The 10 Oddest Places You Can Possibly Go In Mississippi

Belzoni is the "Catfish Capital of the World," so it should come as no surprise that the town has an entire museum dedicated to catfish. Even if you’re not an avid fisherman, you’ll enjoy a visit to the museum, which provides lots of info on the state’s favorite fish. Oh, and did we mention you’ll get to meet one of the world’s largest catfish, King Cat? But that’s the only place you’ll find catfish in Belzoni. The entire town is adorned with catfish statues, so take a drive around and have your camera ready. Start off at the museum, which is located at 110 Magnolia, Belzoni, MS 39038.

Bringing the Bible to life, Palestine Gardens is a scaled replica of the Holy Land. The model encompasses ¼ mile and includes intricate details, such as accurately represented topography. Truly a sight to see, the gardens have attracted people from all over the world. Palestine Gardens is located at 201 Palestine Garden Rd., Lucedale, MS 39452.

Love the game of bridge? Then this is the museum for you! The interactive museum houses the world’s largest collection of bridge memorabilia, trophies, videos, and more. Visit the museum at 6575 Windchase Blvd., Horn Lake, MS 38637.

A sculpture garden with a twist, this one-of-a-kind stop is full of life-sized, folk art frogs. Walk around the farm, and you’ll find the frogs, along with other critters, in a variety of fun scenes. Check out the Frog Farm at 186 Old Hwy. 61 1, Fayette, MS 39069.

A unique twist on a sculpture garden, the Yokna Sculpture Trail leads to several attractions and is, of course, filled with life-sized art. The loop trail, which features approximately 15 to 20 sculptures, starts at the Powerhouse Sculpture Garden and passes through Rebel Sculpture Park and Lamar Park before coming to an end at the University of Mississippi Museum. Begin the trail at 413 South 14th St., Oxford, MS 38655.

Cedar Hill Cemetery is the final resting place for about 5,000 Confederate soldiers…and one camel. That’s right; a camel named "Old Douglas" served as a member of the 43rd Mississippi Infantry Regiment. He was actually part of an experimental program, which aimed to find alternative methods of transportation. Sadly, Old Douglas was killed by a sharpshooter during the Siege of Vicksburg. Visit this unique grave at Cedar Hill Cemetery, which is located at 326 Lovers Ln., Vicksburg, MS 39180.

Encompassing 200 acres, the Mississippi River Basin Model is the largest small-scale model ever built! The project took from 1943 to 1966 to complete and was built by Italian and German POWs during WWII. Surprisingly, after just six years in use, the model was abandoned and left to deteriorate. Luckily, efforts are now being made to restore it. Visit the model at Buddy Butts Park, which is located at 6180 McRaven Rd., Jackson, MS 39209.

From the outside, Longwood doesn’t look odd at all. But the interior is a different story – and that’s because it’s completely unfinished. Construction on the massive home began in the late 1850s but came to a halt just a few years later due to the start of the Civil War. The homeowner’s slaves continued to work on the home until 1862 but were only able to complete the basement, which is where the family resided. Visit Longwood at 140 Lower Woodville Rd., Natchez, MS 39120.

Constructed sometime between the 1200s and the 1600s, the Emerald Mound is the 2nd largest ceremonial mound in the nation. The mound itself is 770’ by 435’ and is 35’ high, and can be toured daily, free of charge. Visit the mound at Emerald Mound Rd., Natchez, MS 39120.

Truly unique, this museum boasts a collection of over 400 time pieces – some of which date back as far as the 1700s! There’s a small art gallery located just upstairs from the museum, so it’s like two attractions in one. Check it out for yourself at the MSU Welcome Center, which is located at 75 B.S. Hood Dr., Mississippi State, MS 39759.