Sledge MississippiATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Sledge, Mississippi.
1. Charley Pride Historical Marker
COUNTRY MUSIC LEGEND
The Charley Pride Historical Marker commemorates the birthplace of the legendary country music singer who was born in Sledge on March 18, 1938. As one of the few African-American country musicians to achieve considerable success in the genre, Pride became only the second African American inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. His legacy is honored along Mississippi's Country Music Trail with this marker that celebrates his contributions to music history.
2. 1968 Mule Train Cultural Trail Markers
CIVIL RIGHTS HISTORY
The 1968 Mule Train Cultural Trail Markers consist of 11 wagon wheel trail markers and seven wayfinding signs installed throughout the city of Marks. These markers commemorate the Poor People's Campaign, the last march organized by civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., which began in Quitman County. The markers were unveiled during a 50th anniversary event honoring this significant civil rights movement.
3. Northwest Mississippi Community College Fine Arts Auditorium
CULTURAL PERFORMANCE VENUE
Northwest Mississippi Community College Fine Arts Auditorium serves as the premier performance venue in the region near Sledge. The auditorium hosts a variety of cultural events including musical performances, theatrical productions, and community gatherings throughout the year. Visitors consistently rate this venue highly for its quality programming and facilities.
4. Delta Cultural Center
REGIONAL HERITAGE MUSEUM
The Delta Cultural Center explores the rich cultural heritage of the Arkansas Delta region, which shares many historical connections with nearby Mississippi communities like Sledge. Visitors can explore exhibits on blues music, civil rights history, and the agricultural development that shaped the region. The center offers an immersive experience through interactive displays, historical artifacts, and regular cultural programming.
5. Tunica RiverPark
MISSISSIPPI RIVER EXPERIENCE
Tunica RiverPark offers visitors an immersive experience of the mighty Mississippi River just a short drive from Sledge. The park features observation decks with panoramic views of the river, educational exhibits about river ecology, and opportunities for riverboat excursions. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy the walking trails that showcase the unique ecosystem of the Mississippi River region.
6. Tunica Arena and Expo Center
ENTERTAINMENT AND EVENTS
The Tunica Arena and Expo Center hosts a variety of events including rodeos, concerts, trade shows, and community gatherings near Sledge. The versatile facility features a large indoor arena, exhibition spaces, and modern amenities to accommodate diverse programming. Visitors from throughout the region attend the center's year-round calendar of entertainment and cultural events.
7. Mules and Blues Fest
CULTURAL HERITAGE CELEBRATION
The Mules and Blues Fest is an annual cultural celebration in Quitman County that honors the region's connection to the historic Mule Train and its rich blues music heritage. The festival features live music performances, historical presentations, and activities that commemorate Martin Luther King Jr.'s Poor People's Campaign. Visitors can experience authentic Delta blues music while learning about the significant civil rights history that unfolded in the area near Sledge.
8. Mississippi Blues Trail Markers
MUSICAL HERITAGE SITES
The Mississippi Blues Trail Markers in the region near Sledge commemorate significant sites in the development of blues music throughout the Delta. These markers tell the stories of influential musicians, historic venues, and cultural developments that shaped American music history. Visitors can follow the trail to discover the rich musical heritage that emerged from the agricultural communities of Northwest Mississippi.
9. Gateway to the Blues Museum
MUSICAL HISTORY EXPERIENCE
The Gateway to the Blues Museum introduces visitors to the rich musical heritage of the Mississippi Delta region near Sledge. Housed in a historic train depot, the museum features interactive exhibits, rare artifacts, and audiovisual presentations that trace the evolution of blues music. Visitors can even record their own blues track in the museum's recording studio for a hands-on experience with this influential American art form.
10. Hollywood Cafe
HISTORIC DELTA DINING
The Hollywood Cafe is a legendary Delta dining establishment known for its Southern cuisine and musical heritage not far from Sledge. Famously mentioned in Marc Cohn's hit song 'Walking in Memphis,' this historic restaurant serves traditional dishes like fried green tomatoes, catfish, and their renowned hot tamales. The cafe's authentic atmosphere and connection to regional music history make it a cultural destination as well as a dining experience.
11. Blue & White Restaurant
CLASSIC SOUTHERN DINING
The Blue & White Restaurant has been serving classic Southern cuisine to travelers and locals in the region near Sledge since 1924. This historic establishment began as a service station and has evolved into a beloved dining institution known for its homestyle cooking and welcoming atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy traditional dishes like country ham, biscuits and gravy, and homemade pies in a nostalgic setting that captures the essence of Mississippi hospitality.
12. Tunica County River Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Tunica County River Park offers visitors beautiful views of the Mississippi River and outdoor recreational activities just a short drive from Sledge. The park features walking trails, picnic areas, and fishing spots along with interpretive displays about river ecology and history. Nature enthusiasts can observe diverse wildlife, especially migratory birds that frequent the riverine environment throughout the seasons.
13. Tunica Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY CENTER
The Tunica Museum preserves and presents the rich history of the Mississippi Delta region surrounding communities like Sledge. Exhibits trace the area's development from Native American settlements through plantation agriculture and into the modern era with artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays. Visitors can gain insights into the cultural, economic, and social forces that shaped this distinctive part of the American South.
14. Delta Blues Museum
AMERICAN MUSIC HERITAGE
The Delta Blues Museum celebrates the birth and evolution of blues music that emerged from the agricultural communities around Sledge and throughout the Mississippi Delta. Located in Clarksdale, the museum houses an impressive collection of instruments, recordings, photographs, and memorabilia from legendary blues artists. Visitors can explore the actual cabin where Muddy Waters lived during his formative years as a musician on Stovall Plantation.
15. Ground Zero Blues Club
AUTHENTIC BLUES EXPERIENCE
Ground Zero Blues Club offers an authentic Delta blues experience in a historic building not far from Sledge in Clarksdale. Co-owned by actor Morgan Freeman, this venue hosts live blues performances several nights a week in a rustic setting that captures the essence of traditional juke joints. Visitors can enjoy Southern cuisine while listening to talented musicians continuing the blues tradition that originated in the surrounding Delta region.