If you’re a road tripper, you will want to take advantage of the fun things to do in Meridian, MS. This city is located in the eastern part of Mississippi and attracts tourists with its warm and friendly southern hospitality.
Meridian also is home to some of Mississippi’s most famous musicians. Among other famous celebrities (Oprah, Jim Henson, Tennessee Williams, William Faulkner, etc.), they are showcased in the world-famous MAX museum. But that’s just one of the amazing and fun things to do in this city.
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1. See a Show at the MSU Riley Center
Experience the allure of MSU Riley Center, where captivating cultural, artistic, and educational events await. With its distinctive heritage, this extraordinary venue offers various entertainment options, from vibrant tribute bands to timeless classics and drama performances to magical symphonies.
Sit back, relax, and savor the enchantment in the restored 1889 grand opera house boasting 950 seats on the National Register of Historic Places. Highlighting the 2024 lineup are Wayne Newton, Jack London’s Call of the Wild, The Commodores, and many more.
2. Explore the Mississippi Children’s Museum
Explore the delightful Mississippi Children’s Museum-Meridian with your kids. They’ll be captivated by Our Lady’s Playhouse (culture from around the world), WonderBox Laboratory, and Fantastic Flying Books Library. There’s even a charming Goodnight Moon book-themed space, which my granddaughter is crazy about.
With 9,500 square feet indoors and 25,000 square feet outdoors, this remarkable children’s museum offers endless entertainment. Admission is $10 for all ages, but it is free for children under one-year-old; the museum is closed on Mondays.
3. Dine at the Oldest Restaurant in Mississippi
Meridian is home to the renowned Weidmann’s restaurant, presenting delectable comfort food since 1870, Mississippi’s oldest. Transport yourself to a world of timeless allure as you dive into classic dishes like Muffuletta and Catfish Belvedere.
Tables adorned with handcrafted peanut butter crocks pay homage to the WWII-era shortages in the 1940s. Try my tasty lunch favorites: Bleu Cheese Bacon Burger, Quiche Lorraine, or Shrimp and Grits YaYa, a tantalizing twist with mushrooms, spinach, bacon, and a luscious smoked Gouda cream sauce.
For an unforgettable Sunday brunch experience from 11 AM to 2 PM, indulge in the Strawberry-Stuffed French Toast or Crawfish Benedict. And, of course, the Fried Green Tomatoes are a well-received starter anytime.
Need another place to try for lunch or dinner in Meridian? We have six tasty choices in this post.
4. Shop in Downtown Meridian
Discover the allure of Downtown Meridian! Experience exceptional shopping with Crooked Letter’s Mississippi-made goods, Over The Moon’s incredible kids’ fashion, Loeb’s exquisite men’s garments, and Uptown Girl’s lovely women’s apparel.
For a uniquely fun and funky stop, check out Meridian Underground Music, which hosts live rock & roll shows in an intimate space.
Take the chance to explore the remarkable small businesses in Downtown Meridian.
5. Ride the Historic Dentzel Carousel
Discover the Dentzel Carousel, an iconic attraction in Meridian that has withstood the test of time for over a century. This historic two-row stationary carousel, constructed in 1896 for the 1904 St. Louis World Fair, remains fully operational to this day.
Take a thrilling spin and immerse yourself in the breathtaking view of Highland Park for a mere $1 per ride. Unleash the adventurer within and experience history while riding one of the world’s most storied wooden carousels with painted carousel horses.
You’ll also see an art installment with hand-painted carousel horses, Around Town Carousels Abound, throughout Meridian.
6. Choose Your Own Adventure at HYPE!
Discover exhilarating adventures at HYPE! Adventures – a 93K square foot playground that sets your inner thrill-seeker free. It’s a one-of-a-kind outing with trampolines, ninja courses, axe throwing, virtual reality booths, go-karting, and a zipline experience. Closed toe shoes are a must.
Pricing is à la carte; for instance, a two-hour pass for an unlimited trampoline, rock climbing, and zipline is only $25.99.
7. Meet Mississippi’s Stars at The MAX
Visit the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience (The Max), diving into captivating exhibits honoring this extraordinary state’s artistic heritage. From renowned Mississippians to live performances by acclaimed musicians, The Max offers an immersive journey through the heart of Mississippi’s cultural legacy.
Marvel at the recording studio, browse the MAX store, and immerse yourself in The Power of Church, Explore Who and Where, and Feel the Land permanent exhibits. Don’t miss the upcoming concert featuring Steve Azar or any cool events offered throughout the year. !
8. Embark on Meridian’s Walk of Fame
Stroll amidst the stars in downtown Meridian, from the MSU Riley Center to the Max museum entrance. Walk among bronze stars adorning the sidewalks, celebrating icons such as Elvis Presley, B.B. King, John Grisham, and Morgan Freeman – with more added each year.
From larger-than-life displays, you can explore how Mississippians have impacted these industries worldwide – since this is where many stars were born! These include Elvis Presley, Oprah, Tennessee Williams, James Earl Jones, Britney Spears, and Robert Johnson.
Bonus — watch for the Mississippi Blues Trail markers around town, too.
9. Explore the Meridian Museum of Art
The Meridian Museum of Art, established in 1961, has been preserving and showcasing art for over 60 years. The Meridian Museum of Art has a collection of more than 1,800 artworks from both local and international artists.
10. Spend Time Outdoors
Meridian is a great place to get outdoors. The city encompasses the 3300-acre Bonita Lakes Park–a peaceful, lightly developed space perfect for fishing, hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, and bird watching. Additionally, there are picnic areas, a playground, and a splash pad for kids to enjoy.
Both dogs and horses (20 miles of equestrian trails) are welcome here.
Another great outdoor space is Okatibbee Lake. Public boat ramps with courtesy docks provide quick and easy access to the water, while swings and picnic tables overlook the tranquil scenery. This lake is home to some of the area’s best white-tailed deer hunting and largemouth bass fishing.
Considering RVing in Meridian? We loved our time at Meridian East Toomsuba KOA, which you can read about here.
And, if you’re up for a short drive, Dunn’s Falls (15 miles southwest of Meridian) is home to a 65-foot waterfall that was once a power source for a gristmill and the manufacturer of Stetson Hats.
11. Explore Meridian’s History
Explore Meridian, a city that played an integral role in shaping US history. At the Mississippi Industrial Heritage Museum, take your pick of guided tours to witness first-hand America’s last steam engine factory.
At the Jimmie Rodgers Museum, discover more about the country music innovator and Father of Blues music himself. Follow his footsteps on either one or both state trails – Mississippi Blues Trail or Country Music Trail – while journeying through Civil War sites (Civil War Trail).
12. Attend a Special Event or Festival in Meridian
Meridian has several annual events that make for a great time to visit:
- Ralph Morgan Rodeo (April and August)
- Jimmie Rodgers Music Festival (May)
- Chunky River Raft Race & Festival (June)
- Meridian Craft Beer Festival (October)
- Brickhaus Brewtique (October)
- Soulé Live Steam Festival (November)
I can’t stress how amazing the Annual Trees of Christmas was at Merrehope. In its 55th year, this fundraiser has more than 50 decorated Christmas trees throughout two floors that are creative, beautiful, and fun for the entire family.
Admission is $15 for adults, $5 for kids. Merrehope has other events throughout the year, too.
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