Oakland MississippiATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Oakland, Mississippi.
1. George Payne Cossar State Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION AND CAMPING
George Payne Cossar State Park is a beautiful state park located on Lake Enid in Oakland, approximately 16 miles south of Batesville. The park offers various outdoor activities including camping, fishing, hiking trails, and picnic areas for visitors to enjoy. Visitors can experience the natural beauty of Mississippi while relaxing by the serene lake waters.
2. Enid Lake
SCENIC FISHING PARADISE
Enid Lake is one of the most popular recreational water bodies near Oakland, offering excellent fishing opportunities for crappie, bass, and catfish. The lake features multiple access points, boat ramps, and shoreline areas perfect for both casual and serious anglers. Visitors can also enjoy swimming, boating, and wildlife watching along the picturesque shoreline.
3. Trout Valley Quail Preserve
PREMIUM HUNTING EXPERIENCE
Trout Valley Quail Preserve offers guided hunting experiences in the verdant countryside surrounding Oakland. The preserve maintains carefully managed habitats that support healthy populations of quail and other game birds. Hunters of all skill levels can enjoy a traditional Southern hunting experience with professional guides and well-trained dogs.
4. Long Branch Recreation Area
OUTDOOR FAMILY FUN
Long Branch Recreation Area provides a variety of outdoor activities for families and outdoor enthusiasts near Oakland. The area features well-maintained picnic facilities, playgrounds, and easy access to water activities. Visitors can spend the day enjoying the natural surroundings while participating in recreational activities like swimming, hiking, and birdwatching.
5. Persimmon Hill Recreation Area
PEACEFUL NATURAL RETREAT
Persimmon Hill Recreation Area offers a tranquil outdoor experience with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. The area includes hiking trails that wind through native Mississippi forests and open meadows. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, wildlife observation, and photography in this serene natural setting.
6. Plum Point Recreation Area
WATER ACTIVITIES AND RELAXATION
Plum Point Recreation Area is a popular destination for water enthusiasts looking to enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming near Oakland. The area provides boat ramps, swimming areas, and shaded picnic spots for day visitors. Its strategic location offers beautiful views and access to some of the best fishing spots in the region.
7. Oakland Historic Downtown
CHARMING SOUTHERN HERITAGE
Oakland Historic Downtown showcases the town's rich history dating back to its establishment in the 1830s. The downtown area features preserved historic buildings that reflect the architectural styles popular during the town's prosperous early years. Visitors can stroll through the streets to appreciate the small-town charm and historical significance of this Mississippi community.
8. Grenada Lake
PREMIER OUTDOOR DESTINATION
Grenada Lake is a massive reservoir located near Oakland that offers extensive recreational opportunities throughout the year. The lake is renowned for its excellent crappie fishing and hosts numerous fishing tournaments that attract anglers from across the Southeast. Visitors can also enjoy camping, hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing around the lake's 90 miles of shoreline.
9. Yalobusha County Historical Museum
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Yalobusha County Historical Museum preserves and displays artifacts and documents related to the history of Oakland and surrounding communities in Yalobusha County. The museum's exhibits highlight significant events, including the area's railroad history and the Civil War Battle of Oakland that occurred in 1862. Visitors can gain insight into local culture, agricultural heritage, and the development of the region through interactive displays and knowledgeable staff.
10. Main Street Market & Cafe
SOUTHERN COMFORT FOOD
Main Street Market & Cafe serves authentic Southern cuisine in a charming, casual atmosphere in downtown Oakland. The restaurant specializes in home-style cooking with dishes like fried chicken, catfish, and traditional Mississippi sides that highlight local flavors and cooking techniques. Visitors appreciate the friendly service and opportunity to dine like locals in this small-town establishment.
11. Oakland Farmers Market
FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE
The Oakland Farmers Market showcases the agricultural bounty of the region with seasonal fruits, vegetables, and handmade products from local farmers and artisans. The market operates regularly during growing seasons and offers visitors a chance to purchase fresh produce, including the renowned Oakland pears that rival those of California. Shopping at the market supports local agriculture while providing access to some of the freshest ingredients available in the area.
12. Batesville Town Square
SHOPPING AND DINING HUB
Batesville Town Square offers a variety of shopping and dining options just a short drive from Oakland. The square features boutique stores, antique shops, and locally-owned restaurants surrounding a picturesque courthouse. Visitors can spend an afternoon browsing unique merchandise, enjoying Southern cuisine, and experiencing the friendly atmosphere of this nearby community hub.
13. Battle of Oakland Historic Site
CIVIL WAR HISTORY
The Battle of Oakland Historic Site commemorates the December 3, 1862 Civil War engagement between Union and Confederate forces. Interpretive markers throughout the site explain the historical significance of the battle where Union General Cadwallader C. Washburn's cavalry encountered Confederate Colonel John Summerfield Griffith's Texas Cavalry Regiment. History enthusiasts can walk the grounds where both sides withdrew after several hours of fighting during this lesser-known but locally significant Civil War confrontation.
14. Original Oakland Settlement
TOWN'S HISTORIC BEGINNINGS
The Original Oakland Settlement site is located about 1.5 miles east of the current town, marking where Oakland was first established around 1836. Visitors can explore the area to understand how the town relocated when the Mississippi and Tennessee Railroad was built in the 1850s. Historical markers provide context about the town's development and the impact of railway construction on community formation in 19th century Mississippi.
15. Bank of Oakland Building
HISTORIC FINANCIAL INSTITUTION
The Bank of Oakland Building stands as a testament to the town's prosperity during the early 1900s when Oakland was considered one of the best business towns of its size in Mississippi. The historic structure exemplifies the architectural style of rural banking institutions from that era and represents Oakland's economic importance in the region. Visitors interested in local history can appreciate this tangible connection to the town's commercial past and development.