Discover Lauderdale: Lakes, Waterfalls and Culture

Lauderdale combines impressive waterways with museums, historic buildings and vibrant musical traditions. Those planning a trip with a variety of experiences can alternate between days in nature by the lake, cultural discoveries in Meridian and special insights into the region’s history.

Water, Trails and Nature Experiences

One notable natural attraction is Dunn’s Falls in the south of Lauderdale County. The waterfall is 65 feet high. Its power was once used to operate a mill for grain from the region. Today, Dunn’s Falls is a park managed by the Pat Harrison Waterway District and also a nature refuge. This makes it a separate highlight for anyone looking to combine landscapes with their historic use.

Bonita Lakes Park covers 3,300 acres within the city limits of Meridian. Visitors can fish, canoe, kayak and boat there; a boat ramp is also available. The Bonita Lakes Equestrian Trails extend for more than 10 miles along a lakeshore and include both flat and hilly sections. Those arriving by car can reach Bonita Lakes from I-59/20 via Exit 154-A heading east or Exit 154 heading west to Highway 19 South. There is also a trailhead behind the center leading to the Bonita Lakes Park riding trails.

At Okatibbee Lake, more than 4,000 acres of water are available for boating and water sports. Anglers can catch largemouth bass, striped bass, catfish, crappie and sunfish, among other species. Five beaches or swimming areas, as well as public boat ramps with docks, round out the amenities. This allows you to choose between water sports, fishing, swimming and a tour along the trails by the lake when planning your day.

Museums, Music and Historic Sites

The page on Meridian leads to an important cultural hub of the destination. The Meridian Museum of Art is housed in the historic Old Carnegie Library in downtown Meridian and presents changing exhibitions. The Museum-School programs include classes for children and adults, guided tours and gallery talks. At the Jimmie Rodgers Museum, you can see the original guitar of The Singing Brakeman, additional memorabilia from Jimmie Rodgers’ life and career, and railroad equipment from the era of steam locomotives. Private tours are available by appointment throughout the week.

Music is also an integral part of the cultural landscape. The Jimmie Rodgers Music Festival began in 1953 and has offered live musical entertainment by acclaimed musicians ever since. The Jimmie Rodgers Festival takes place annually and attracts thousands of people who want to hear musical talent and honor Jimmie Rodgers. You should check current event dates separately when making plans for your specific trip.

The Meridian Railroad Museum is housed in the former freight depot and Railway Express Agency building, next to Meridian Union Station and Norfolk Southern’s main line. The four-story Temple Theater is a brick theater and meeting house in the Moorish architectural style; it was added to the National Register on December 18, 1979. The Dentzel Carousel was built in 1896 by Gustav Dentzel for the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis and, together with the Carousel House, is designated a National Historic Landmark.

Further insights into regional history are offered by the Simmons-Wright Company Store in Kewanee in Lauderdale County and Soulé Steam Feed Works. The store is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a preserved example of a rural general store. The Simmons-Wright Company has operated as a general merchandise or general trading business since 1884. Soulé Steam Feed Works is considered America’s last fully preserved steam engine factory; visitors can see the manufacturing process from raw materials to the finished product.

These cultural sites also focus on different aspects: The Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience, known as The MAX, presents Mississippi’s global legacy across all areas of the arts and offers exhibitions, performances, classes and events. The MSU Riley Center includes a fully restored Grand Opera House theater dating from 1889 with approximately 950 seats and serves as a performing arts center, conference center and educational center.

Trip Planning and Choosing Accommodation

Merrehope in Meridian dates from 1858 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The house was one of only six homes within Meridian’s city limits to survive the Meridian Campaign. The annual Trees of Christmas holiday event takes place there. The Meridian Civil Rights Trail begins downtown in the African-American Business District.

When searching for a vacation apartment or vacation home, it is worth first deciding on your preferred focus: water and active days, museums and music, or historic sites and distinctive architecture. This keeps the selection oriented toward your own daily plans without presupposing a particular accommodation location or set of amenities.

Compare More Destinations

If you would like to compare additional destination pages afterward, you can find Prentiss, Kemper County, Jackson County, Lowndes County, Simpson County, Hinds and Scott County here.

For the overview of destinations at the higher level: Mississippi.