Starkville, Mississippi, is a city in Mississippi Oktibbeha county named after John Stark and was established in 1835. Its central college is Mississippi State University, which houses many of the city’s attractions. So, this is why this article has a great list of the best things to do in Starkville.
Starkville was a former settlement of the Choctaw tribe of Native Americans until 1830. They slowly progressed during the 20th century because of their dairy industry. Starkville has a host of things to keep you entertained. In Starkville, many historical museums, art galleries, theaters, etc. With this list, you will know what adventures you will have.
Here is a guide to the 17 Best Things to do in Starkville, Mississippi
1. Learn History at Heritage Museum
Heritage Museum is a case of history housing history because the Oktibbeha county heritage museum is housed in the renovated mobile and Ohio railroad depot built in 1874. The museum exhibits Starkville’s historical forms, such as medical practices in the early 20th century.
The kids are considered because the museum provides a children’s corner for them to learn and play. That way, history is impacted, and many more discoveries are made. The best part of all this is that admission is free.
Address: 206 Fellowship St, Starkville, MS 39759, United States.
2. Discover U.S. History at the Cobb Museum of Archaeology
Another beautiful place on our list of best things to do in Starkville is the Cobb Museum of Archaeology. It’s also known as the Lois Dowdle Cobb Museum and is situated in the basement of Cobb institute. This museum houses over 5000 items generated from around the world and has an annual visit of 2,500 persons.
Archaeology and history in hand; if you’re a history lover, it might pique your interest. It has beautiful items that will leave you educated and in awe. So, it’s no surprise that it is used for research by different individuals like students, staff, etc. So, why not pay a visit to the Cobb Museum? It is a fantastic place to be.
Address: 340 Lee Blvd., Mississippi State, MS 39762, United States.
3. Pay a Visit to The Cotton District
Third on our list of best things to do in Starkville is visiting The Cotton District. It is a small community with many bars, restaurants, and hundreds of residential units inhabited chiefly by college students and young professionals. It is also an excellent place to check out houses if you plan to settle in Starkville.
Apart from these distinct features, The Cotton District hosts art festivals with an attendance of over 40,000 people annually. They also host the bulldog bash, which has an attendance of 20,000 people because of its free entry and the appearance of notable artists. It’s a fantastic area that bubbles with activity and is very fun.
Address: 5414, 104 ½ Maxwell St., Starkville, MS 39759, United States.
4. Stop at the Cullis & Gladys Wade Clock Museum
You will fall in love with the Cullis and Gladys Wade Clock Museum if you’re a lover of history, specifically the history clocks. This museum holds work from many American clock designers, such as Ansonia, Waterbury, W.L. Gilbert, Howard, and Seth Thomas. Most of the clocks date as far back as 1700.
In addition to all this work, there is also little work from Mr. Wade, who has customized most of his clocks and watches. His works include hand-painted glass designs, hybrid clocks of English cases with American movements, intricate finial additions to the clocks, French clocks, and English and German pieces.
Mr. Wade did all this to show Mississippi State University (MSU) students and the world something historical and unique that couldn’t be found in Mississippi.
Address: Cullis Wade Depot, Starkville, MS 39759, United States.
5. Uncover the Civil War History at the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library
If you’re a book and history lover, visiting the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library is one of the best things to do in Starkville. The library holds over 15,000 linear feet of correspondence, research notes, published monographs, artifacts, photographs, scrapbooks, and memorabilia. All about the 18th president’s life, civil war victories, and presidency, amongst others.
It’s a fantastic place to stop by to learn and interact with like minds. The library also serves as a museum if you tag along with a non-reader. So, they’re artifacts to keep you and them very entertained. Within the library walls, there is also a gift shop where you can stop by to get souvenirs to remember this entire trip.
Address: 395 Hardy Rd, Starkville, MS 39759, United States.
6. Enjoy the Great Scenery at Sam D. H. Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge
Exploring nature on these 48,000 acres of land is on our list of best things to do in Starkville for lovers of nature, animals, and the outdoors. It is a refuge for many animals, such as American alligators, deer, bald eagles, turkeys, rabbits, squirrels, wood storks, and others.
Sam D. H. Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge has two major lakes, the Bluff, 1,200 acres, and the Loakfoma, 600 acres. Some attractions include the goose overlook that shows the Bluff lake and views of the white-tailed deer and migrating Canadian geese, Trail networks, Bluff Lake Boardwalk, and Morgan Hill Overlook.
Address: 13723 Bluff Lake Rd, Starkville, MS 39759, United States.
7. Honor Civil Rights Heroes at the Starkville Unity Park
Starkville Unity Park has been built to unite the people and respect heroes. They are an exhibit of people who affected civil rights in Oktibbeha County and Mississippi. People who impact civil rights can be nominated to receive an honoree.
Some are Dr. Douglas L. Conner, Martin Luther King, Jr., Gov. William Winter, Medgar Evers, and Fannie Lou Hamer. Whenever you visit Starkville, paying a visit to this park will be worthwhile and impactful; add this to your list of things to do in Starkville.
Address: 101-109 Dr. Douglas L. Conner Dr, Starkville, MS 39759, United States.
8. View Stunning Pieces at Mississippi State University Art Galleries
We can’t overlook art lovers; we’ve got something perfect for you. It is always lovely to visit an art gallery somewhere new. Here in Starkville, Mississippi State University has two art galleries filled with exquisite artworks you will love.
Cullis Wade Depot Art Gallery and Visual Arts Center Gallery are the two galleries. Most of the artworks were done by nationally recognized artists, students, and MSU faculty. You should include stopping by these galleries on your list of things to do in Starkville.
Address: 75 B. S. Hood Rd, Mississippi State, MS 39762, United States.
9. Drink Beer at the Mayhew Junction Brewing Company
You could start, end, or make your trip better by visiting the craft beer Mayhew Junction Brewing Company. It was made for people, mostly beer enthusiasts, to enjoy various flavors such as English Milds, Milk Stouts, and American Pale Ales.
It is always a great choice to explore new options. It is a great place to hang out with friends and loved ones, an excellent way to pass the time and enjoy views of the city more. You can also meet new friends and create lovely memories, which is one of the reasons that having drinks here is one of the best things to do in Starkville.
Address: 106 Eckford Dr, Starkville, MS 39759, United States.
10. Grab A Plate of Soup at Souper Bowl
Souper Bowl is an annual contest held in Starkville; it’s held chiefly during winter to chase away the cold and bring you inner warmth. You can win prizes if you participate at the end of each week; a name is randomly picked and given a price.
It is a fun time for all, and you can fill your belly and win prizes. Indeed, a fantastic event! Some of the prices include four tickets to unwind Downtown,4 MSU Baseball Tickets, and a $200 Downtown Shopping Spree.
Address: 200 E Main St, Starkville, MS 39759, United States.
11. Watch A Show at the Starkville Community Theatre
Starkville Community Theatre has four productions during regular seasons and nine performances each. They also have a children’s workshop and presentation in June and occasionally host dinners.
Annually, they host two dinners, one potluck dinner – during the Christmas period and another during May/June to mark the end of the production season. For over 25 summers, the theatre has held fundraising musical revue.
It’s an 89-seater theatre with various ticket shops for audiences that want to purchase tickets. They host general meetings open to any new volunteers or anyone interested in being part of the theatre committee. It is undoubtedly a place to visit whenever you travel to Starkville.
Address:108 E Main St, Starkville, MS 39759, United States.
12. Purchase Fresh Produce at the Starkville Community Market
Almost every city has a farmer’s market, and Starkville owns one that food lovers and enthusiasts will love. The Farmer’s Market opens every Saturday in the fire station. Because of the activities in this market, you could bring the whole family along because there is something for everyone.
This community market sells freshly harvested crops, baked products, and gardening and even has activities for the children. A live band is playing, making the environment fun and lively. If this is your style, shopping here should be on your list of things to do in Starkville.
Address: 503 E Lampkin St, Starkville, MS 39759, United States.
13. Exercise at A. J. Pitts Tennis Centre
Want to go for a run? Tennis lovers or athletes can stop for exercise or a game if there’s one to catch at A. J. Pitts Tennis center. This tennis center was first used on February 26, 1984, during a match between bulldogs’ men and Louisiana tech, beating them 6-3. It has served Mississippi for more than 30 years since then.
This center was named after the state’s alumnus, A. J. Pitts of Tupelo, Miss. A famous architect in Sydney, Australia, by the name of John Wildman, designed it. What’s more? The A.J. Tennis Centre has six state-of-the-art courts holding up to a thousand spectators each. It is a lovely design that stands out.
Address: Starkville, MS 39759, United States.
14. Take A Breather at Veterans Memorial Rose Garden
If you like a long walk in a natural setting, then you should visit the veteran memorial rose garden; as the name implies, the majority of the followers are roses, but they have several others, such as Hybrid Tea, 1 Grandiflora, Floribunda, Shrub, and Ground Cover. Its beautiful scenery provides comfort and some relaxation, which is why it is on our list of best things to do in Starkville.
In addition, the garden has a Central Gazebo, Raised-brick Planting Beds Encircling The Gazebo, Paved Walkways Through The Beds, An Arched Bridge Connecting The Site To A Visitor Parking Lot, Three Arbors, Ornate Brick And Steel Fence Americans With Disabilities Act Compliant. All for your comfort.
Address: Starkville, MS 39759, United States.
15. Take A Stroll Through Lafayette Lights
The city is full of activities, but if you ever get tired of everything and want some quiet time, you can bless yourself with peace and comfort as you stroll through Lafayette lights. It’s a street with beautiful lighting that will leave you in awe and feeling peaceful. It is all you need.
It is one of the city’s attractions. You can take a stroll to think or clear your head. When you visit Lafayette Lights, the first thing likely to occur naturally to mind is to take beautiful shots. It’s always a lovely and admirable site to behold in Starkville, and that’s why you’ll always find tourists here.
Address: S Lafayette St, Starkville, MS 39759, United States.
16. Catch A Game at Dudy Noble Field
Starkville has a lot of sports activities to keep you occupied, so catching a game in Dudy Noble Field is on our list of best things to do in Starkville. This 15,000-seater capacity is home to the Mississippi state bulldogs team. It has a recorded number of 15,586 attendees in a single game.
Dudy Noble Field is famous for its left-field lounge and has even been named the #1 place to watch baseball and 100 things you must do before graduating according to sports time. It was opened in April 1967, demolished in 2017, and renovated in 1987 and 2018. You can watch races, baseball, volleyball, hockey games, etc. While watching the game, you can treat yourself to hot dogs.
Address: 145 Lakeview Dr, Starkville, MS 39759, United States.
17. Know Your Pooch at the Golden Triangle Kennel Club of Mississippi
As stated earlier in this article, everyone is welcome at Starkville, even your pets, such as dogs and their pups. Golden Triangle Kennel Club of Mississippi trains you to be the best owner of your dogs; the club accepts visitors, so you can stop by and see what they are doing. Training your dog well can be such a confusing thing to do, and that’s why the Kennel Club is here.
The club has a program on teaching your dog obedience for dogs of all ages. They also train dogs of all types, sizes, and ages, from puppies to adults. They host classes all year round and even have obedience and rally tryouts in the Mississippi horse park. If you are in town, it will be a great choice to stop by and engage in a few activities with your dog.
Address: 716 Poorhouse Road, Starkville, MS 39759, United States.
Plan a Trip to Starkville, Mississippi
The above list of the best things to do in Starkville has proved that it’s a fantastic place to visit. It has historical sites, many sports centers, and a theater that will leave you satisfied with the site.
So, this is one city you should visit if you love history, gaming, and just a winery. I wish you the best as you enjoy the city’s beautiful highlights! You can also check out Southaven for other fantastic centers and attractions in Mississippi.
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