Some of the state’s best sites are also the oldest – and that’s definitely the case with the Friendship Oak. The majestic oak tree is over 500 years old! Its age isn’t the only impressive thing about it, though. There’s also its size – the tree is absolutely massive. Take a look:

A must-see sight on the coast, the Friendship Oak is located on the University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Coast campus in Long Beach.
Chris Tolson/Google
One of the oldest trees east of the Mississippi River, the magnificent live oak dates back to 1487!
Elizabeth D/TripAdvisor
Throughout the centuries, Friendship Oak has seen history unfold. It’s also withstood numerous hurricanes, which is pretty impressive considering the tree’s location near the beachfront.
arohila/TripAdvisor
Now a much-loved sight, the tree is a favorite of locals and tourists alike. In fact, it’s one of the Gulf Coast’s most photographed places.
pgfan4ever/TripAdvisor
Aside from soaking in the historic tree’s vast beauty, visitors can learn about its long and storied past thanks to informative signage.
Elizabeth D/TripAdvisor

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It’s hard to say which is more impressive – the oak’s age or size.
Liz Hall/Google
Friendship Oak is 59’ tall. Its trunk is 5’9” in diameter and has a circumference of nearly 20’!
Thomas Brown/Google
Its width is just as grand – the massive limbs extend about 60’ – 66’ from the tree’s trunk and have an average circumference of 7.5’.
Rachael W/TripAdvisor
With its towering trunk and limbs that reach far and wide, Friendship Oak forms nearly 16,000' of shelter.
Monica Altman/Google
Oozing history and beauty, Friendship Oak is an awe-inspiring sight that has wowed for centuries and will undeniably continue to do so.
TryppAdams/TripAdvisor

The Friendship Oak is located at the University of Southern Mississippi.

Did you know about the Friendship Oak? Ever visited? If so, what’d you think? Tell us in the comments section. Mississippi also has other ancient trees that are well worth a visit!

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More to Explore

The Best Attractions In Mississippi

William Suphan | December 21, 2022

What are the best natural attractions in Mississippi?

The best natural attractions in Mississippi include:

  • Strawberry Plains Audubon Center. Located in Holly Springs, this is a gorgeous nature sanctuary full of trails that are brimming with flowers
  • Natchez Trace. This is a 444-mile parkway with a ton of local history including a ghost town and Windsor Ruins.
  • Tishomingo State Park. This beautiful location has rapids to ride, mountains to climb, and a lot of Native American history.
  • Clark Creek Nature Rea. Located in Woodville, this 700-acre expanse is one of the most beautiful places in the state.

Learn more about the best natural attractions in Mississippi. 

What are the most overlooked destinations in Mississippi?

The most overlooked destinations in Mississippi include:

  • St. Mary Basilica. This basilica was built in 1842 and is the oldest Catholic building still being used today in Mississippi.
  • Dunn’s Falls Water Park. There’s a beautiful 65-foot waterfall here with an old grist water mill at the top. 
  • Borroum’s Drug Store and Soda Fountain. This is a soda fountain straight out of the 1950s with checkerboard floors and old-fashioned classic treats.
  • Sky Lake Wildlife Management Area. This place has ancient bald cypress trees, including the tallest one in the state at 70 feet.

Find out more about the most overlooked destinations in Mississippi. 

What are the best day trips in Mississippi?

The best day trips in Mississippi include:

  • Vicksburg National Military Park. This is a place where you can learn about a lot of Civil War history and see artifacts from real battles.
  • Gulf Coast Gator Ranch. This is a way to see alligators up close in a safe way, where you can even feed them.
  • Captain Ron’s Charters. There are lots of boat charter places for fishing, but this is perhaps the state’s best.
  • Tupelo. This is where Elvis Presley was born and the town is full of memorials and tours where you can learn all about the King of Rock and Roll.

Discover more about the best day trips in Mississippi. 

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