Greenville: Discover History, Nature and Culture

If you’re looking for a hotel in Greenville, the theme of your stay can be a helpful starting point. Local highlights range from nature and landscapes to architecture and museums, as well as African American history, culinary traditions and golf. As you plan your trip, consider which of these topics interest you most; the places and activities vary considerably in subject matter and historical context.

Nature, Learning and Trails

The Mississippi Delta Nature and Learning Center covers 30 acres in the heart of Greenville. The Heart and Soul Children's Garden spans three acres and was designed for children to play, learn and explore. By comparison, the garden is smaller; at the same time, it has a specifically child-focused purpose.

The Greenville Cypress Preserve protects three stands of old-growth cypress across 16 acres. Preserving these groups of trees is the main focus here. The Scenic Levee 1.7 Mile Walking Trail is 1.7 miles long and offers views of Lake Ferguson. If you’re choosing between a nature preserve and a walk, these offer two distinct nature experiences: cypress stands and views of the lake.

Architecture and History

The Wetherbee House is a rare example of the modest cottage-style residential architecture that was common in Greenville in the decades after the Civil War. This rare house type draws attention to a modest form of housing that was characteristic of Greenville’s architectural history.

Nelson Street was once the center of African American business and entertainment in the Delta. Together, these two historical references illustrate different scales: the Wetherbee House represents a residential style, while Nelson Street was once a center of business and entertainment in the region.

The Greenville History Museum offers insights into life in Greenville from the late 19th century through the 1970s, using memorabilia, artifacts, photographs and newspaper clippings. It provides a broad time span for exploring life in the city.

The 1927 Flood Museum presents the story of the 1927 flood through artifacts, photographs and a documentary film. Visits are by appointment. The Greenville Air Force Base Museum tells the story of the Greenville Army Flying School from World War II through the Cold War.

The Fire Station Museum is located in Greenville’s first fire station. The fire station is designated a Mississippi Landmark, and the museum features interactive activities for children. Together, the museums’ historical topics range from a single event to the history of a flight school and the longer-term development of urban life.

Culinary Traditions and Local Culture

The Delta Hot Tamale Festival takes place annually in downtown Greenville and celebrates the culinary tradition of Delta-style hot tamales. If you’d like to include the event in your stay, check the dates for your travel year.

The Inc. (Incubator) Alley Artisan Flea Market provides an outdoor space in downtown Greenville where local vendors, artists and musicians can showcase their work. Unlike the festival, which celebrates a specific food tradition, the market provides space for a variety of local creations.

Golf in Greenville

The Greenville Municipal Golf Course is an 18-hole championship course at Mid-Delta Regional Airport. If you’d like to include golf among your travel interests, it’s a specific sporting attraction to consider when choosing Greenville.

For the broader travel overview: Washington County.