Indianola MississippiATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Indianola, Mississippi.
1. B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center
BLUES LEGEND'S LEGACY
The B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center honors the legendary blues musician while sharing the rich cultural heritage of the Mississippi Delta. Through authentic presentations of music, art, artifacts, and video, the museum celebrates Delta blues music heritage and the local culture. The museum also encourages young artists and musicians while enriching the lives of Delta youth and visitors alike.
2. Club Ebony
HISTORIC BLUES VENUE
Club Ebony is one of the South's most important African American nightclubs, built just after World War II by Indianola entrepreneur Johnny Jones. This historic venue has showcased legendary performers including Ray Charles, Count Basie, B.B. King, and many other iconic musicians. Now owned and operated by the B.B. King Museum, Club Ebony remains one of the last authentic juke joints in Mississippi.
3. B.B. King's Corner
BLUES TRAIL LANDMARK
B.B. King's Corner serves as a tribute to the blues icon in his hometown of Indianola. The site features a Mississippi Blues Trail marker and commemorates King's connection to the Delta region. Visitors can learn about King's early life and musical influences while exploring this significant cultural landmark.
4. Indianola Pecan House
SOUTHERN SPECIALTY SHOP
Indianola Pecan House offers visitors a taste of Southern culinary tradition through its selection of pecan-based treats and regional specialties. The shop features a variety of candied, roasted, and chocolate-covered pecans along with other gourmet food items. Visitors can sample local flavors and bring home edible souvenirs that showcase Delta food heritage.
5. The Crown Restaurant
UPSCALE SOUTHERN DINING
The Crown Restaurant serves upscale Southern cuisine in a refined atmosphere in downtown Indianola. The menu features traditional regional dishes prepared with contemporary flair, catering to those seeking a more elevated dining experience. Visitors appreciate both the vegetarian-friendly options and the restaurant's commitment to quality ingredients.
6. Betty's Place
AUTHENTIC BBQ JOINT
Betty's Place is a beloved local eatery known for authentic American barbecue and down-home cooking. The restaurant offers affordable, hearty portions in a casual, welcoming atmosphere that embodies Southern hospitality. Visitors can enjoy traditional barbecue prepared with time-honored techniques and recipes that showcase regional flavors.
7. The Blue Biscuit
BLUES AND BBQ
The Blue Biscuit combines live blues music with barbecue and Southern cuisine for an authentic Delta experience. The venue features regular musical performances in a casual, welcoming atmosphere that celebrates the region's rich blues heritage. Adjacent Blue Biscuit Bungalows provide accommodations for visitors looking to immerse themselves in Indianola's musical culture.
8. Indianola Historic District
CULTURAL WALKING TOUR
The Indianola Historic District offers a captivating walking or driving tour showcasing the town's rich heritage and cultural landmarks. Visitors can explore three Mississippi Blues Trail Markers, historic architecture, and sites connected to notable residents including Craig Claiborne, the renowned New York Times food editor. The district provides insight into Indianola's significant contributions to American music, culinary arts, and Southern culture.
9. NOLA
ITALIAN-AMERICAN FUSION DINING
NOLA offers a blend of Italian and American cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere in Indianola. The restaurant serves mid-range priced dishes that combine Mediterranean flavors with Southern culinary traditions. Visitors appreciate the restaurant's quality food and inviting ambiance that makes for an enjoyable dining experience.
10. Lost Pizza Company
QUIRKY PIZZA JOINT
Lost Pizza Company serves creative pizza combinations in a casual, family-friendly setting in Indianola. The restaurant offers both traditional favorites and inventive specialty pies that showcase both Italian and American influences. Visitors enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and mid-range priced menu options that appeal to diverse tastes.
11. Where the Southern Crosses the Yellow Dog
HISTORIC BLUES LANDMARK
Where the Southern Crosses the Yellow Dog is a historic landmark immortalized in W.C. Handy's 1915 blues song "Yellow Dog Blues." Located in nearby Moorhead, this site marks the intersection of two major railroad lines that played a significant role in blues music and culture. The landmark represents the metaphorical themes of travel and escape that became central to early blues compositions.
12. Pea Soup's
CLASSIC AMERICAN DINER
Pea Soup's offers classic American diner fare in a casual, nostalgic setting in Indianola. The restaurant specializes in quick, affordable meals that showcase traditional Southern breakfast and lunch favorites. Visitors appreciate the unpretentious atmosphere and straightforward, satisfying food that represents authentic local dining.
13. Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant
AUTHENTIC MEXICAN CUISINE
Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant brings authentic Mexican flavors to Indianola with its diverse menu of traditional dishes. The restaurant offers vegetarian-friendly options alongside classic Mexican favorites in a welcoming, casual atmosphere. Visitors enjoy the mid-range priced meals that provide a taste of international cuisine within this Delta town.
14. Indianola Recreation Department
FAMILY FUN CENTER
The Indianola Recreation Department provides various recreational facilities and activities for visitors and residents of all ages. The center offers sports fields, playgrounds, and seasonal programming throughout the year that highlight community engagement. Families particularly appreciate the affordable entertainment options that showcase local sporting events and recreational opportunities.
15. Mississippi Aquarium
GULF COAST MARINE LIFE
The Mississippi Aquarium, located in Gulfport, showcases the diverse marine life of the Gulf Coast region through immersive exhibits and educational programming. Visitors can observe numerous aquatic species while learning about marine conservation efforts and coastal ecosystems. The family-friendly attraction provides an engaging experience that highlights Mississippi's important relationship with its waterways and ocean environments.