7 Quirkiest Mississippi Towns You Didn't Know Existed
While it is not difficult to determine why it is called the Magnolia State with all of its natural wonders, Mississippi is a region deeply rooted in its musical history, Civil War background, and persistent Southern hospitality. The best place to experience this is in the countless small towns, from border to border, home to many of the roughly three million people who call Mississippi home. Many of these small communities offer surprising, quirky traditions that go beyond the essence of Southern life, whether that is the catfish sculptures in Belzoni or the fossilized forests of Flora.
Leland
The small town of Leland on the Mississippi Delta has a unique claim to cultural fame, as it is said to be the birthplace of the beloved Muppet character Kermit the Frog. Jim Henson grew up along Deer Creek, which is also said to be the inspiration for Kermit’s well-known swamp home. In October, the town of Leland holds Frog Fest, celebrating its connection to Henson's creations with events ranging from puppetry and music to all things frog-themed.
Even beyond The Muppets, Leland has a lot of reasons for a visit. Those interested in its history should check out the Highway 61 Blues Museum. Southern dishes and cuisine are also prevalent here, from Neisa Ray’s Diner to Lillos Restaurant.
As with other rural Mississippi towns, access to the natural wonders beyond the rivers and streams is an attraction, such as the Sky Lake Wildlife Management Area nearby. This has become a regional favorite for bird watching and kayaking access.
Crystal Springs
Crystal Springs has a quirky flair, making it one of the most memorable places in Mississippi. It has embodied its identity as the "Tomatopolis of the World," so much so that the town hosts the Tomato Festival each June, with a crowned queen, live music, and even a best-dressed tomato contest. Beyond appreciating agriculture, Crystal Springs is also rife with historic attractions, such as the Robert Johnson Blues museum.
Flora
If you travel northwest of Jackson for about 20 miles, you will find the small town of Flora. This community's access to the Mississippi Petrified Forest makes it quirky and worth visiting. This is one of only two sites east of the Mississippi River featuring any petrified wood, and this particular national landmark features 36-million-year-old trunks. A trail winds through these giant stone creations, capped off with access to the Earth Science Museum, which has even more fossils and dinosaur teeth on display.
While its history might not be millions of years old, Flora is also known for preserving the past. The town has a well-maintained historic district with antique stores and quaint eateries. At the center of this is the Blue Rooster, famous for hearty burgers and tasty pies.
Port Gibson
With a visit to Port Gibson, it's easy to see why General Ulysses S. Grant initially spared the town during the Civil War's swath of destruction, calling the community “too beautiful to burn.” Despite a large fire claiming structures in the city in 1890, much of this grandeur and beauty still exists today. Windsor Ruins remain a remnant of a massive structure claimed by this disaster, now only Corinthian columns. Perhaps the most visited architectural component of the town is the First Presbyterian Church, with the steeple featuring a giant golden hand that points towards the heavens.
Everything about the community seems small and quaint, a charm you can find nowhere else in the Magnolia State or around the country. This can begin with the authentic southern cuisine at Mississippi’s Finest. This eatery specializes almost exclusively in Southern comfort foods, leaving you with a full stomach and a story to tell from the friendly folks inside.
Belzoni
Deep in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, you will find Belzoni. This town has long been renowned as the ‘Catfish Capital of the World.’ There are more catfish farms here than anywhere else in the United States, which has earned it the right to celebrate this aquatic fame in April with the World Catfish Festival. Not only does this feature live blues music, as is traditional in the Delta, but there is also a catfish eating contest, the crowning of the Catfish Queen, and a parade featuring several costumed catfish characters coming down Main Street.
What would the renowned catfish capital be without several other examples of its infusion into the community? For example, walking along the main thoroughfares through town, you will see several sculptures of catfish in different appearances, ranging from Elvis to Mardi Gras royalty. History buffs should also check out the Catfish Museum and Visitor Center, which used to be a train station that now showcases the impact of the catfish industry on the state and the rest of the world. Before you say goodbye to this quirky community, check out authentic fried catfish at Erving’s Kitchen.
Bay Saint Louis
If you are looking for a quirky beach town, Bay Saint Louis is the place in Mississippi you should visit. Arts reign supreme here despite the population being under 10,000 people. Much of the community has undergone a renaissance after Hurricane Katrina, with artists helping rebuild the town with a unique flair. Bay Saint Louis is a mix of theming and styles that combine the architecture of Key West, the Deep South, and something unique and entirely original.
To further appreciate the arts’ role in the people and businesses here, check out some of its history with one of the region’s most recognized entities, the Alice Moseley Folk Art Museum. Also, the Bay St. Louis Little Theatre hosts shows and events throughout the year to further illustrate the community’s dependence on creative energy.
Holly Springs
Mississippi has many small towns still clinging to the elegance and grandeur of 19th-century antebellum construction. Holly Springs is loaded with mansions, but it also harbors a lot of haunting histories that make it a popular destination for those seeking out the paranormal in the Magnolia State. The town hosts the Holly Springs Pilgrimage, a candlelit tour through many historic houses officials claim to be haunted. Similarly, the Hill Crest Cemetery is a popular destination for ghost adventures, with many chilling tales to hear in what is commonly called the ‘Little Arlington of the South.’
But what possesses the sleepy little town more than the spirits of the past is the arts and music of the present. Like other small towns in Mississippi, Holly Springs recognizes its connection to the blues genre with a famous former resident, RL Burnside.
For those looking for a memorable eating experience, check out the famed Phillips Grocery. This former general store turned burger joint offers the legendary Phillips Burger.
Mississippi small towns are anything but an ordinary trip. When you break away from the huge cities like Biloxi and Jackson, you can truly discover the strange and the fantastic sides of many of the communities thriving in the Magnolia State. From the paranormal tours taking you through the historic towns of Holly Springs to the festival of the tomato in Crystal Springs, there are many chances to experience the quirkiness of the South on your next getaway.
