in Mississippi's Civil War history and governmental resilience during a tumultuous period. Visitors can appreciate the architecture and historical significance of this landmark which continues to serve the community today.
10. The Haven
FREE MEN'S HISTORIC HOME
The Haven, built circa 1843, is a raised cottage constructed by free men of color, Isaac Williams, a skilled laborer, and his brother Thomas, a blacksmith. This historical structure represents an important part of African American history in the antebellum South. Though only available as a drive-by attraction, The Haven provides visitors with a glimpse into the lives and accomplishments of free Black craftsmen before the Civil War.
11. Franklin Academy
EDUCATIONAL HISTORY LANDMARK
Franklin Academy of Columbus opened its doors in 1821 as the first free public school in Mississippi. This pioneering educational institution has maintained its commitment to learning, remaining operational for students to this day. The academy stands as a testament to Mississippi's early dedication to public education and represents an important historical landmark in the state's development.
12. Eugenia Summer Gallery
UNIVERSITY ART SHOWCASE
The Eugenia Summer Gallery is located on the southwest corner of the Mississippi University for Women campus in the Art and Design Building. This cultural venue showcases rotating exhibitions of student work, faculty projects, and visiting artists throughout the academic year. Art enthusiasts can enjoy free access to diverse creative expressions in various media during regular gallery hours.
13. Dewayne Hayes Recreation Area
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PARADISE
Dewayne Hayes Recreation Area offers extensive outdoor recreational facilities including 100 RV sites and ten primitive camping areas near Columbus. Visitors can enjoy mountain biking, wildlife viewing, fishing, boating, and a water playground among its diverse amenities. The recreation area provides a perfect base for nature enthusiasts looking to explore the natural beauty of northeastern Mississippi.
14. Robert Johnson Blues Trail Marker
LEGENDARY MUSICIAN MEMORIAL
The Robert Johnson Blues Trail Marker commemorates the influential blues musician's connection to Friars Point. This historical marker is part of the Mississippi Blues Trail that documents significant people, places, and events in blues history throughout the state. Music pilgrims and history buffs can learn about Johnson's impact on American music and his specific references to Friars Point in his recordings.
15. Coahoma County Heritage Museum
DELTA CULTURAL SHOWCASE
The Coahoma County Heritage Museum preserves and displays the rich cultural history of the region surrounding Friars Point. Exhibits highlight the agricultural, social, and musical developments that shaped this distinctive part of the Mississippi Delta. Visitors can explore artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays that tell the story of Coahoma County's diverse communities and their contributions to American culture.