Golden MississippiATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Golden, Mississippi.
1. Tiffin Motorhome Factory Tour
RV MANUFACTURING SHOWCASE
The Tiffin Motorhome Factory Tour offers visitors an inside look at how luxury recreational vehicles are manufactured. Guests can observe the production process from start to finish, learning about the craftsmanship that goes into each motorhome. The tour is highly rated by travelers and provides an educational experience for RV enthusiasts and curious visitors alike.
2. Tishomingo State Park
SCENIC NATURAL RETREAT
Tishomingo State Park is a beautiful natural area featuring massive rock formations, fern-filled crevices, and archaeological sites dating back thousands of years. The park offers activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping within its picturesque landscape of hardwood forests. Visitors can enjoy the park's historic swinging bridge and outcroppings of massive boulders that create a unique outdoor experience.
3. Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard
UNIQUE CANINE CEMETERY
The Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard is a one-of-a-kind cemetery dedicated solely to burial of coon hunting dogs. Established in 1937 when Key Underwood buried his beloved coon dog Troop, this unique site has become a cultural landmark in the region. The cemetery contains numerous creative and heartfelt tributes to these specialized hunting companions, reflecting the deep bond between hunters and their dogs.
4. Rock Bridge Canyon
HORSEBACK RIDING PARADISE
Rock Bridge Canyon offers visitors miles of horseback riding trails through stunning natural landscapes and unique geological formations. The canyon features beautiful waterfalls, towering rock bluffs, and natural stone bridges that create unforgettable views for riders. This outdoor destination has become popular among equestrian enthusiasts seeking adventure through Mississippi's diverse terrain.
5. Natchez Trace Parkway
HISTORIC SCENIC BYWAY
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile recreational road and scenic drive through Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee following a historic travel corridor used by Native Americans and later European settlers. The parkway offers countless historical sites, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks as it winds through the Mississippi countryside. Visitors can explore the natural and cultural heritage of the region while experiencing one of America's most beautiful drives.
6. Elvis Presley Birthplace
KING'S HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
Elvis Presley Birthplace preserves the two-room house where the King of Rock and Roll was born in 1935. The site includes a museum, chapel, and memorial garden dedicated to telling the story of Elvis's early years and influences. Visitors can gain insight into how his humble Mississippi childhood shaped the musical icon who would change American culture forever.
7. U.S.S. Cairo Museum
CIVIL WAR NAVAL HISTORY
The U.S.S. Cairo Museum houses the restored remains of a Civil War ironclad gunboat that was sunk in the Yazoo River in 1862 and recovered a century later. The museum displays artifacts recovered from the vessel, offering visitors a glimpse into Civil War naval technology and the daily life of sailors. This remarkable preservation of history provides a tangible connection to America's most divisive conflict.
8. Hattiesburg Zoo
AWARD-WINNING ANIMAL EXHIBITS
The award-winning Hattiesburg Zoo offers visitors the chance to experience diverse wildlife from around the world in thoughtfully designed habitats. The zoo features interactive experiences, including a high ropes adventure course and opportunities to feed some of the animals. Families can enjoy a full day of exploration with attractions such as a train ride, carousel, and educational programs about conservation efforts.
9. Okatoma Outdoor Post
WHITE WATER ADVENTURE
Okatoma Outdoor Post is home to Mississippi's only Class A white water rapids, offering thrilling adventures for water sports enthusiasts. Visitors can experience kayaking and canoeing through the scenic Okatoma Creek's challenging rapids and peaceful stretches. The facility provides equipment rentals and guided experiences for both beginners and experienced paddlers seeking an adrenaline rush in Mississippi's natural waterways.
10. Windsor Ruins
ANTEBELLUM ARCHITECTURAL REMNANTS
Windsor Ruins consists of 23 hauntingly beautiful Corinthian columns that are all that remain of what was once Mississippi's largest antebellum mansion. The original 25-room mansion, built in 1861, was destroyed by fire in 1890, leaving behind these iconic columns that have become one of the state's most photographed landmarks. The site offers visitors a powerful visual reminder of the South's complex architectural and social history.
11. Rosalie Mansion
HISTORIC RIVER OVERLOOK
Rosalie Mansion is a stunning antebellum home built in 1823 on bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. The Federal-style mansion features period furnishings and decor that showcase the elegant lifestyle of wealthy 19th century Natchez residents. Tours of the home provide insight into Southern history while offering spectacular views of the mighty Mississippi River from its strategic location.
12. St. Mary Basilica
GOTHIC ARCHITECTURAL MASTERPIECE
St. Mary Basilica stands as one of the most architecturally impressive churches in the South, featuring soaring Gothic spires and stunning stained glass windows. Completed in 1886, the church was designated as a Minor Basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1998, recognizing its historical and artistic significance. Visitors can admire the ornate interior with its hand-carved altar, beautiful murals, and impressive pipe organ that create an atmosphere of reverence and awe.
13. Biloxi Lighthouse
COASTAL MARITIME ICON
The Biloxi Lighthouse has stood as a sentinel on Mississippi's Gulf Coast since 1848, surviving numerous hurricanes including Katrina. This 64-foot tall white structure is unique for having been operated by female lightkeepers for more consecutive years than any other lighthouse in the United States. Today, visitors can tour this historic landmark and learn about its significance to maritime navigation and local history.
14. Mississippi Aquarium
GULF COAST MARINE SHOWCASE
The Mississippi Aquarium is a state-of-the-art facility showcasing aquatic life from the Mississippi watershed to the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors can explore immersive exhibits featuring dolphins, sea turtles, alligators, and numerous fish species native to the region. The aquarium combines entertainment with education about marine conservation and the importance of protecting Mississippi's diverse aquatic ecosystems.
15. Dentzel Carousel
HISTORIC AMUSEMENT TREASURE
The Dentzel Carousel is a beautifully preserved antique merry-go-round built in 1896 by Gustav Dentzel, featuring hand-carved horses and other animals. This National Historic Landmark is one of the few remaining carousels from America's golden age of amusement and still operates in its original building. Visitors of all ages can enjoy a ride on this historic treasure while appreciating the craftsmanship and artistry of a bygone era.