Lauderdale: Nature, Water and Music History

In the south of Lauderdale County, Dunn’s Falls reveals a distinctive side of the landscape: the waterfall is 65 feet high. Its water was once used to power a mill that processed grain from the region. Dunn’s Falls is a park managed by the Pat Harrison Waterway District and also a nature refuge. Here, a striking natural feature meets a part of the region’s history of land use.

Lakes, Water and Trails

Bonita Lakes Park covers 3,300 acres within the city limits of Meridian. Activities there include fishing, canoeing, kayaking and boating; there is also a boat ramp. The Bonita Lakes Equestrian Trails run for more than 10 miles along a lakeshore. Some sections are flat, while others are hilly. This means the same park offers both water activities and horseback riding trails across varied terrain.

To reach Bonita Lakes, take Exit 154-A eastbound or Exit 154 westbound from I-59/20 to Highway 19 South. Road conditions and signage may change.

At Okatibbee Lake, more than 4,000 acres of water offer opportunities for boating and water sports. Shoreline facilities include five beaches or swimming areas, as well as public boat ramps with docks. Anglers will also find specific options: species caught there include largemouth bass, striped bass, catfish, crappie and sunfish, among others. Compared with the riding trails at Bonita Lakes, Okatibbee Lake focuses on open water, swimming areas and fishing.

Museums and Music History in Meridian

The Jimmie Rodgers Museum displays the original guitar of “The Singing Brakeman,” along with other memorabilia from Jimmie Rodgers’ life and career. The exhibits also include railroad equipment from the steam locomotive era. Private tours are available by appointment throughout the week; arrange a time before your visit.

The Meridian Museum of Art is located in the historic Old Carnegie Library in downtown Meridian. Changing exhibitions are part of its program. The Museum-School offerings include classes for children and adults, tours and gallery talks. The Meridian Railroad Museum explores another aspect of local history: it is housed in the former freight depot and the building of the former Railway Express Agency, next to Meridian Union Station and Norfolk Southern’s main line.

The Jimmie Rodgers Music Festival began in 1953 and features live music by top musicians. Check the dates for the year of your visit before you travel. At Soulé Steam Feed Works, visitors can follow the manufacturing process from raw materials to finished product. The site is considered America’s last fully intact steam engine factory.

Architecture and Historic Heritage

The four-story Temple Theater is a brick theater and meeting hall in the Moorish architectural style. It was added to the National Register on December 18, 1979. The Dentzel Carousel and the Carousel House are jointly designated as a National Historic Landmark. Gustav Dentzel built the carousel in 1896 for the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis.

Merrehope dates to 1858 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. During the Meridian Campaign, only six houses within the city limits of Meridian survived; Merrehope was one of them. The annual “Trees of Christmas” event is held there. Lauderdale County is also home to the Simmons-Wright Company Store in Kewanee. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is considered a preserved example of a rural general store.

Arts and Orientation

The Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience, known as The MAX, showcases Mississippi’s global legacy across all areas of the arts. Offerings include exhibitions, performances, classes and events. The MSU Riley Center is a performing arts center, conference center and educational center. It includes a fully restored 1889 Grand Opera House theater with about 950 seats.

For another perspective on Meridian’s history, the Meridian Civil Rights Trail begins downtown at the African-American Business District. Alongside nature and water experiences, music, art, architecture and local history offer distinct themes to consider when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Meridian, Desoto, Tate County, Lincoln County, Alcorn County, Panola, Lafayette, Hinds.

For the overview of destinations: Mississippi.