Tate County: Arkabutla Lake and Courthouse

Arkabutla Lake lies in northern Mississippi in Tate and DeSoto counties. Tate County brings together the lake and its nature-related attractions with the Courthouse’s well-documented history. Senatobia has its own founding and railroad history. For planning, it’s worth noting the differences: access for boats is affected at the water; at the Courthouse, opening hours and possible access restrictions are important.

Arkabutla Lake: Information and Water Access

The Visitor Information Center at Arkabutla Lake is open weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. It offers brochures, regulations, camping information, and maps of the surrounding area, among other resources. As opening hours can change, check them before you go. Current lake conditions also matter when choosing water-based activities: water levels have been significantly lower for an extended period, affecting access for boats and other activities on the water. Many boat ramps are closed; Hwy. 51 Landing is currently the only open ramp. Check water levels and ramp status before your visit.

The Arkabutla Lake Dam project is located on the Coldwater River and offers opportunities for sailing. Consider this possibility in light of current water conditions: water access and conditions can change. Checking before you go helps you plan according to the conditions in effect.

The Tate County Courthouse: History and Visiting

The Tate County Courthouse is the oldest courthouse in Mississippi still in operation. The cornerstone was laid on June 24, 1875, and business began there in 1876. Architecturally, the building is predominantly in the High Victorian Romanesque Revival style. It was designated a Mississippi Landmark in 1984 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.

In 2026, new historical exhibits were fully installed in the Courthouse and can be viewed on a self-guided tour. The building is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. However, access to individual exhibits and the courtroom may be restricted. Opening hours therefore do not automatically indicate which areas will be accessible during your visit.

Senatobia’s Founding and Railroad History

The city of Senatobia was founded in 1834 on two parcels of land acquired from the Chickasaw Nation for $1.25 per acre. When the Tennessee and Mississippi Railroad reached Senatobia in 1856, the city developed into a railroad junction and station town. The two dates represent different chapters in the city’s history: first, its founding on the acquired parcels, then its development in connection with the railroad.

Tate County is in Mississippi, about 30 minutes south of Memphis, Tennessee; Senatobia is located on Interstate 55.

Nature Trails and Different Uses

Trail length, intended use, and current status should be considered separately. The Coldwater River Nature Trail System is currently closed until further notice. It includes two hiking trails, 3 and 5 miles long, as well as the self-guided Big Oak Nature Trail. The route descriptions do not change the system’s current closure.

The Sunfish Bay Trail is 4.5 miles long and designed for horseback riding. The Bayou Point Single-Track Mountain Bike Trail has a different purpose: it is for mountain bikes only; hiking and horseback riding are not allowed. Thus, the length figures for the two Coldwater trails and the Sunfish Bay Trail refer to different trail profiles and uses and are not directly comparable. The Swinging Bridge Nature Trail also has a feature of its own: it includes an old section of the Coldwater River from before the dam was built. This trail is also closed until further notice.

The completed 2.2-mile Backwater Loop beginner trail is open for use. For wildlife watching, the Senatobia Wetlands project offers informational signs and an area for observing wildlife and waterfowl. Check conditions before you go. This helps distinguish open trails, closed trails, and wildlife watching as different options when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Jackson County, Webster County, Forrest County, Smith County, Marshall, Neshoba County, Madison.

For the main travel overview: Mississippi.