Mantachie MississippiATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Mantachie, Mississippi.
1. Itawamba Historical Society
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Itawamba Historical Society offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history of Mantachie and Itawamba County. Featuring exhibits of local artifacts, photographs, and documents, the society works to preserve the cultural heritage of the area. Visitors can learn about Chief Man-ta-chee, for whom the town was named, and other significant historical events that shaped the community.
2. Mantachie Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION HUB
Mantachie Park serves as the vibrant recreational center of the town, offering various facilities for outdoor activities. The park features playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports fields that provide entertainment options for visitors of all ages. Local events and community gatherings are often held in this central green space, making it a social focal point for residents and tourists alike.
3. Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum
KING'S HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
The Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum showcases the original two-room house where the King of Rock and Roll was born in 1935. Visitors can tour the modest home, explore the museum filled with memorabilia, and reflect at the meditation chapel on the grounds. This historic site provides an intimate look at the early life of one of music's most influential figures just a short drive from Mantachie.
4. Tombigbee State Park
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PARADISE
Tombigbee State Park offers 20 miles of scenic beauty with a 90-acre lake as its centerpiece, located near Mantachie. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy fishing, boating, camping, and hiking along well-maintained trails through the forested landscape. The park's modern facilities include cabins, campgrounds, picnic areas, and a boat launch, making it perfect for day trips or extended stays.
5. Veterans Memorial Park
HONORING MILITARY SERVICE
Veterans Memorial Park pays tribute to the brave men and women who served in the United States military. The thoughtfully designed memorial features monuments, plaques, and displays honoring veterans from various conflicts. Visitors can reflect on the sacrifices made by service members while enjoying the peaceful, landscaped grounds just a short drive from Mantachie.
6. Itawamba Community College
EDUCATION AND CULTURE
Itawamba Community College serves as an educational hub for the region with facilities accessible to the public for various events. The campus features cultural attractions including an arts center, sports facilities, and occasional community-focused exhibitions. Visitors from Mantachie can attend theatrical performances, concerts, and sporting events throughout the academic year.
7. Jamie L. Witten Historical Center
COUNTY HERITAGE DISPLAY
The Jamie L. Witten Historical Center houses an extensive collection of artifacts and documents chronicling Itawamba County's development. Exhibits feature pioneer utensils, Native American artifacts, and memorabilia from different periods in the region's history. The center provides educational opportunities for visitors interested in learning about local culture and traditions near Mantachie.
8. Ballard Park
RECREATION AND EVENTS
Ballard Park spans 200 acres offering diverse recreational facilities just a short drive from Mantachie. The park features walking trails, sports fields, playgrounds, and a large pond perfect for fishing or feeding ducks. Throughout the year, the park hosts community events including concerts, festivals, and holiday celebrations that attract visitors from surrounding communities.
9. Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo
WILDLIFE AND ADVENTURE
Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo houses over 220 animals including buffalo, zebras, giraffes, and exotic species across its 210-acre property. Visitors can take guided safari tours, interact with animals in the petting zoo, or enjoy the adventure zipline course. The park offers a unique wildlife experience with educational presentations about conservation and animal habitats just minutes from Mantachie.
10. Tupelo Hardware Company
ELVIS'S FIRST GUITAR
Tupelo Hardware Company is the historic store where Gladys Presley purchased Elvis's first guitar instead of the bicycle he initially wanted. Still operating as a functional hardware store, it maintains much of its original 1940s character while celebrating its place in music history. Visitors can stand on the actual spot where young Elvis stood when receiving his fateful gift, marked by a special tile on the floor.
11. Tupelo Automobile Museum
VINTAGE CAR COLLECTION
The Tupelo Automobile Museum features an impressive collection of over 100 antique, classic, and collectible vehicles spanning the 20th century. Exhibits include rare models, celebrity-owned cars, and automotive memorabilia arranged in chronological order to illustrate the evolution of automobile design. Car enthusiasts from Mantachie and beyond can appreciate this world-class collection displayed in a 120,000-square-foot facility.
12. Natchez Trace Parkway
HISTORIC SCENIC ROUTE
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile scenic drive following a historic travel corridor used by Native Americans and early settlers, with its headquarters and a visitor center near Tupelo. The parkway features numerous hiking trails, historical sites, and interpretive exhibits along its route. Visitors from Mantachie can enjoy breathtaking landscapes, wildlife viewing opportunities, and educational experiences about the region's rich cultural heritage.
13. Tupelo National Battlefield
CIVIL WAR HISTORY
Tupelo National Battlefield commemorates the site of a significant Civil War battle that took place in July 1864. The one-acre site features monuments, interpretive panels, and a cannon that help visitors understand the strategic importance of this conflict. History enthusiasts from Mantachie can explore this preserved battlefield to learn about Union General A.J. Smith's victory over Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest.
14. Mall at Barnes Crossing
SHOPPING AND ENTERTAINMENT
The Mall at Barnes Crossing offers Mantachie residents and visitors a premier shopping experience with over 90 specialty stores and major retailers. The mall features a diverse food court, sit-down restaurants, and various entertainment options for all ages. As the largest shopping center in the region, it serves as a commercial hub where shoppers can find everything from fashion and electronics to gifts and home decor.
15. Tupelo Farmers' Market
LOCAL PRODUCE AND CRAFTS
The Tupelo Farmers' Market showcases the region's agricultural bounty with seasonal fruits, vegetables, and artisanal products from local producers. Visitors can browse stands offering homemade jams, baked goods, honey, handcrafted items, and fresh flowers in a lively community atmosphere. The market provides a taste of local culture and cuisine for Mantachie residents looking for fresh ingredients and unique gift items throughout the growing season.