Oktibbeha County: Museums, Nature and Family Experiences

Oktibbeha County combines diverse cultural attractions with nature experiences and family-friendly destinations. Those looking for a vacation rental or holiday home can plan their trip around their interests: museums and historic sites offer insights into music, politics and regional history, while wildlife areas, a lake and a themed trail make for varied days outdoors.

Museums and History in Oktibbeha County

The Charles H. Templeton, Sr. Music Museum tells the story of the music business through musical instruments, audio recordings and sheet music. The Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library Museum preserves correspondence, photographs, paintings, prints, statues and other artifacts related to the life and presidency of Ulysses S. Grant. The Frank and Virginia Williams Collection of Lincolniana is dedicated to Abraham Lincoln and the American Civil War. Its holdings include documents, books, artifacts, ephemera, philatelic and numismatic items, paintings and sculptures, among other things.

Literature enthusiasts can find memorabilia and materials related to John Grisham's writings and achievements in the John Grisham Room. The Cullis and Gladys Wade Clock Museum houses more than 400 timepieces dating back to the 1700s. The Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum presents local history and culture in an interactive way. In addition, the Chapel of Memories is a historic chapel built from bricks salvaged from the Old Main dormitory. The Nash Street Historic District is of interest because of its local significance in Starkville's development from an agricultural trading center into a university-oriented city. The area's musical history can also be linked to the names Big Joe Williams, who was born near Noxubee Swamp on the southern edge of Oktibbeha County, and Tony Hollins, who came from the Starkville-Osborn area.

Nature, Water and Family Outings

The Trim Cane Wildlife Management Area covers 875 acres. The area includes waterfowl ponds, deer management areas and a dove-hunting field. From Starkville, drive north on Highway 389 for 4 miles to reach the administrative building and permit office. The visitor center at the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge can be reached from Starkville via Oktoc Road and the Bluff Lake Levee. These specific driving directions can help you take travel times into account when choosing your base for days in nature.

Families have several different options at McKee Park. The park has three playgrounds that comply with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as a splash pad, an amphitheater with a natural grass lawn and 12 pickleball courts. Separate dog areas for large and small dogs can also be factored into plans for a trip with a dog. Guided tours are offered at the Extension Arthropod (Bug) Zoo. Largemouth bass, crappie and catfish can be caught at Chadwick Lake; you will need a Mississippi state fishing license and a Chadwick Lake fishing permit to do so.

A Regional Trail of Discovery

The Oktibbeha County Barn Quilt Trail runs through Starkville to the community of Oktoc. At its launch on October 18, 2014, 15 barn quilt designs were presented. The trail adds a distinctive element where culture, rural design and regional exploration meet.

Which Location Best Suits Your Trip?

If you would like to visit several museums and historic sites, these cultural destinations can be a factor in planning your trip. For days in nature, you should also consider the driving distances to the Trim Cane Wildlife Management Area and the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge. Families can include McKee Park, the Bug Zoo and the Barn Quilt Trail in their selection. The additional listings for Starkville and Mississippi State University can also help with regional orientation.

More destinations at a glance: Kemper County, Pearl River County, Neshoba County, Issaquena County, Tunica, Scott County.

For the main travel overview: Mississippi.