Attractions

 

Around Town Carousels Abound
Around Town Carousels Abound is an outdoor public arts project. The brightly painted, life-sized carousel horse sculptures are placed throughout the city and county. Over 50 horses are displayed outside government buildings, restaurants and other businesses, private homes, the Lauderdale County Tourism Bureau and the Mississippi Welcome Center at Toomsuba. Each horse is uniquely designed and painted by a commissioned artist. The carousel icon represents the historical Dentzel Carousel located in Meridian.

Directions:  The location and description of each horse is available at www.hopevillagems.org

 

Blues & Country Music Trail Markers
Explore the birthplace of Mississippi’s Music in Meridian, home to several of the state’s music trail markers.

Jimmie Rodgers Blues Trail Marker
The Jimmie Rodgers Blues Trail Marker is located in Singing Brakeman Park adjacent to Union Station in beautiful historic downtown Meridian. 1901 Front Street.

Jimmie Rodgers Country Music Trail Marker
The Jimmie Rodgers Country Music Trail Marker is appropriately located by The Father of Country Music’s gravesite in Oak Grove Cemetery, 801 Oak Grove Drive, Meridian.

Elsie McWilliams Country Music Trail Marker
Sister-n-law of Jimmie Rodgers and author of most of Jimmie’s songs, the Elsie McWilliams Country Music Marker is located by Lauderdale County Courthouse in downtown Meridian. 5th Street and Constitution Avenue.

Country Music Comes of Age Country Music Trail Marker
The Country Music Comes of Age Country Music Trail Marker stands tall in Dumont Plaza in celebration of the first Jimmie Rodgers Festival that took place on May 26, 1953. 5th Street and 22nd Avenue.

 

Causeyville General Store
The Causeyville General Store was opened in 1895 as a general store and gristmill. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has many original fixtures and a working gristmill. Open year-round 6:15 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. Sunday. Phone: 601-644-3102

Directions: 6129 Causeyville Rd. Take Highway 19 South, approximately 7 miles; watch for state highway sign for right turn to Causeyville; follow signs, about 5 miles.

 

Chaney Memorial Site
Visit the grave site of slain civil rights worker James Chaney, who volunteered along with Michael Schwerner and Andrew Goodman to aid in the registration of African-American voters as part of the Freedom Summer Movement of 1964. Okatibbee Baptist Church Cemetery.

Directions: Take exit 151 (Valley Road) from Interstate 20/59. Travel approximately 3.4 miles on Valley Road. Turn left onto Fish Lodge Road at Okatibbee Baptist Church sign. This turn will be just past Graham Cemetery. Travel approximately 0.3 mile down Fish Lodge Road. Cemetery will be on right. Grave site is near road.

 

Circle S Ranch
5300 Clarence Harris Road
Lauderdale, MS 39335
601-632-0022
www.circlesranchms.com

Circle S Ranch Fish House is a restaurant with delicious food, as well as a pumpkin patch, school field-trip destination, Easter festival, catering service, and much more!

 

The Confederate Cemetery
The Confederate Cemetery contains the graves of 170 Confederate soldiers who were killed in the Civil War. Admission is free. Phone: 601-482-9752

Directions:  Take the Highway 45 North exit from I-20/59 and turn west on
Confederate Drive.

 

Depot Historic District
The city of Meridian was born of and experienced its greatest growth in conjunction with railroads. Even famous native son Jimmie Rodgers worked on the railroad before becoming a pioneering country-music star. The city has capitalized on its railroading heritage in the development of the Union Station Multi-Modal Transportation Center (MMTC). The site selected for the MMTC project, the Depot Historic District, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and occupies four city blocks. Union Station includes several modes of passenger transportation, including the Meridian Transit System, Amtrak, the Norfolk Southern rail corridor, Greyhound and other providers of transit services. The Meridian Railroad Museum is housed in the more than 100-year-old restored Railway Express Agency building. This unique museum details the history of Meridian’s railroads and features photography, artifacts and a model railroad.

Directions: From I-20/59, take exit 153 to downtown. Turn right on Front Street.

 

Dunn's Falls
The 65-foot waterfall was once used as a power source for a gristmill and the manufacture of Stetson hats. Historic Carroll-Richardson Gristmill is open for tours. The park is a natural wildlife refuge with a picnic area with barbecue grills, a gristmill pond, hiking and swimming areas. Primitive camping is also available for $7.50 plus tax per tent. A cabin is also available to rent for $71.69 per night for a maximum of 4 occupants. Open Wednesday-Sunday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: $1.25 per person; children under 2 free. Phone: 601-655-8550

Directions: 6890 Dunn's Falls Rd., Enterprise, MS. Take I-20/59 south to Savoy exit, then follow signs to park.

 

G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery Memorial Site
Buried in Meridian’s Magnolia Cemetery, G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery served in the Mississippi State Senate 1956-1966 and the U.S. House of Representatives 1967-1997. A retired major general in the Mississippi National Guard, Montgomery championed military and veterans’ issues, including the 1984 Montgomery G.I. Bill.  

Directions: From I-20/59, take exit 153, 22nd Avenue; travel through downtown to 14th Street. Turn left on 14th, then right on 23rd Avenue north. Go approximately 1 mile; cemetery is on the right.

 

Hamasa Shrine Temple Theatre
This Moorish Revival-style theater, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was completed in 1928. Once used for vaudeville and movies, now used year-round for area events, stage shows, plays and concerts. One of only two theater organs left in public buildings in the state of Mississippi is located here. Tours available upon request. Open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. Phone: 601-693-1361  

Directions: From I-20/59, take exit 153, 22nd Avenue. Turn left on Eighth Street. Temple is on corner of Eighth Street and 24th Avenue.

 

Highland Park Dentzel Carousel
In operation since 1909, this National Historic Landmark is one of few two-row stationary Dentzel menagerie carousels. This national treasure, a delightful tourism draw as well as a local favorite, was manufactured around 1895 by Gustav Dentzel of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Seven original oil paintings, of museum quality, adorn the top crown.  All the animals are meticulously hand-carved of bass and poplar wood and have been professionally restored to their original beauty. Both the Carousel and the Carousel House are National Historic Landmarks.  

Open late spring through summer, daily from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.; early fall through early spring open weekends from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.; winter open Saturdays only from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. The cost to ride is $.50. Private tours are available throughout the year, and the cost is $1 a person. For more information or to schedule a private tour, contact the City of Meridian Parks and Recreation Department. Phone: 601-485-1802  

Directions: 1802 Carousel Dr. From I-20/59 take 22nd Avenue exit; turn left on Eighth Street. Follow signs to Highland Park.

 

Jimmie Rodgers Museum
Jimmie Rodgers, the Father of Country Music, was born and raised in the Meridian area. The museum displays the original guitar of "The Singing Brakeman" and other memorabilia of his life and career, as well as railroad equipment from the era of steam-engine travel. Open year-round Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Sunday, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Admission: $5. Phone: 601-485-1808. Website: www.jimmierodgers.com  

Directions: 1725 Jimmie Rodgers Memorial Dr. From I-20/59, take 22nd Avenue exit; turn left on Eighth Street; turn right onto 39th Avenue to Highland Park.

 

Key Brothers Aviation Exhibit
This pictorial exhibit commemorates Meridian's Key brothers, who set a world endurance flight record in 1935, bringing world renown to Mississippi at a time when air travel was still exotic. The exhibit contains a review of the history of aviation. Open year-round at the Meridian Regional Airport. Admission: free. Phone: 601-482-0364

Directions:  Located at 2811 U.S. Hwy. 11 South, Meridian Regional Airport. From I-20/59, take the Meridian Regional Airport exit and follow signs to the airport.

 

 

Lauderdale Springs Confederate Cemetery
This cemetery is the resting place for more than 1,200 Confederate soldiers.
Phone: 601-482-9752

Directions: From I-20/59, take exit for Highway 45 North. Look for signs of the cemetery once at Lauderdale.

 

Lazy Acres Plantation, LLC
Travel to the Mississippi countryside for old-fashioned fun. Lazy Acres Pumpkin Patch is open on weekends during October. Group tours are available by appointment during the week. Enjoy a hayride to the pumpkin patch, get lost in the corn maze, and go hog wild at the pig races. There are many other activities to enjoy as well. The Plantation opens Thanksgiving Day at 1 p.m. annually. Take a sleigh ride to the field and choose the perfect REAL Christmas tree. Visit the live reindeer, Dasher, and stop by the gift shop for unique Christmas items.  Phone: 601-655-8264  Website: www.lazy-acres.com

Directions:  From I-20 take exit 121 (Chunky). Go north 1 mile, then turn left on Lazy Acres Road and go 1 mile. The farm is on the right.

 

McLemore Cemetery
McLemore Cemetery is Meridian's oldest cemetery and includes the grave site of the city's founder, Richard McLemore. The McLemore Cemetery is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Directions: McLemore Cemetery is located on 16th Avenue and Sixth Street.

 

Merrehope/F.W. Williams Home
Merrehope is a stately, 20-room Victorian mansion, restored and furnished by the Meridian Restorations Foundation, Inc. It features unusual woodwork and a handsome stairway, columns and mantels. Originally, part of the home was used as headquarters for Confederate General Leonidas Polk and was spared by Union General William T. Sherman. The Frank W. Williams Home is located adjacent to Merrehope. As a major part of the Meridian Restorations Foundation, the Williams Home is an excellent example of Queen Anne Victorian architecture, with its stained glass, paneling, parquet floors and detailed gingerbread. Many original features and antique furnishings make the home one of Meridian’s top tourism sites. Open year-round, Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Admission is $10 and includes a tour of Merrehope and the Frank W. Williams Home. Senior citizen, student and group rates available. Special December rates. Phone: 601-483-8439. Website: www.merrehope.com

Directions:  905 Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Drive. From I-20/59 take Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Drive exit and follow signs to Merrehope.

 

Meridian Little Theatre
The Meridian Little Theatre, Mississippi’s oldest community theater, was established in 1932. Residents and visitors of Meridian and Lauderdale County are entertained with five shows during each season (October through May). For more information on performances or for tours of the theater, please contact the Meridian Little Theatre. Phone: 601-482-6371
Website: www.meridianlittletheatre.com

Directions: Located on Highway 39 North in Meridian.

 

Meridian Museum of Art
The Meridian Museum of Art is housed in a Carnegie Library built in 1912-13. This Mississippi landmark is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Meridian Museum of Art has served since 1970 as the region’s premier public museum and features rotating exhibitions. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Admission is free. Phone: 601-693-1501

Directions: 628 25th Ave. From I-20/59, take 22nd Avenue to downtown Meridian; turn left on Eighth Street; take Eighth Street to 25th Avenue; turn left; go one block.

 

Meridian Symphony Orchestra
This regional orchestra has offered the finest in symphonic masterpieces for more than 40 years. The 75-member professional symphony orchestra gives performances throughout the year, including the outdoor Fourth of July event at Bonita Lakes. For performance schedules, contact the Meridian Symphony Orchestra at Ivy Hall, Meridian Community College. Phone: 601-693-2224. Most MSO performances take place in the MSU Riley Center, 2200 Fifth Street. For tickets call 601-696-2200 or visit www.msurileycenter.com

Directions:  Take downtown Meridian 22nd Avenue exit (153) off I-20/59, follow signs to downtown 22nd Avenue North, travel approximately 1 mile before arriving at the Riley Center, on the corner of 22nd Avenue and Fifth Street.

 

Mississippi Arts & Entertainment Center’s Walk of Fame Stars
601-581-1550
www.msarts.org

Hollywood isn't the only place with a star-studded Walk of Fame! The Mississippi Arts & Entertainment Center unveiled the first bronze star in the Walk of Fame on February 15, 2009 in honor of the Father of Country Music, Jimmie Rodgers and 8th bronze star on May 5, 2011 in honor of Morgan Freeman. Plans call for all outstanding Mississippi artists to be honored in the future, each with a bronze star, on a path that leads through historic downtown Meridian. Stars begin in front of the MSU Riley Center (2100 5th Street) and continue across the street to Dumont Plaza.

 

Mississippi Industrial Heritage Museum
The museum is an ongoing project to restore the Soulé Steam Feed Works Industrial site. Tours available by appointment. This turn-of-the-20th-century factory complex built steam engines and includes a blacksmith shop, foundry and belt driven machine shop.
Phone: 601-482-8001. Website: www.soulelivesteam.com

Directions: 402 19th Ave. in downtown Meridian

 

MSU Riley Center
A performing-arts center, a conference center, an educational center, a major downtown restoration project – these are all accurate ways to describe the MSU Riley Center. More than just a stunning facility, the center is a special place to create social interaction, enjoy the arts, engage in lifelong learning and stimulate community growth and development.  

Located in the heart of historic downtown Meridian, near restaurants and hotels, the MSU Riley Center opened its doors in September 2006 to offer cultural, artistic and educational experiences like no other in the region. The multifaceted center attracts 60,000+ visitors annually who travel to downtown Meridian for conferences, meetings and performances.  

The center includes a fully restored 1889 grand opera house theater that seats approximately 950, a 200-seat studio theater and 30,000 square feet of meeting space, including a large exhibit hall, breakout rooms and board rooms, all equipped with teleconferencing capabilities and built-in technical features to create the optimal meeting environment.

Directions: Take downtown Meridian 22nd Avenue exit (153) from I-20/59, follow signs to downtown 22nd Avenue North, and travel approximately 1 mile before arriving at the Riley Center, on the corner of 22nd Avenue and Fifth Street.  Website: www.msurileycenter.com

 

Oak Grove Cemetery - Jimmie Rodgers grave site
The grave of Jimmie Rodgers makes the Oak Grove Cemetery a tourism draw.  

Directions: Take exit 154A from I-20/59. Go south on Highway 19. At the second light, directly in front of McDonald's, turn left. Take your immediate right onto Azalea Drive. Continue until you reach a fork in the road where you will veer left onto Oak Grove Road. The cemetery will be on the right just past the church. The grave is in the front, about mid-way.

 

Oddfellows Cemetery
Established in the 1860s by the Oddfellows fraternal organization, this cemetery is one of the oldest and most historic African American cemeteries in the area.

Directions:  Take 10th Avenue at 21st Street.

 

Painting with a Twist
3401 North Hills Street, Suite A
601-282-5575
www.paintingwithatwist.com/meridian

Bring your friends, your food, and your drinks and we'll show you step by step how to create your own masterpiece.

 

Rose Hill Cemetery
This historic cemetery contains the monuments of Meridian founders John Ball and Lewis Ragsdale; the graves of Emil and Kelly Mitchell, the King and Queen of the Gypsies; a mound that contains the remains of Confederate dead; and the grave of Lieutenant Charles W. Read, who is regarded as the John Paul Jones of the Confederacy. Rose Hill Cemetery is open all year, and admission is free. Donations are welcome. Guided group tours are available and can be arranged through the Meridian/Lauderdale County Tourism Bureau by calling 601-482-8001 or 888-868-7720.

Directions:  Entrance on 40th Avenue, between Seventh and Eighth streets. From I-20/59, take 22nd Avenue exit to downtown Meridian; turn left on Eighth Street to 40th Avenue, then left on 40th Avenue.

 

Sam Dale Monument and Grave Site
The story of the pioneer soldier General Sam Dale, who rode from Georgia to the Battle of New Orleans with a message for Andrew Jackson, will be forever remembered at the Sam Dale Monument, grave site and historic marker.

Directions:  From I-20/59 take exit 154B to Highway 39 North. Located on Highway 39 North in Daleville.

 

The Simmons-Wright Company
The Simmons-Wright Company was established in 1884.  In its heyday it served as a general store, gristmill and cotton gin.  It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is still in business today. Open year-round 7 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and 7 a.m. until 12 p.m. every 1st and 3rd Saturday. Phone: 601-632-1884

Directions:  5493 Hwy. 11/80, Kewanee. Take I-20 East to Kewanee, exit 169, turn right and drive ¾ mile. The store is on the left (approximately 15 miles east of Meridian).

 

Temple Beth Israel Cemetery
This 19th-century resting place for Meridian's Jewish community dates back to the 1860s and includes German immigrants. Many of the monuments and markers are fine examples of Victorian funerary art.

Directions:  From I-20/59, take exit 154B to Highway 39 North.  Turn left onto 19th Street.

 

Whynot Motorsports Park
Directions:  Whynot Motorsports Park is located in Meridian at 4773 JW Reynolds Road (intersection of JW Reynolds Road and Old Highway 19 Southeast).

 

Top ^