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Pines Region
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Jimmie Rodgers Museum - Jimmie Rodgers, the father of country music, was born and raised in the Meridian area. The museum displays the original guitar of 'The Singing Brakeman' and other memorabilia of his life and career, as well as railroad equipment from the steam-engine era. Dunn's Falls Water Park - A 65-ft. waterfall once used as the power source for a gristmill. Site where John B. Stetson learned and practiced his trade of hat making. Natural wildlife refuge, picnic area, hiking trails, and swimming. Evans Memorial Library - This library and museum, nationally known for its historical materials, houses volumes of genealogical research materials. Columbus Air Force Base - Columbus Air Force Base has trained pilots since WWII. Once home of the B52 Bomber, it graduates hundreds of Air Aces and participates in testing and developing air defense technology. Also home of the Thunderbirds Air Show held on odd numbered years and the Go 4th!!! Independence Day Celebration Magnolia Motor Speedway - 'Where the South's cotton pickin' best come to run.' Visit us for a night of racing excitement at this 3/8th mile oval racetrack. Meridian Museum of Art - The Meridian Museum of Art is housed in a Carnegie Library built in 1912-13. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and as a Mississippi Landmark. The Meridian Museum of Art has served since 1970 as the regions' premier public museum and features rotating exhibitions.628 25th Ave., Meridian. (601) 693-1501. Friendship Cemetery - Founded in May, 1849, the cemetery was the site of the first Memorial Day Celebration in 1866. Burial site of four Confederate generals and more than 2,000 Confederate soldiers. Friendship Cemetery also plays host to "Tales From the Crypt" annually during the Columbus pilgrimage. Open daily. Fourth Street South, Columbus. (662) 329-1191. Lake Okatibbee - This 3,800 acre lake offers boating, fishing, swimming, water skiing, picnicing, hunting, hiking and campsites. 9823 Pine Springs Rd., Collinsville. (601) 626-8431. |
Rainwater Observatory and Planetarium - The Observatory, the largest in the state, has 16 telescopes plus other optical instruments. These instruments are spread out on our fenced-in hilltop site, which is open, by appointment, to both individuals and groups. The Planetarium, which seats 50 people, is used primarily as a sky orientation device and for slide presentations. Columbus Speedway - A jam-packed schedule with weekly auto racing events year round, get on the action at this 3/10th mile red clay oval. Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians Reservation - Headquarters of Choctaw Tribal Council, Choctaw Indian Museum, Choctaw crafts store and residential/school area. Located here, as well, is the fabulous Pearl River Resort, consisting of 2 casinos, 2 championship golf courses and a water park. Highland Park Dentzel Carousel - In operation since 1909, this National Historic Landmark is the world's only two-row stationary Dentzel menagerie carousel. This national treasure was manufactured around 1895 by Gustav Dentzel of Philadelphia. Both the Carousel and the Carousel House are National Historic Landmarks. Meridian Little Theater - The Meridian Little Theater was established in 1932 and provides entertainment to residents and visitors to Meridian and Lauderdale County by performing five shows during each season (October through May). Aspen Bay Candle Factory - A tour of this factory allows you to view how candles are hand-poured. Lee Home Museum - The 1847 Italianate home was the residence of General Stephen D. Lee, who gave the order to fire the first shot of the Civil War upon Fort Sumter and was later the first president of Mississippi State University. The home contains many of his personal effects as well as Civil War memorabilia. 316 7th Street North, Columbus. (662) 327-8888. |
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