In 1831, one year after the Choctaw Indians agreed to vacate their territories in Mississippi, Richard McLemore of Virginia settled first in the area that would become Meridian. The community began to prosper when the railroads came to the area in 1855. From 1890 until 1930, Meridian was the state's largest city and a leader in manufacturing. Today, Meridian has nine recognized historic districts and neighborhoods, including the largest collection of downtown historic buildings in the state. Meridian is also proud to be the home of Jimmie Rodgers, the "Father of Country Music." Proud of its historic heritage, the town also offers a number of activities and attractions that focus on the present - including many scenic outdoor parks, the arts, and opportunities for recreation, shopping, dining and more. Best Western Meridian Mississippi.
Things to do in Meridian
Around Town Carousels Abound
Around Town Carousels Abound is a public outdoor art project that features 37 brightly decorated carousel horses, each with their own theme and story. Crafted by the local and regional artists, the sponsored horses are placed in prominent locations throughout the city. All proceeds from the project benefit Hope Village for Children. Call for locations. Call 601-482-8001 for more information.
Bamboo Emu Farm
Visitors are welcome to tour the farm and visit with the animals. Emu products and meat are available in the gift shop. Located at 3280 Lakeview Golf Course Road. Call 601-693-1108 for more information.
Bonita Lakes
Bonita Lakes is a beautiful city-owned 3,300-acre park situated on three lakes. Located within are the Long Creek Reservoir and Lakeview Municipal Golf Course. The park features nature trails, jogging and walking track, biking, horseback riding trails, pavilion, picnic facilities, boat ramps, paddle boats, concessions and fishing. From I-20/I-59, take exit 154-A to Highway 19 South. Call 601-485-1920 for more information.
Causeyville General Store and Mill
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Causeyville General Store was opened in 1895 as a general store and gristmill. The store features many original fixtures, demonstrations of the working gristmill, and the Mechanical Musical Museum. Located at 6129 Causeyville Rd. Call 601-644-3102 for more information.
Clarco State Park
A favorite Mississippi recreation destination since 1938, Clarkco State Park sits on 815 acres of gently rolling woodlands. Within the park, Clarkco Lake offers 65 freshwater acres for fishing and other water sports. Facilities include both developed and primitive camp sites, picnic sites and grills, playground equipment, a 5-mile nature trail encircling the park, two lighted tennis courts, a 9-hole disc golf course, and boat rentals. It's the perfect retreat for an afternoon or weekend getaway. Located just south of Meridian near the Mississippi-Alabama state line. Call 601-776-6651 for more information.
Dunn's Falls
The showpiece of Dunn's Falls is the 65-foot waterfall that was once used as a power source for a gristmill Historic Carroll Richardson Gristmill is available for tours. The park features a picnic area with barbecue grills, gristmill pond, hiking and swimming areas, and a primitive camping area. The mill pond is stocked with catfish. The park is situated along the Chunky River, offering additional fishing, canoeing and swimming opportunities. Take I-20/59 South to Savoy exit, then follow signs to park. Call 601-655-8550 for more information.
Frank W. Williams Home
Built around 1886 as a wedding present for Mamie, the wife of Frank Williams, the home is a good example of the Queen Anne style of the Victorian period. The house was moved to the present site in 1979. Located at 905 Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Drive. Call 601-483-8439 for more information.
Hamasa Shrine Temple Theatre
The Hamasa Shrine Temple Theatre was built in the Moorish Revival Style and opened in 1928 as a movie and vaudeville house. The theatre is used today for all types of performances, and is complete with a ballroom, meeting rooms, lounge and a 1,600-seat auditorium. One of two Robert Morton pipe organs known to exist resides in the theatre. Located at 2320 Eighth St. Call 601-693-1361 for more information.
Highland Park
Built in 1908, Highland Park is home to the Dentzel Carousel, the Jimmie Rodgers Museum, and the Frank Cochran Recreation Center. The park features a swimming pool, duck pond, tennis courts, baseball and softball fields and playground. Meridian's annual Arts in the Park Festival is held annually the first weekend in April in Highland Park. Located at 41st Avenue and 19th Street. Call 601-485-1802 for more information.
Highland Park Dentzel Carousel
A National Historic Landmark, this exquisite carousel has been operating since 1909 and is the only two-row stationary Dentzel known to exist. Beautiful museum-quality artwork and meticulous craftsmanship make the carousel a national treasure. Located in Highland park at 1720 Jimmie Rodgers Memorial Drive. Call 601-485-1801 for more information.
Historic Cemeteries
Several cemeteries of historical significance are located in Meridian. Notable monuments and resting places include thousands of Confederate soldiers from the Civil War; the city's founders Richard McLemore, John Ball and Lewis Ragsdale; Jimmy Rodgers, the father of country music; "Big Sam" Dale, a pioneer and Indian fighter; one of the oldest African American cemeteries in the area, and the 19th century resting place for Meridian's Jewish community.
James Chaney Memorial
A native Meridian, James Chaney was one of three CORE-COFO workers slain in Neshoba County in June 1964. Open year round, drive by only. Located at Fish Lodge Road. Call 601-485-1922 for more information.
Jimmie Rodgers Museum
Born and raised in Meridian, Jimmie Rodgers is known as the father of country music and is called "The Singing Brakeman." The museum displays his original guitar and other memorabilia of his life and career. Located in Highland Park at 1725 Jimmie Rodgers Drive. Call 601-485-1808 for more information.
Key Brothers Aviation Pictorial Exhibit
Key Brothers is a pictorial tribute to the Key brothers, two Meridian residents who set a world flight endurance record in 1935. Also on display is a review of the history of aviation. Located in the Meridian Regional Airport. Take the airport exit from I-20/59. Call 601-482-0364 for more information.
Lake Okatibbee / Water Park
Lake Okatibbee is a 3800-acre reservoir with 28 miles of shoreline offering fun for the whole family. Popular activities include bass fishing, water skiing, boating, camping, and picnicking. Splashdown Country's adult and kiddy waterslides are open in summer, with lifeguards on duty. The park features fully developed campsites with water and electricity, with bath houses and laundry facilities placed around the park. The American Bald Eagle frequents the area each December. Located on Pine Spring Road, just off Highway 19 North northwest of Meridian. Call 601-737-2370 for more information.
Lakeview Municipal Golf Course
Lakeview is a fairly short 18-hole par 70 public course. The facilitiy also features a driving range, three putting greens, snack bar and carts available. Located at 2366 Lakeview Golf Course Road. Call 601-693-3301 for more information.
Meridian Fish Hatchery
Meridian Fish Hatchery features rearing ponds, indigenous sport fish and exotic species. Located at 4045 Hatchery Drive at Hwy 11 S. Call 601-483-7019 for more information.
Meridian Little Theater
The Meridian Little Theater has been providing theatrical entertainment to the area since 1932. Five productions are scheduled each season (October through May). Call for a current schedule or tours of the theatre. Located on Hwy. 39 North. Call 601-482-6371 for more information.
Meridian Museum of Art
The Meridian Museum of Art is the region's premier public museum. It is housed in a historic 1912 Carnegie Library that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Mississippi Landmark. The museum features more than 30 rotating exhibitions annually. Located at 628 25th Avenue. Call 601-693-1501 for more information.
Meridian Symphony Orchestra
Meridian's professional symphony orchestra has been performing the finest in classical symphonic masterpieces for over 40 years. The symphony performs throughout the year. Call for a current performance schedule. Call 601-693-2224 for more information.
Merrehope
Dating to 1858, Merrehope is stately 20-room Victorian mansion with unusual woodwork and graceful columns and stairways. Part of the home was used as headquarters for Confederate General Leonidas Polk during the Civil War, and was spared by Union General William T. Sherman. Located at 905 Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Drive. Call 601-483-8439 for more information.
Mississippi Grand Opera House
The Grand Opera House was the most beautiful theater in the state when it was opened in 1890. Many famous entertainers have graced the stage, notably Sarah Bernhardt, Amelita Galli-Curchi, Otis Skinner, Madame Modjeska, George Arliss, the elder Tyrone Power), and Helen Hayes. An incredible find under the floors revealed nostalgic posters and over 1,100 playbills from the turn of the century. Located at 2206 Fifth Street. Call 601-693-5239 for more information.
Mississippi Industrial Heritage Museum
The museum is an ongoing restoration of the turn-of-the-century Soule' Steam Feed Works Industrial site. The facility built steam engines and includes a blacksmith shop, foundry and belt driven machine shop. Tours available by appointment. Call 601-482-8001 for more information.
Okatibbee Creek Golf Course
Okatibbee Creek is a 9-hole course and driving range. Clubhouse, golf club and cart rental available on site. Located at 2223 Hwy. 19 N. Call 601-483-4653 for more information.
Peavey Visitors Center
The history of Peavey Electronics Corporation and its founder, Hartley Peavey is preserved in the Hartley Peavey museum. Features include company artifacts, as well as a display and demonstration of current products such as guitars, amplifiers and keyboards. The center is located on 42 acres of a former U.S. Department of Agriculture Experiment Station and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Located on Russell Road in the G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery Northeast Industrial Park in Marion. Call 601-483-5365 for more information.
Sam Dale Historical Site
Same Dale is a two-acre, day-use area built around a memorial to General Sam Dale, a 19th century frontiersman and patriot. Located 15 miles north of Meridian off Mississippi 39. Call 601-364-2120 for more information.