Things to Do

The ARK Walking Trail currently consists of two miles of wooded trails that sit on the wildlife sanctuary located just a few miles west of Hernando, MS on Hwy 304.

In addition, the ARK has an outdoor stage, 5,000 sq. ft. education pavilion, beautiful interpretive signage and open wildflower and grasslands. 

The Coldwater River Nature Conservancy (CRNC) is dedicated to the shared vision of enjoying and protecting the natural ecosystem of the Coldwater River watershed by providing access to trails, caring for injured and orphaned wildlife and fostering an appreciation for our shared environment through land conservation and education.

Arkabutla Lake is renowned for some of the best fishing in the southeast—boasting an abundance of largemouth and white bass, and ranked as one of the Top 5 Crappie Fishing Lakes in America.

But fishing is just the beginning. An 11,000-acre recreation pool offers some of the best sailing east of the Mississippi River along with three pristine beaches ideal for swimming. Its remote location attracts land lovers, too. With nearly 250 campsites, multiple trails for hiking and biking, beautiful picnic areas, an 18-hole disc golf course and more than 30,000 acres of public hunting ground, there’s something for everyone.

To top things off, many of the amenities are ADA accessible—making this a truly enjoyable place for everyone to visit.

Free outdoor art gallery, located next to the Chamber of Commerce in Old Towne Main Street. Paintings by local artists are rotated periodically. Open year-round.

This newly-renovated outdoor concert venue has hosted acts such as ZZ Top, Alt J, Avett Brothers, Weezer, Kenny Chesney, Dave Matthews, Steve Miller, Bryan Adams, Widespread Panic, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Tim McGraw, Miranda Lambert and more. Our facility has increased permanent seating capacity to approximately 9,865, still leaving a small artificial grassy area. Visit website for schedule.

Founded in 1900 by the North Mississippi Baptist Educational Convention, the college was the first school in DeSoto County to offer instruction through grade twelve to African Americans and one of the earliest private schools for African Americans in north Mississippi. The school closed in 1960. The original dormitory remains standing. Video https://youtu.be/8rpCTawqL5M

This Blues Marker honors Hernando musicians Gus Cannon, Jim Jackson and Robert Wilkins who helped establish the mid south area as a major blues center in the 1920's. Gus Cannon was born in nearby Red Banks in 1883 or 1884 and buried in 1979 in Hernando. Gus was a banjo player who also “played the jug”. He wrote and first recorded the song, “Walk Right In”, which became a number one hit in 1963 for the Greenwich Village folk group, the Rooftop Singers. Jim Jackson was born in Hernando in 1878, placing him among the earliest-born artists to record blues. His most famous song, “Jim Jackson’s Kansas City Blues”, was widely covered by other artists. Jackson died in Memphis in 1933. Robert Wilkins first met Gus Cannon and Jim Jackson in 1912 while they were performing together at Mary Cotton’s Place in the West End of Hernando. Wilkins recorded eight singles including “Rolling Stone”. In the late 1930's, Wilkins became a Church of God in Christ minister and in the 1960's, he began performing his blues-inflected gospel music on the blues revival circuit. He remade his blues recording “That’s No Way to Get Along” into the gospel song “Prodigal Son”, which was subsequently covered by the Rolling Stones on their Beggars Banquet album.

Milton Blocker was among the first settlers to move to the Indian lands that became DeSoto County. He settled in the eastern part of the county and the community that was formed became known as Olive Branch. In 1836, Milton and his brother-in-law, Stephen Flinn, purchased the land from a Chickasaw Indian, Lush Pun Tubby. Milton Blocker donated land for Blocker Cemetery, established in 1847.

Bolin Grove Farms is a family owned and operated farm offering pumpkins and blueberries. We are also available for outdoor weddings, corporate events, family reunions, church, family days or school events. Our vision is to help you create a wonderful event that you and your family will enjoy and remember.

A family owned and operated 120 acre farm and one of the top Agri-Tourism businesses in the Mid-South. Enjoy all types of seasonal events and "pick your own" blackberries, blueberries and vegetables, take a tractor drawn hayride, have a picnic, zip lines, petting zoo, pony rides, play areas, fishing, volleyball, horseshoes and so much more. Also, enjoy a pavilion, nice restroom facilities and indoor Country Kitchen and Country Store. Great for field trips and company outings.

Central park has an 18-hole disc golf course, which is mostly flat and lightly wooded, challenging and fun. Course length 6,744 ft.

Are you looking for a premier golf course in northwest Mississippi or the Memphis, TN area? A top five rated 18-hole, par 72 golf course, is one of North Mississippi’s finest! Cherokee Valley Golf Club is situated on a prominent hill, which challenges golfers of all skill levels. The 18 hole par 72 golf course includes 4 sets of tees to accommodate all players, with the rear set of tees measuring 6751 yards and the forward-most measuring 4422 yards. Eleven lakes and 52 bunkers may appear intimidating at first, but wide Zoysia fairways, extra-large Champion Bermuda greens, and clean roughs make for excellent scoring opportunities and a fun day on the course!

Vintage indoor shopping with over 90 vendors. A unique place where local artists, crafters, repurposers, antiquers and designers are under one roof.

ConXion Olive Branch offers Recreational and Competitive programs in gymnastics, cheer, tumbling and ninja warrior. In addition to a comprehensive Family Fitness program, which focuses on fitness, nutrition and over all good heath.

Open Mon-Fri, 4pm-9pm; Sat, 9:30am-12:30pm.

The Craft Road Bicycle Route, Olive Branch, consists of 10.3 mile loop of flat bicycle route that contains scenery ranging from golf course views to agriculture fields. This route is an excellent course for beginners and all members of the family because of the gentle topography. The northern portion of this route consists of designated bicycle lanes with the southern portions consisting of shared roadway lanes.  Difficulty level is intermediate. Trail surface is asphalt.

The DeSoto Arts Council (DAC) serves as an arts agency for DeSoto County and the surrounding region. DAC offers a wide range of imaginative activities and diverse programming for local artisans' work. Visit the gift shop for unique works of art. The building is available for rental for small weddings, showers and parties.

The DeSoto County Courthouse is the anchor of Hernando square, designated as a Mississippi Landmark and was built in 1942 after the previous French Castle courthouse burned in 1940. Learn the history of famed Spanish explorer Hernando DeSoto, who explored this area in 1541 – 1542, through the restored paintings that depict Hernando DeSoto’s voyage to discover the Mississippi river. The courthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997.

Located just south of Memphis in Southaven, Mississippi, the Veterans Park honors all of our national heroes from the Revolutionary War to those presently serving. The area boasts a beautiful lake, picnic tables and fourteen bronze plaques—representing each war or conflict. You can also experience the Walk of Honor, POW/MIA chair and a monument honoring our animal Veterans. You can purchase bricks for the Walk of Honor. The bricks are not only for deceased veterans but also for the living and those presently serving. Visit the website for details.

Follow the road less traveled for a relaxing tour of our historic Delta Bluffs Scenic Byway. You can begin at Exit 280 on I-55 and follow Commerce Street in Hernando, to the DeSoto County Museum. From there, follow Highway 304 west as the Delta Bluffs Scenic Byway takes you on a history-filled adventure through a myriad of unique geographical areas from the delta, the bluffs and surrounding hill country.

Edmondson Cemetery was originally organized in 1844 as Pisgah Presbyterian Church. Land was donated by William Campbell Edmiston for a cemetery next to the church building, which was built on what is today called Stateline Road or Main St. The Church was later named Edmiston in honor of that family and later the spelling evolved to Edmondson, which was the spelling used by a branch of the family that was very active in helping the church. (This was the family of "Belle" Edmondson, the Confederate Spy).The Church and cemetery were just below the TN - MS boundary line which was "moved" several times due to disputes by the states. At one time the church was in TN and the cemetery in MS. Today the church is Whitehaven Presbyterian Church on Shelby Drive in Memphis. The cemetery is Edmondson Cemetery in Southaven. Old tombstones read like a Who's Who list of prominent men and women, including Indian traders, politicians and Civil War veterans.

You have to be a family memberof someone already buried there or was part of establishing the cemetery.

For more information call:

Laura Easley (Board Treasurer): 901-831-4077 

Robbie Jones: 662-342-7273 or 901-734-2469

This extensive library is available to visitors Monday through Wednesday from 10:00am to 2:00pm and Thursday and Friday, by appointment only. Referral to local researchers for private research is also available.

The Great River Road traces the course of the Mississippi River. The route travels through the Mississippi River Valley’s rich history and inspiring natural beauty. The Great River Road Bike trail begins at Walls and follows Old Highway 61 (The Great River Road Scenic Byway) passing through Lake Cormorant to the Tunica, MS County Line. The Great River Road is a perfect ride for the novice rider and families due to its relatively flat terrain, but it can offer opportunities for the experienced rider to work on speed and interval training. Stopovers include the Hernando DeSoto River Park, DeSoto County’s only access to the Mississippi River. (Note the last 1/4 mile to the Park is gravel, and not paved.) Take in views of the mighty Mississippi River at Bass Landing or head into one of the local restaurant’s for some great food, the trail provides something for everyone! The Great River Road has been designated as a National Scenic Byway which is part of the National Scenic Byways Program and is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration. The bike routes feature bike signs, logos and mileage marker signs placed at strategic intervals along each of the 35 miles (11 miles in DeSoto County and 24 miles in Tunica, MS) of bike routes. The difficulty level is easy. Trail surface is asphalt.

Born in 1874, Gus Cannon was an American blues musician who played the banjo,  “played the jug” and who helped to popularize jug bands (such as his own Cannon's Jug Stompers) in the 1920s and 1930s. He wrote and first recorded the song, “Walk Right In,” which became a number one hit for the Greenwich Village folk group, the Rooftop Singers in 1963. Open year round.

Hernando is full of great shopping! Unique boutiques, shops, retail stores and more, in addition to restaurants. Events take place on and around the courthouse square, such as the Farmer's Market, entertainment on the courthouse lawn and more. For additional information, contact Hernando Main Street Chamber of Commerce at 662-429-9055.

It is held each Saturday, end of April through end of October from 8am-1pm. Their are over 50 vendors during peak season of June and July. Throughout the season, enjoy live music and special events during market hours. The market is located around the DeSoto County Courthouse, 2535 Hwy 51. For additional information, visit www.cityofhernando.org/farmersmarket or call 662-429-9092.

Located on the east side of Arkabutla Lake, five miles south of Hernando, MS or three miles north of Coldwater, MS. Hernando Point has 83 campsites to choose from located in a beautiful upland hardwood area with campsites that offer a beautiful shoreline view of the lake. The campground is also located beside the Hernando Point Day-Use area where access to a playground, picnic sites, picnic shelter, swimming beach, and boat launching ramp is just around the bend!

There are 6 fields (1 lighted): 2 fields are for youth ages 10 and under.

The Indoor Volleyball Arena is the largest and most modern USAV volleyball venue in the Delta Region! This 85,000 sq. ft. facility is newly outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment and volleyball courts.

Jerry Lee Lewis is widely known as a pioneer of rock ’n’ roll, but country music was always at the core of his music-making. A native of Ferriday, Louisiana, Jerry Lee Lewis started his musical career in nearby Natchez, and in 1973 established the Lewis Ranch here in Nesbit. Lewis’ 1956 rock ’n’ roll classics “Whole Lot of Shakin’ Going On” and “Great Balls of Fire” both topped the country charts, and a streak of dozens of country hits starting in 1968 included #1 records “To Make Love Sweeter For You,” “There Must Be More to Love Than This,” and “Would You Take Another Chance on Me.”

Born in October 1899, Joe Callicott was a Nesbit native who spent his whole life in the area south of Memphis and is regarded as one of Mississippi's finest early bluesmen. His chief musical associate was Garfield Akers and it was as Akers’ second guitarist that he first recorded in 1929. He recorded some final sessions for the blues documentarian George Mitchell in the late 60’s and served as mentor to Nesbit guitarist Kenny Brown. Open year round.

This route begins in the Hernando downtown area and quickly transitions to mainly of rural character. The Lake and Back Bicycle Route consists of a 25.1 mile route that begins at the DeSoto County Courthouse and reaches Hernando Point campground as a turnaround point. Restroom facilities are located at Hernando Point for refills of water or restroom break. This rest stop is a great location for snacking or lunch (bring your own) while enjoying the view of Arkabutla Lake. Open year round. Difficulty level intermediate. Trail surface is asphalt.

DeSoto Family Theatre (DFT) presents family productions throughout the year at the Landers Center Theater, which is adjacent to the Landers Center. Shows like The Sound of Music, The Diary of Anne Frank and Annie are just a few. In addition, DFT conducts summer theatre camps and performance classes. DeSoto Family Theatre seeks to provide quality entertainment appropriate for the entire family while offering opportunities for participation and education in the art of theatre for DeSoto County and the surrounding community. DFT is dedicated to creating an artistic process that strives to enrich the lives of individuals, families and the community by creating a working and performing environment that incorporates Godly principles and is positive, uplifting and wholesome.

The 120-acre park features a nature walking trail, four lighted tennis courts, volleyball court, nine baseball fields, two soccer fields, two football fields, and three lakes. Plus two disc golf courses, a playground complete with Astro Turf and a skate park. Open seven days a week, 7am-9pm.

This  20-hole disc golf course is located in the North tree line area, going towards Nail Road. Half wooded and half open space, it is well manicured with a nice variety of long shots and shorter technical holes. Water on holes #3 and #19. Out-of-bounds (OB) on 8 holes and a "MANDO" on #16. All holes have concrete tees. Course length is 5,038 ft. Course details: http://dgcour.se/1465

Lost Indian Spring Disc Golf Course is an 18-hole course located below the dam at Arkabutla Lake. Named after the natural spring that winds throughout the center of the course, it is designed to accommodate every skill level, from beginners and family outings to professional and tournament-level play. Course length is 5,523 ft. Course review: http://dgcour.se/3314

Call or visit website for showtimes.

The Memphis Hustle are an American professional basketball team of the NBA G League as an affiliate of the Memphis Grizzlies of the National Basketball Association. Based in Southaven, Mississippi, the team plays their home games at Landers Center.

Memphis Minnie, born Lizzie “Kid” Douglas in 1897, is considered by many to be the best female blues singer of all time. She received her first guitar in 1905 as a Christmas present and was among the first twenty performers inducted into the Hall of Fame in the inaugural W.C. Handy Awards in 1980. The famous tune, "When the Levee Breaks", popularized by Led Zeppelin, was written about the 1927 flood by Kansas Joe and Memphis Minnie and recorded by them in 1929.

A year-round indoor NHL-sized ice rink offering ice skating, youth hockey and adult hockey. Plus figure skating, curling, Learn-to-Skate and Learn-to-Play Hockey classes and other programming year-round.

"You-Pick" operations typically start around June 1st and run through the summer. Call ahead to verify days and times for picking or for pre-picks.

The Olive Branch Arts Council promotes an appreciation of the arts throughout the Olive Branch community offering various opportunities for all ages to experience the arts.

Olive Branch City Park is 135-acres in size and offers multiple sporting opportunities in a beautiful natural setting with a scenic overlook. Includes six lighted softball fields, eight lighted baseball fields, three lakes -one with a pier- fishing with a permit, five outdoor lighted tennis courts, ADA accessible playground, eight lane, 400 meter rubber surface track, two miles of walking trails with exercise stations, one half mile nature trail, amphitheater, two picnic pavilions and a mountain bike trail.

Located between Hwy 305, Hwy 178 and Goodman Road, Old Towne Main Street has become a major center for gifts, collectibles and antiques. Be sure to pick up a map from the Chamber of Commerce that illustrates 27 historical sites within the city and enjoy a half-mile walking trail through Old Towne.

Located at Renasant Park, Pidgeon Skateboard Park is also known as Hernando Skate Park. The 6,000 sq. ft. Skate Park was built by Evergreen Skateparks, one of the top three building/design skate park companies in the world. The skateboard park can be enjoyed by new, as well as more experienced skateboarders. For additional Evergreen Skateparks photos of the skate park, visit http://bit.ly/1Jj7dhG.

The Roller Coaster Loop Bicycle Route consists of a 9.6 mile loop of bicycle route that is comprised of rolling hills and changing topography. This route has a difficulty rating of ‘difficult,’ and may not be suited for all members of the family. The route is comprised mainly of rural character. Open year round. Trail surface is asphalt.

Dealer in antiques & collectibles, from floor to ceiling!

Check the website for times and special events. Available for private parties and special events. Open seven days a week.

This park has set the standard for which all new youth baseball complexes aim to emulate. This 17-field, baseball-only facility contains many features only previously found at professional stadiums. The fields all contain grass infields, Musco lighting, electronic scoreboards, covered dugouts and a main concession area. Because of its many amenities, Snowden Grove Park has been awarded and continues to host numerous World Series and national events, including the USSSA World Series, the NABF World Classics, the Dizzy Dean Baseball World Series and the Global Sports Baseball World Series. The Field of Dreams, is a mini complex at the park, for handicapped and developmentally challenged children and adults. Several events are also held at the park throughout the year, such as Springfest.

Twelve lighted tennis courts with pavilion, bathrooms, covered seating and additional parking. Visit the website for tennis schedules, clinics, leagues, tournament schedules and more.

The South Abutment Recreation area sits along Arkabutla Lake and Dam in the hills of northweast Mississippi. The campground is located just south of the Arkabutla Dam. This campground offers 80 Class A campsites in a predominantly pine-forested area and a trailer dump site. The nearby day use area includes one picnic shelter, numerous picnic tables, playground and designated swimming beach. Visitors enjoy outdoor recreational activities such as camping, fishing, boating, swimming, biking and spending a relaxing day taking in all that nature has to offer.

The Southaven Arts Council puts art first - enhancing our community through making the arts accessible, presenting and promoting arts events and supporting a creative community for local artists.

Soccer for all ages. Eight lighted soccer fields, bleachers and concession stand.

Located in Jim Saucier Memorial Park, this monument is dedicated to the Mississippians who shed their blood on the world's battlefields. It was erected by the DeSoto Chapter 80 Military Order of the Purple Heart. Open year round.

Outdoor recreation chain featuring apparel, footwear, equipment and accessories for adults and kids.

We offer 32 “Cutting-Edge” lanes for family, friends and league bowling. Join a league, have a party or just bowl for fun. At Strike Zone we make it fun for everyone! We also feature a Bar and Grill, a full service pro shop, a huge arcade with a prize filled redemption center, and nightly bowling events everyday of the week! Be sure to visit our website often for updates and news. Thanks for visiting Strike Zone! Open 7 days a week; call for hours, prices and events.

An upscale shopping center, just off Interstate 55 and Church Road, where there are over 70 name-brand stores such as Gap Outlet, Kate Spade, Banana Republic Factory Store, Nike, White House Black Market, Columbia, Ann Taylor Factory Store, J. Crew Factory, Under Armour, Chico's Outlet, LOFT Outlet, Kay Jewelers Outlet, Guess Factory Store, Skechers, Adidas, Pandora and many others. Enjoy Auntie Anne's Pretzels, Great American Cookies, Krispy Kreme and Rise Pies Handcrafted Pizza.

James Luther “Jim” Dickinson (1941-2009) played a central role in the North Mississippi and Memphis blues scene for many decades as a producer, vocalist and pianist. Jim Dickinson is best known as the producer of rock artists including Big Star and the Replacements and for his session work with the Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan. Dickinson went to the Hernando library and checked out a book on Memphis blues music and learned about the famed Memphis Jug Band. He later found Furry Lewis and learned all he could from him before going on to collaborate with Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones, T-Model Ford, Sid Selvidge and Big Star among others. Sons Luther and Cody formed the North Mississippi Allstars in 1996, a leading blues rock group for the last several decades. Both have also been involved with many side projects with blues, soul and gospel artists.

The Fieldhouse is the largest indoor sports complex in North Mississippi, providing regulation courts, orthopedics, and strength and conditioning for numerous sports under one roof.

In addition to the 60,000-square-foot indoor facility, The Gatorade Fieldhouse offers an outdoor field, open-air and climate-controlled cages used for baseball, softball and more.

The Gatorade Fieldhouse is a premier destination for clubs, tournaments and competitions.

From individual fitness training to teams to regional sporting events, The Gatorade Fieldhouse delivers world-class facilities for all our athletes, fans and guests.

Formerly "The Killer's" home, it is referred to as "The Lewis Ranch", a popular draw for visitors who like to drive by and stop to take pictures. 

For more information about The Lewis Ranch, follow via the Ranch’s website and social media pages.

We Are More Than A Trampoline Park. Test Your Skills, Explore New Adventures & Have Fun. Visit Us For a Day or Become a Member. Start Exploring Today! Fun For All Ages. Corporate Outings. Book a Party. Multiple Attractions. Host a Fundraiser. Group Events.

The Wesson House, built-in 1875 by Olive Branch's first Mayor Ben Wesson. The house is located on land that was purchased from Chickasaw Indian Chief, Lush-Pun-Tubby. Mayor Wesson built a mercantile store on the front of the site, which stood until the middle of the 20th century. The house was deeded to the City of Olive Branch in 1991. It is one of three Dedicated Mississippi Landmarks in DeSoto County.