Meridian East / Toomsuba KOA Journey Attractions

Jimmie Rodgers Museum

Calling all country music fans! Take a trip to the Jimmie Rodgers Museum in Meridia and step into the story of the “Father of Country Music” himself. This spot's brimming with memorabilia—from vintage guitars to photographs that trace his journey from humble beginnings to legendary status. Even if you're new to country tunes, it's easy to catch Rodgers' spirit as you explore all the artifacts and recordings that shaped the genre. Come on by, soak up the musical magic, and get to know the man who set the stage for so many country artists to com

601-938-7427

Website

Experience the Tranquil Beauty of Dunn's Falls Park

Just a scenic 20-minute drive from your KOA campsite, Dunn's Falls Park offers a serene escape into Mississippi's natural and industrial heritage. Centered around a 65-foot waterfall and historic gristmill, this hidden gem invites you to unwind, explore, and reconnect with the outdoors.

What You'll See & Do

• Majestic Waterfall & Gristmill: Marvel at the cascading 65-foot falls, originally built by Irish immigrant John Dunn in the mid-1850s to power his gristmill. The on-site Carroll-Richardson Gristmill (circa 1867) is open for guided tours on weekends. 
  
• Picnic & Wildlife Refuge: Spread out beneath towering pines at one of the shaded picnic areas, complete with barbecue grills. Keep an eye out for native songbirds, deer, and occasional river otters along the Chunky River shoreline.
  
• Hiking & Swimming: Follow the gentle loop trail past the waterfall to a crystal-clear swimming hole—perfect for cooling off on a warm afternoon. Trail terrain is moderate, so sturdy shoes are recommended.
  
• Fishing & Boating: Cast a line for stocked catfish in the mill pond or bring a canoe to paddle in the slow-moving river currents. Rentals are available seasonally at the park office.
  

Visitor Info

• Hours: Open daily 9:00 am – 5:00 pm; closed Mondays & Tuesdays
  
• Admission & Rates:
  
[list]

• Day use (12+): $3.25 per person
  
• Children (2–11): $2.25 per person
  
• Under 2: Free
  
• Group rate (15+): $50 flat
  

Amenities: Restrooms, picnic shelters, grill stations, seasonal concessions, and self-service pay station (cash/honor system)

Accessibility: The picnic and parking areas are level; access to waterfall overlooks involves uneven terrain

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Getting There from Your KOA

• Distance: ~15 miles west (about 20 minutes) via I-20 W and Dunns Falls Rd.
  
• Tip: Stop at Enterprise's 1907 train depot café on your way back for fresh pastries and local coffee.
  

601-655-8550

Website

Catch a Show in Gilded Splendor at the Riley Center's Grand Opera House

A quick 15-minute cruise west of Meridian East / Toomsuba KOA Journey lands you in downtown Meridian at the MSU Riley Center, home to the fully restored Grand Opera House (1889)—a 950-seat Victorian jewel that dazzles audiences and architecture buffs alike. After sitting dark for 79 years, the theater re-opened in 2006 following a $25 million facelift and now anchors the city's cultural renaissance.

Why It's a Must-Do:

• Historic eye-candy – Hand-painted opera boxes, curved balconies, and a midnight-blue domed ceiling make every visit Insta-worthy (arrive early to explore all three levels).
  
• Big acts, intimate room – From B.B. King to Broadway tours, the 950-seat hall lets you see A-list talent without arena binoculars.
  
• Year-round lineup – Concerts, comedy, kids' shows, and classic films keep the calendar packed. Check msurileycenter.com for the current schedule or call the box office.
  
• Behind-the-scenes tours – Weekday tours (by appointment) reveal hidden stage mechanics and the story of its dramatic rescue from decay—great for history lovers.
  

Box Office Mon–Fri 9 a.m.–5 p.m. & one hour before showtime.

Parking: Free street parking nights/weekends; use the 22nd Ave. garage for big events

Accessibility Elevator to all floors, assisted-listening devices available

Pro tip: Snag balcony seats for ornate railing views, then pop across the street to the Threefoot Hotel's rooftop bar for post-show city lights.

Getting There from the KOA

1. Exit the campground and turn right on Will Garrett Rd.
   
2. Merge onto I-20/59 W toward Meridian.
   
3. Take Exit 154B (22nd Avenue) and follow signs into downtown.
   
4. Turn left on 5th Street; the red-and-white brick Riley Center will be on your right.
   

Camp • Applaud • Repeat

Whether you're catching a Grammy-winner or touring the ornate hall, the Grand Opera House adds a splash of elegance to your RV getaway.See you back at the campfire—encore stories welcome!

601-696-2200

Website

Discover a Piece of Meridian's Industrial Heritage: Soule Feed Works

Step back in time and explore one of Meridian's most iconic landmarks just a short drive from your campsite. The Soule Feed Works, built around 1900, is the last surviving wood-frame feed mill of its kind in the United States. Nestled at the western trailhead of the Meridian Rail Trail, this weathered red structure stands as a testament to the city's rich railroad and agricultural past.

What You'll See & Do

• Historic Architecture: Admire the soaring timber frame and grain elevators that once processed thousands of bushels of feed each week.
  
• Photo Ops: Rusted railcars, overgrown tracks, and peeling paint make for striking backdrops—perfect for memorable vacation snapshots.
  
• Rail Trail Access: Lace up your walking shoes or bring your bike to continue westward along the shaded Meridian Rail Trail, where you'll pass under century-old trestles and through hardwood forests.
  
• Picnic & Relax: A nearby pavilion and benches let you pause for a snack before heading back to camp.
  

Visitor Info

• Location: Western terminus of the Meridian Rail Trail (17th St. & 7th Ave.)
  
• Parking: Free lot adjacent to the mill site
  
• Hours: Open 24/7 — explore at your leisure!
  
• Cost: Always free, self-guided
  
• Accessibility: Paved trail access to the site; terrain is level and stroller-friendly
  
• Pet-Friendly: Well-behaved dogs on leash are welcome
  

Getting There from Your KOA

• Distance: Approximately 10 miles west of Meridian East/Toomsuba KOA Journey
  
• Drive Time: About 15 minutes via I-20 W and Frontage Rd.
  
• Tip: Combine your visit with a stroll through downtown Meridian to see the Dentzel Carousel, the Riley Center, and the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience.
  

Make Soule Feed Works a must-see stop on your itinerary—immerse yourself in Meridian's railroading heritage before returning to our Mississippi pines to camp!

601-693-9905

Website

Step Back in Time at the Simmons-Wright General Store

Looking for a dose of authentic Mississippi history without straying far from your campsite? Make the five-minute hop from Meridian East / Toomsuba KOA Journey to the Simmons-Wright Company, a brick-fronted general store that's been welcoming travelers since 1884 and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.Why You'll Love It

• Living museum vibes – Walk the creaking floorboards, browse shelves stocked with hoop cheese, vintage tools, glass-bottled sodas, and locally made goodies. Every corner feels like a snapshot of rural life from generations past.
  
• 1884 Café – Tucked inside the store, the café dishes up hearty Southern breakfasts and rotating plate-lunch specials (think fried chicken, peas & cornbread) amid antique displays. Open Mon–Thu 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Fri till 2 p.m., and 1st & 3rd Saturdays till noon.
  
• Picker's paradise – From antique farm tools to cast-iron cookware and hand-cut nails, you never know what treasure you'll uncover.
  
• Photo-op central – The two-story balcony, old cash register, and wood-burning stove beg for Insta-snapshots!
  

Parking: Plenty of room for cars & small RVs; larger rigs can stage at the KOA and car-pool.

Payments: Cash & cards accepted; bring a little cash for quick grabs at the counter

Tip: Arrive hungry—dessert (often homemade cobbler) is included with most lunch plates.

Camp • Explore • Repeat After browsing the aisles and filling up on café comfort food, head back to your shady site under the pines to relax with a freshly-filled belly. 

Happy exploring! Safe travels and we'll see you back at the campfire tonight.

601-632-1884

Website

Feed Your Creative Side at the Meridian Museum of Art

Just 15 minutes west of Meridian East / Toomsuba KOA Journey, the Meridian Museum of Art (MMA) invites you into a century-old Carnegie Library (built 1912-13) that now showcases the best visual art from across Mississippi and the Southeast — with free admission every day it's open.

Why You'll Love It

• Rotating exhibitions all year – From the famous “Bi-State Art Competition” to solo shows and pop-up photography displays, you'll always find something fresh on the walls.
  
• Kid-friendly art labs – The Museum School runs drop-in craft tables and summer classes; perfect if the little campers need a rainy-day outlet.
  
• Historic setting – Vaulted ceilings, tall arched windows, and original marble accents make the galleries as photogenic as the artwork.
  
• Events with flair – Keep an eye out for ARTtinis cocktail nights, the Black History Month program, and the annual Holiday Gala.
  

Hours: Tue – Sat • 11 a.m.–4 p.m. 

Cost: Always free (donations welcome)

Parking: Free curbside on 25th Ave.; Downtown garage one block east for larger vehicles

Accessibility: ADA ramp at the main entrance, elevator to exhibition level

Pro tip: Ask the front desk for a self-guided scavenger hunt sheet—the kids can spot hidden details in the paintings while you browse at your own pace.

Getting There from the KOA

1. Exit the campground, turn right on Will Garrett Rd., then merge onto I-20/59 W toward Meridian.
   
2. Take Exit 154B (22nd Ave.); continue straight into downtown.
   
3. Turn left on 6th St., then right on 25th Ave. The pink-stucco museum will be on your left.
   

Camp • Create • Repeat

Whether you're scouting inspiration, entertaining kids, or just escaping the heat for a couple of hours, the Meridian Museum of Art is a quick, culture-packed add-on to your itinerary. We'll keep the campfire stoked for your art-filled stories!

601-693-1501

Website

Philadelphia, MS (45 miles NW)

Head west about an hour to Philadelphia, MS, and explore:

• Historic Neshoba County Courthouse & Square
  Snap a photo of this beautiful 1927 Classical Revival courthouse, browse boutique shops around the square, and pay your respects at the Veterans Memorial plaque.
  
• Neshoba County Fairgrounds & Museum
  Dive into the story of “Mississippi's Giant House Party” — check out fair memorabilia year-round and, if you're here in early July, don't miss the live music, livestock shows, and carnival thrills.
  
• Natchez Trace Parkway Access
  Jump on the Parkway for a scenic drive: stop at historic markers, hike the Chickasaw Village site, or picnic beneath ancient oaks.
  
• Choctaw Heritage Museum
  Learn about the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians with exhibits on tribal history, traditional crafts, and contemporary art just a few miles east in Choctaw, MS.
  
• Pearl River Resort & Dancing Rabbit Golf Club
  Treat yourself to two championship golf courses or try a spa service at this Choctaw-owned resort—and if you're feeling lucky, the casino's just next door.
  
• Crazy Otto's Railroad Restaurant
  Dine in a real caboose for classic Southern fare—jumbo catfish platters, homemade pies, and that one-of-a-kind railroad ambience.
  

Jackson, MS (100 miles W)

• Mississippi Civil Rights Museum & Old Capitol Museum
  Walk through pivotal moments in our state's history with powerful exhibits and beautiful Greek Revival architecture.
  
• LeFleur's Bluff State Park
  Hike or paddle among cypress and pines, enjoy a picnic by the lake, or spot local wildlife on the nature trails.
  
• Jackson Zoo
  Say hello to more than 200 animals—including tigers, giraffes, and red pandas—on a shaded, stroller-friendly campus.
  
• Mississippi Museum of Art
  Browse rotating galleries of regional and national works, then grab a coffee at the on-site café.
  
• Local Eats in Fondren
  Treat yourself to a classic milkshake at Brent's Drugs or sample Gulf-fresh seafood at The Manship Wood Fired Kitchen.
  

Pack your cooler, hit the road, and make the most of Mississippi's capital!

Laurel, MS (70 miles S)

Looking for a new day-trip adventure while staying at Meridian East / Toomsuba KOA Journey? Head south about an hour to Laurel, MS, and explore:

• Lauren Rogers Museum of Art
  Mississippi's first art museum—browse American and European works, plus rotating local exhibits.
  
• Historic Downtown Laurel
  Stroll tree-lined streets packed with vintage boutiques, antique stores and cozy cafés.
  
• 1888 Scenic Railway
  All-aboard for a 90-minute round-trip through Jones County's pine forests—perfect for families.
  
• Shalely Botanical Gardens
  Wander shaded paths, admire azaleas and camellias, then snap a photo by the gazebo.
  
• Trustmark Arts Center
  Catch a live play or concert in this beautifully restored 1920s auditorium.
  

Fuel up with a burger and sweet tea at a local diner, then make memories in Laurel!

Hattiesburg, MS (100 miles S)

Looking for a fresh day-trip adventure while staying at Meridian East / Toomsuba KOA Journey? Head south about two hours to Hattiesburg, MS, and explore:

• Longleaf Trace
  A 41-mile rail-trail winding through pine forests—perfect for biking, hiking, or a leisurely family stroll.
  
• Hattiesburg Zoo
  Meet over 50 species, from playful otters to exotic birds, in the shady Kamper Park setting.
  
• African American Military History Museum
  Housed in a restored WWII USO hall, this gem tells the inspiring stories of Black service members.
  
• Paul B. Johnson State Park
  Fish, paddle, or picnic by scenic Lake Shelby surrounded by rolling hills and hardwoods.
  
• Downtown Hattiesburg
  Snap a selfie with vibrant murals, browse local boutiques, then refuel with a latte at Beacon Brew or slow-smoked ribs at Big Bob's BBQ.
  

Pack your day with trails, wildlife, history, and local flavor!

Birmingham, AL (135 miles E)

Head east-northeast about three hours to Birmingham, AL, and explore:

• Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
  Immerse yourself in powerful exhibits on the 1950s–'60s movement and learn how this city helped change America.
  
• Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark
  Tour the preserved iron-making site where you can walk catwalks above massive blast furnaces and step back into Birmingham's industrial past.
  
• Vulcan Park & Museum
  Take in sweeping city views from the world's largest cast-iron statue, then explore exhibits on Birmingham's history and industry.
  
• The Birmingham Zoo
  Spend some time taking in the majestic sights of critters from African Elephants to River Otters to Rainbow Lorikeet. Always a fun day at the zoo!
  
• McWane Science Center
  Perfect for families—hands-on science exhibits, an aquarium, and an IMAX theater make learning fun for all ages.
  
• Railroad Park
  Stroll or bike along the 19-acre green space in downtown Birmingham, complete with lakesides trails, playgrounds, and public art.
  
• Local Eats in Avondale
  Refuel with award-winning BBQ at Saw's Soul Kitchen, grab a pint at Good People Brewing, or indulge in a cupcake (or two) at Gaga's!
  

Step into Mississippi's Creative Legacy at The MAX

Located in the heart of downtown Meridian, the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience (The MAX) celebrates the state's unparalleled contributions to music, visual arts, and culture. This architecturally striking museum invites visitors of all ages to explore immersive galleries, interactive experiences, and outdoor installations that honor legends like Elvis Presley, B.B. King, and beyond.

What You'll See & Do

• Permanent Exhibits: Journey behind the scenes at the birthplaces of Mississippi stars—discover the cultural influences, early creative expressions, and raw processes that shaped legends.
  
• Hall of Fame Rotunda: Stand beneath a sweeping rotunda that honors the state's most influential artists across music, literature, film, and more!
  
• Changing Exhibits: Engage with rotating showcases that spotlight contemporary Mississippi creatives and special thematic displays—check the calendar for the latest installation.
  
• Governor's Recording Studio: Step into a working studio to see where artists laid down their first tracks—and even try recording your own demo.
  
• The MAX Store: Browse one-of-a-kind, Mississippi-made gifts—McCarty pottery, Wolfe Birds, local prints, and more—without paying museum admission.
  
• What's Outside: Relax by the majestic Water Wall, wander the shaded Courtyard, take in city views from the Rooftop Terrace, and follow the Walk of Fame Map to public art downtown.
  

Visitor Info

• Hours: Tuesday–Saturday: 9:00 am–5:00 pm; Closed Sunday & Monday msarts.org
  
• Admission:
  
[list]

• $14 Adults (18–64)
  
• $12 Students (with ID), Seniors (65+), Active Military
  
• $8 Youths (6–17)
  
• Free for Children 5 & under and Members
  
• Group rates (10+ people): call 601-581-1550 msarts.org
  

Parking: Street parking and public lots are available downtown msarts.org

Accessibility: Fully ADA accessible, with elevators and accessible restrooms

Food & Drink: Light snacks and beverages available on-site; outside food is not permitted

Re-entry: Wristbands allow same-day exit and return, so you can explore downtown between galleries

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Getting There from Your KOA

• Distance: ~11 miles west of Meridian East/Toomsuba KOA Journey
  
• Route: Head west on I-20 W to Exit 153 (22nd Avenue/Sela Ward Parkway), bear right onto Front Street after the railroad bridge—the MAX will be on your right
  

After immersing yourself in Mississippi's creative spirit, return to your campsite in our Mississippi pines—your next inspiring adventure awaits under the stars!

601-581-1550

Website

Ignite Your Child's Imagination at the Mississippi Children's Museum

Step into a world of hands-on discovery at the Mississippi Children's Museum – Meridian, where learning meets play in vibrant galleries designed just for curious minds. Here, they take “fun” seriously—sparking creativity, problem-solving, and wonder in children of all ages.

What You'll See & Do

• Interactive Exhibits: Engineer your own structures in the STEM Lab, explore the Art Studio, or dive into storytelling adventures in the Enchanted Land of Story.
  
• Photo Ops: Snap pics in the life-size Caterpillar Tunnel, beside the colorful Water Play tables, or in front of the giant Bird Nest installation.
  
• Cater's at the Museum: Fuel up without leaving the building at the on-site restaurant, open Monday–Friday, 10 am–3 pm.
  
• Special Programming: Join “Magic Mondays” for extra hours of themed activities, or catch one of the rotating exhibits that visit throughout the year.
  

Visitor Info

• Location: 403 22nd Avenue (corner of E Street & 22nd Ave), Meridian, MS 39301
  
• Hours:
  
[list]

• Tuesday–Saturday: 9:00 am–5:00 pm
  
• Sunday: 1:00 pm–6:00 pm
  
• Closed Mondays
  

Admission: $10 per person (children under 1 are free)

Parking: Ample free on-site parking plus street parking nearby

Accessibility: Fully ADA accessible; stroller and wheelchair friendly with secure stroller storage and lockers available

Food & Drink: Outside food is not permitted; vending area snacks available, plus Cater's at the Museum on-site restaurant

Re-entry: Wristbands allow same-day exit and return

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Getting There from Your KOA

• Distance: Approximately 11 miles west of Meridian East/Toomsuba KOA Journey
  
• Drive Time: About 15 minutes via I-20 W and the 22nd Ave exit
  
• Tip: After your museum adventure, stroll downtown to admire the Riley Center or treat the family to ice cream at Sweet Lucy's!
  

Plan a day of exploration and creativity at the Mississippi Children's Museum—an unforgettable family outing just a short ride from camp!

601-512-0270

Website

Bonita Lakes Parks

Bonita Lakes Park has three man made lakes and an area of around 3,300 acres. It offers fishing, hiking & horseback riding.

Feeling Lucky? Mississippi's Gulf Coast Casinos Are Calling!

Just a quick two-hour cruise south of Meridian East / Toomsuba KOA Journey puts you on a 55-mile shoreline packed with 12 world-class casinos, round-the-clock gaming, big-name entertainment, legendary Gulf seafood, and postcard-worthy beach views. Whether you're chasing jackpots, live music, or a spa day, here's what's waiting for you:

Beau Rivage Biloxi (MGM) Waterfront Broadway-caliber shows (Grease the Musical runs June 12-29 '25) plus a soaring glass atrium, full-service spa, and one of the Coast's prettiest pool decks.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino (Biloxi) 1,300+ slots, the famous guitar-shaped sign, and the Hard Rock Live venue—think Seether, The Fab Four & more lighting up spring-summer '25.

Golden Nugget Biloxi Year-round concert calendar, rooftop H2O pool club, Landry's dining, and a 42-table poker room for serious sharks.

IP Casino Resort & Spa (Biloxi) 32-story tower with a top-floor nightclub and Aveda spa—perfect for post-blackjack recovery.

Harrah's Gulf Coast (Biloxi) Caesars Rewards perks, sports book, and a lazy-river pool overlooking the Sound.

Palace Casino Resort (Biloxi) Coast's only 100% smoke-free gaming floor, marina views, and award-winning golf packages.

Scarlet Pearl (D'Iberville) Modern glass tower, award-winning dessert bar, and $65 K+ slot & table promos all season long.

Treasure Bay (Biloxi) Pirate-ship facade, open-air Infinity Buffet, and rooftop pool with sunset views.

Island View Casino Resort (Gulfport) Twin casino complexes straddling Beach Blvd—one entirely smoke-free—with floor-to-ceiling Gulf panoramas.

Hollywood & Silver Slipper (Bay St. Louis) Themed slots, over-the-water sports book, and fresh-shucked oysters mere steps from the dice tables.

Trip Tips from Your KOA Crew

• Make it a Day-Trip: Hit I-59 S to US-49 S—about 2 hrs 15 min from our pines to Biloxi's beaches (traffic-free, fingers crossed).
  
• Skip the Parking Hassle: Most properties offer free self-parking; high-rollers can valet.
  
• Not Just Gaming: Beau Rivage's spa, Scarlet Pearl's Lava Links mini-golf, and Golden Nugget's marina dining are family-friendly detours while you rack up comp points.
  

Day-Trip Passport Stamps: 6 National Park Service Sites Close to Camp

One of the biggest perks of parking your rig at Meridian East / Toomsuba KOA Journey is how quickly you can shift from pine-forest serenity to deep-dive history, Civil Rights landmarks, or a salty-air boardwalk—then be back in time for evening s'mores. Below are six NPS units you can comfortably “knock out” in a single day (1½–2½ hrs each way).

Natchez Trace Parkway – Tupelo VC (1 hr 50 min) 444 mi of scenic byway, prehistoric mounds, waterfalls & mile-marked pull-offs. Grab your passport stamp at the Tupelo Visitor Center, watch the 15-min film, then mosey north or south for short hikes. Daily 9 am-4:30 pm

Medgar & Myrlie Evers Home NM(Jackson) (1 hr 30 min) Walk through the restored 1963 home of Civil-Rights hero Medgar Evers and hear the story that helped ignite a movement. Tours are small & fill fast—call ahead. Tue-Sat 9 am-4 pm (closed 12-1 pm)

Gulf Islands NS – Davis Bayou (Ocean Springs)(2 hr 15 min) Marsh boardwalks, gator-watching, a 19-century fort site & barrier-island views without a ferry ride. Perfect picnic stop after seafood in nearby Biloxi. Wed-Sun 9 am-4 pm (Colmer VC)

Tuskegee Airmen NHS (Tuskegee, AL)(2 hr 30 min) Step inside Hangars 1 & 2 where America's first Black military pilots trained. Interactive exhibits & original aircraft tell a powerful WWII story. Mon-Sat 9 am-4:30 pm

Birmingham Civil Rights NM (2 hr) 16th St Baptist Church, Kelly Ingram Park & the A.G. Gaston Motel anchor this walkable district that changed a nation. Visitor contact station & exhibits help frame the self-guided stroll. Check current schedule online

Vicksburg National Military Park (2 hr 45 min) 1,800+ monuments, siege lines & the USS Cairo ironclad recall the campaign that split the Confederacy. Note: minor road repairs in the northern loop continue through Nov '25—detours signed.Visitor center open daily. 

Drive times are ballpark estimates from our campground in normal traffic. Hours accurate as of April 2025; always verify before heading out.

Pro Tips from Your KOA Rangers:

• Stamp & Go: Bring your NPS passport—or snag one in our camp store—and start a brand-new page!
  
• Early Birds Win: Civil-rights sites have small tour capacities; morning arrivals = shorter waits.
  
• Pack a Cooler: Only Natchez Trace and Gulf Islands offer picnic shelters; the others are urban locations.
  
• Junior Camper Bonus: Kids who complete any NPS Junior Ranger booklets earn BOTH a park badge ($) and a stamp when you get back.
  
• Fuel & Snacks: We sell grab-and-go snacks and cold drinks at the KOA store—perfect for the road!
  

Step Into Cold War History: Salmon & Sterling Nuclear Test Site

As a former Navy nuclear electrician, I've always had a deep respect for the science—and the stories—behind our country's atomic history. Just a short drive from the campground, you'll find the Salmon and Sterling nuclear test site, where the U.S. conducted underground nuclear detonations in the 1960s as part of Project Dribble. Hidden beneath the Tatum Salt Dome near Baxterville, these tests helped shape global nuclear monitoring efforts. While the site is quiet today, interpretive signs tell the tale of this Cold War milestone. It's a fascinating stop for history lovers, science enthusiasts, and anyone curious about America's atomic legacy.

Website

Tuscaloosa, AL (80 miles NE)

Head northeast about 80 miles (roughly 2½ hours) to Tuscaloosa, AL, and explore:

• University of Alabama & Bryant-Denny Stadium
  Stroll the historic campus, snap pics by Denny Chimes, and catch a game-day vibe at “The Capstone.”
  
• Paul W. Bryant Museum
  Dive into Crimson Tide lore with interactive exhibits on Bear Bryant's coaching legacy.
  
• Tuscaloosa Riverwalk & Government Plaza
  Wander along the Black Warrior River, enjoy riverfront art installations, and relax on shaded benches.
  
• Moundville Archaeological Park
  Venture 12 miles south to explore ancient Native American earthen mounds and the on-site museum.
  
• Historic Bama Theatre
  Step back into the 1930s for live music, film screenings, or a guided tour of this Art Deco gem.
  
• Local Eats in Downtown
  Feast on legendary ribs at Dreamland BBQ, then cool off with coffee and pastries at Three Little Birds Bakery.
  

Pack your cooler, hit the road, and make memories in Tuscaloosa!

Meridian's Historic Temple Theatre

If you're looking for a memorable night in downtown Meridian, Mississippi, the historic Temple Theatre (Meridian, Mississippi) is one of the Queen City's most iconic attractions. Built in the 1920s, this beautifully preserved theater combines stunning architecture with a lively calendar of concerts, comedy shows, movies, and community events. 

A Movie Palace from the Roaring Twenties
Opened in 1928 and designed in a striking Moorish Revival style, the Temple Theatre was once among the grandest movie palaces in the South. The interior features ornate plasterwork, chandeliers, and dramatic décor inspired by Byzantine design. When it debuted, the theater's stage was one of the largest in the United States, second only to the famous Roxy Theatre in New York. The venue also houses a rare Robert Morton pipe organ, one of only two still installed in their original locations in Mississippi. Entertainment All Year Long.

Today, the Temple Theatre continues to host a wide range of performances, including:

• Live concerts and comedy tours
  
• Touring stage productions
  
• Classic and modern movie screenings
  
• Community performances and awards shows
  

Recent and upcoming events include touring comedians, musical productions, and regional music awards programs. 

Why It's Worth the Visit
Even if you don't catch a show, the building itself is a destination. Visitors often describe the theater as stepping back in time to the golden age of cinema, with much of the original structure still intact.

Location: 2320 8th Street, downtown Meridian
Capacity: About 1,600–1,800 seats
Best for: concerts, comedy, film, and historic architecture lovers 

Staying nearby: If you're camping at Meridian East / Toomsuba KOA Journey, the Temple Theatre is about 15 minutes away, making it an easy evening outing before returning to the peaceful campground deep in the Mississippi pines.

601-693-5353

Website