Even though Mississippi is home to a ton of unique and amazing sites, the last thing you’d expect to find in the Magnolia State is the “world’s largest” anything, but that’s exactly the case with the Mississippi River Basin Model. Tucked away in a Jackson park, the expansive model is the biggest of its kind and truly an incredible site. Almost lost to time, the larger-than-life model is currently in the process of being restored, making it the perfect time to plan a visit. Take a look:

The Mississippi River Basin Model can be found in Buddy Butts Park, which is located at 6180 McRaven Road in Jackson.
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The model spans 200 acres, making it the largest small-scale model in the entire world. It’s so big that it can only be photographed in its entirety from the air.
US Army Corps of Engineers/Wikimedia
After the Mississippi River Flood of 1927, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began researching ways to avoid future tragedies, which resulted in the construction of this model.
Friends of Mississippi River Basin Model/Facebook

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Construction of the model began in 1943 and took over 20 years to complete! Since the model was being built in the midst of WWII, resources were limited; so much of the work was done by POWs.
Friends of Mississippi River Basin Model/Facebook
Shockingly enough, after only six years in use, the enormous model was abandoned. For years, it was left to deteriorate, further disappearing with each passing year.
Friends of Mississippi River Basin Model/Facebook
Over the years, the model has garnered national recognition. In August 1983, Jacques Yves Cousteau paid a visit to the famous site (pictured above).
Luckily, efforts are now being made to restore the model. The Friends of Mississippi River Basin Model is partnering with the Jackson Branch of the American Society of Engineers to clean up and preserve the historical site.
Friends of Mississippi River Basin Model/Facebook

Get a closer look at the larger-than-life model in the video below.

For more information on the model, including progress on its restoration, visit the Friends of Mississippi River Basin Model Facebook page. To see the model for yourself, head to Buddy Butts Park, which is located at 6180 McRaven Road in Jackson.

Looking for another must-visit site? Check out “Most People Don’t Know There’s A Little Grand Canyon In Mississippi.“

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