Things to Do in Starkville
Whether you’re a history buff, a sports fan, an outdoor enthusiast, or just want to enjoy a night out on the town, there’s a lot to love in Starkville. From amazing museums to great ecotourism opportunities, we’ve got a little something for everyone’s tastes. And don’t forget the great farm-to-table meals and dining, shopping, and great places to stay while you visit. Come visit Starkville: Mississippi’s College Town and discover something new today!
James “Cool Papa” Bell (1901-1991) was born in Starkville. Renowned as the fastest man to ever play baseball. During his career (1922-1950), Bell played for or managed teams primarily in ..more info
Address: McKee Park
Bring your family out to enjoy music, food, and fireworks as we celebrate Independence Day.SharePinShareEmail ..more info
This annual free event is open to the public and provides hands-on exposure to children (and their families) to chalk, beads, clay, paint, drums, drawing, writing, theatre, dance, and more. ..more info
The epicenter of the historic Cotton District since 2005, Bin 612 offers a little something for everyone with its unique scratch made pizzas, gourmet burgers, tacos, large ice-cold beer selection ..more info
Home to several blues artists, Oktibbeha County and Starkville are part of the Mississippi Blues Trail, highlighting artists’ contributions in the area. Big Joe Williams Born in 1903 near the ..more info
Address: 204 Russell St
Open 11am – 2am daily, Bluto’s features a delectable late night menu for the perfect midnight snack. The perfect combo with one of their creative cocktails!SharePinShareEmail ..more info
Mississippi’s Largest Free Outdoor Concert is a can’t-miss event in Starkville. Bulldog Bash is an annual concert that brings in talent across the globe right to Starkville. With the interactive ..more info
Address: Main Street
Game weekends don’t end on Saturday anymore! You’ll find great dining and shopping when Downtown merchants and restaurants open their doors for special hours on Sundays after each MSU home ..more info
Located in the lively college town of Starkville, the Central Station Grill is only minutes away from campus or downtown. Whether you are a local or in town to cheer ..more info
Chadwick Lake is adjacent to the Joe Frank Sanderson Center on the campus of Mississippi State University. This scenic lake is great for relaxing, a light workout at our outdoor ..more info
The Chadwick Lake Disc Golf Course features 18 challenging holes. The course surrounds Chadwick Lake and the Sanderson Center and is the home of the MSU Disc Dawgs sport club.SharePinShareEmail ..more info
Tells the story of the “business of music” with its collection of more than 200 musical instruments, 13,000 recordings, and 22,000 pieces of sheet music. The Museum showcases a collection ..more info
Experience seminars, major performances, and miniconcerts by world-renowned ragtime musicians at the Templeton Ragtime Jazz Festival. Tours of the Templeton Music Museum, an extensive collection of sheet music, musical recordings, and mechanical ..more info
Phone: (662) 325-2559
Top floor of Giles Hall above the Bob and Kathy Luke Library Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. MAP TO RICHARD AND CHARLOTTE MCNEEL GALLERY SharePinShareEmail ..more info
Address: 699 College View Dr
Phone: 662-325-2202
Enjoy an afternoon in our exquisite boutiques for Starkville’s annual holiday shopping kick-off. Our shops and restaurants Downtown & Around Town will be alive with the Christmas spirit beginning in ..more info
Address: Main Street
Phone: (662) 323-3322
Displays artifacts from the Native American cultures of the southeastern United States and the civilizations of the ancient Middle East and Mediterranean region.SharePinShareEmail ..more info
A gallery in the Colvard Student Union features shows by national artists and students and faculty members.SharePinShareEmail ..more info
Address: 150 Lee Blvd
Phone: (662) 325-2513
At Comfort Suites, we offer spacious accommodations and amenities to ensure you enjoy a relaxing stay. After a day touring picturesque Starkville or catching a Bulldogs game, stretch out in ..more info
Adjacent to the Mississippi State University campus, the Cotton District was once a substantial cotton mill site and an adjacent area of workers’ homes, shops, and schools. The award-winning redevelopment of ..more info
Address: Starkville
Named one of the top 25 events by the Southeastern Tourism Society, this popular festival hosted by the Starkville Area Arts Council features a juried art exhibit, arts and crafts, ..more info
Address: Cotton District
The closest hotel to Mississippi State University, the new Courtyard by Marriott® Starkville MSU is conveniently located to all of Starkville and is on site with the area’s newest development, ..more info
The Cullis and Gladys Wade Museum showcases a collection of more than 400 clocks and watches dating back as far as the 1700s. Most are of American manufacture but some ..more info
Second floor above the Cullis Wade Depot, above the Welcome Center next to Barnes and Noble Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m MAP TO CULLIS WADE DEPOT ART ..more info
Address: Dr
See local and regional live music performances while dining on New York or Chicago-style pizza and enjoying one of the many beers on tap.SharePinShareEmail ..more info
The Del Rendon Music Festival is also known as DelFest! The music and art festival features musical acts and includes 10 art vendors selling original art. Held at Dave’s Dark ..more info
Address: 410 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr
Bring your furry friends for a dip in the pool at Moncrief Park to raise money for the Oktibbeha County Humane Society’s second chance fund.SharePinShareEmail ..more info
If you like live music, this summer concert series is perfect for you! Happening at Fire Station Park from May to July, the concerts are sure to be a great ..more info
The Dunn-Seiler Museum houses an extensive mineral, rock and fossil collections that help visitors visualize and understand the 4.6 billion year history of our planet. Rocks, fossils, a triceratops skull, and ..more info
Address: 112 Hilbun Hall
Peaceful pond located near the edge of the MSU campus where you can watch ducks and fish in the pond as you relax.SharePinShareEmail ..more info
Address: Morrill Rd.
With 18 holes over 6,874 yards and a par of 72, the Elm Lake Golf Course is open to the public. It is located at 1609 Taylor Thurston Road in Columbus, about ..more info
Built in 1913SharePinShareEmail ..more info
Address: 105 N Montgomery St
Organized July 28, 1839. Thirteen original members, one a slave. Used as a Confederate hospital during War Between the States. L. S. Foster, founder of Mississippi Baptist Orphanage, ordained here. ..more info
Address: 106 E Lampkin St
First Presbyterian Church of Starkville is the oldest Presbyterian church in North Mississippi. Organized in 1821 with the Mayhew Mission to the Choctaw Indians. The mission was begun by missionaries ..more info
Address: 307 University Dr
The first building of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Starkville, erected in 1839, was a two-story brick building with an open fireplace. By the 1850s, the walls had become so ..more info
Address: 200 W Lampkin St
Frank and Virginia Williams Collection of Lincolniana Gallery Boasts the nation’s largest, privately held research and display material on Abraham Lincoln, as well as the country’s most comprehensive privately held ..more info
Georgia Blue can host private events for up to 250 people with in-house catering.SharePinShareEmail ..more info
The Greensboro Street Historic District is a highly cohesive and architecturally/historically significant collection of primarily residential structures. The district is important as containing perhaps the highest concentration of residences of ..more info
Address: Greensboro Street
During the Vicksburg Campaign, a Union cavalry raid led by Colonel Benjamin H. Grierson moved from LaGrange, Tennessee, toward the Southern Railroad at Newton, Mississippi. On the afternoon of April ..more info
Address: 308 MS-12
Methodist circuit rider Jacob Matthews conducted this area’s first Methodist worship service near this site in 1834. The first meeting, held in a grove of sweet gum trees next to ..more info
Address: 200 W Lampkin St
Established in 1985 by Dr. Catherine Boyd, the MSU Historic Costume and Textiles Collection (HCTC) houses over 1,200 garments and related articles illustrating Mississippi and Southern dress and material culture ..more info
The local destination for your favorite beach delicacies and the world famous Hobie Dogs.SharePinShareEmail ..more info
Get your holiday shopping done all in one location. Find local artisans, crafts, hand-crafted foods, and gift items at this annual event. It’s a unique shopping experience that hosts nearly ..more info
Address: 100 Mercantile St
Enjoy a movie with friends at the Hollywood Premier Cinemas in Starkville. With great snacks available, you can sit back and enjoy the show.SharePinShareEmail ..more info
Address: 101 Hollywood Blvd
Discover southern charm at the Hotel Chester, nestled in the heart of historic downtown Starkville, Mississippi. Built in 1925, the lovingly restored Hotel Chester invites guests to enjoy contemporary hotel ..more info
Experience the various cultures represented in Starkville’s diverse community at the International Fiesta. Taste the food, see the display of international flags along Main Street, join the dancing, watch the ..more info
Address: MSU Drill Field
Phone: (662) 325-0787
Beginner-friendly course that winds around the perimeter of the park. All par 3 holes, a few with elevation changes, and most are ace runs. The park includes ball fields, picnic ..more info
Address: 400 N Long St
Phone: (662) 684-9672
John Grisham Room at Mississippi State University Displays memorabilia and materials from the writings and achievements of the bestselling author, former Mississippi legislator, and MSU alumnusSharePinShareEmail ..more info
Johnny Cash, known as “The Man in Black,” is one of the best-selling artists of all time. He has sold 90 million records worldwide, including country, rock, blues, folk and ..more info
Address: 206 MS-182
Whether you call them crawfish, crayfish, crawdads, or mudbugs, the King Cotton Crawfish Boil brings out the best cooks in Starkville to boil some crawfish with all the fixings.SharePinShareEmail ..more info
Address: 503 E. Lampkin St.
In the wild we encounter creation. In the wild we discover mysteries hidden by the Creator. We learn that we are spiritual beings created by an intelligent Creator. We find ..more info
Address: 1010 Victory Ln
This is an 18-hole course located on site of Lakeside Place Apartments. Free to the public and beginner friendly.SharePinShareEmail ..more info
Address: 1220 Old Hwy 12
Also known as the Old Presbyterian Cemetery, this cemetery was established in 1834 and contains approximately forty nine graves. Among those buried here are Dr. Araunah Bardwell and David Ames. ..more info
Address: 309 Louisville St
The Lyceum Series hosted by Mississippi State University features professional concerts, musicals, plays, and dance performances from September to May each year. The annual Lyceum Series offers exposure to national artists’ ..more info
Address: Lee Hall
Walking/Hiking If you want to exercise in town, try the Lynn Lane Multi-purpose path. This 1.7 mile, 10-foot wide path begins at McKee Park and travels to Locksley Way and ..more info
Address: 500 Lynn Lane
This 1.7 mile, 10-foot wide path begins at McKee Park and travels to Locksley Way and eventually to Mississippi State University. It’s the perfect to get outdoors and get moving.SharePinShareEmail ..more info
Address: 405 Lynn Lane
The Magnolia Independent Film Festival, affectionately known as The Mag, is Mississippi’s first and longest running film festival. The Mag is known for being an intimate, filmmaker-friendly festival that consistently ..more info
Address: 101 Hollywood Blvd.
The Martha Lipsey Gallery showcases the efforts of Mississippians with the most severe disabilities to feel the power of self-expression through art. Many works are available for sale, with proceeds going ..more info
McNeel Architecture Gallery on the second floor of Giles Hall offers rotating architecture exhibitions of regional and national scope.SharePinShareEmail ..more info
The third largest collection of insects in the southeastern United States, with 1 million specimens, is housed in the Mississippi Entomological Museum. Included is a collection of more than 40,000 ..more info
The Mississippi State University Golf Course is the host facility for the MSU PGA Golf Management program, MSU Men’s & Women’s Golf Teams and the MSU Golf and Sports Turf ..more info
Eighteen Mississippi State University buildings have been designated as Mississippi Landmark Buildings and three are on the National Register of Historic Places. For details, a map, and an online tour, ..more info
Address: Cullis Wade Depot, Starkville
Home of the Mississippi State University Bulldogs, Starkville is host to thousands of loyal fans for Southeastern Conference (SEC) football women’s basketball and men’s basketball softball baseball and other intercollegiate competitions Starkville offers ..more info
Address: Cullis Wade Depot, Starkville
It’s not just for BBQ! Moe’s provides a laid back, casual atmosphere during the day and a great high energy bar scene at night. Come for Thursday trivia night, Tuesday ..more info
Archives and Special Collections preserves and organizes unique materials that document the history of MSU, Mississippi, the South, and beyond.SharePinShareEmail ..more info
The MAFES Sales Store offers a variety of MSU-made products. From salsa to jelly, and cheese and ice cream, you’ll find the perfect tasty treat. The MAFES Sales Store is ..more info
Birding & Walking Also known as the R.R. Foil Plant Science Research Center, North Farm is comprised of around 750 acres of arable land. The gravel roads crisscrossing the farm ..more info
Also known as the H. H. Leveck Animal Research Center, South Farm contains 1,100 acres of livestock fields, forage production research, a horse unit, an aquaculture facility, and much more. ..more info
Address: S. Farm Rd.
Beginner/intermediate course with semi-open playSharePinShareEmail ..more info
Playground versions of a soprano marimba, a tenor marimba, an alligator drum, rain wheel, a palm pipe drum, a kalimba (thumb piano), an amadinda and a bass metallophone, along with ..more info
Address: 405 Lynn Lane
Highlights selected costumes and notes from the costume, art, and set designer. Located in the John Grisham Room of Mitchell Memorial Library.SharePinShareEmail ..more info
Address: Mitchell Memorial Library
The Nash Street Historic District is locally significant to Starkville and Oktibbeha County because, as the earliest and most intact of the city’s twentieth-century suburban subdivisions, it represents and embodies ..more info
Address: N. Nash Street
One of the oldest black cemeteries in Mississippi. Here are buried many who made significant contributions to the growth of Mississippi and the advancement of the black race. Restoration begun ..more info
Address: 105 Avondale St
This museum chronicles the history of Starkville and Oktibbeha County. Exhibits include Native American and early county history; Cool Papa Bell, T-ball, Needmore Community mementos, Coca-Cola memorabilia, a Civil War ..more info
Birding This man-made lake covers 513 acres and is accessible via Highway 82 – just 18 minutes outside of Starkville. 228 species of birds have been spotted on and around ..more info
Address: 2661 County Lake Rd
Join us for food, art live music and games all day long at the MSU Amphitheatre!SharePinShareEmail ..more info
Address: MSU Amphitheatre
The first elementary school in Starkville was constructed in 1897 and was the focal point of what is now known as the Overstreet Historic District. It is located just south ..more info
Address: 307 S Jackson St
The Overstreet School Historic District is significant to Starkville and Oktibbeha County because it is an important physical expression of the growth and development of Starkville during the period 1870 ..more info
Address: 307 S Jackson St
The Plymouth Bluff Center offers facilities and an atmosphere that lends itself beautifully for training, education, and recreation for a variety of groups including professional associations, businesses, educational institutions, city ..more info
Walking through the streets of Starkville, you will be able to enjoy several wall murals along Lampkin St., Russell Street, University Drive, and Louisville Street. These brightly colored murals highlight ..more info
Starkville’s annual harvest festival is traditionally held in conjunction with an MSU Pep Rally and even features a pumpkin patch right on Main Street. The kids enjoy trick-or-treating with Downtown ..more info
We offer our guests free Wi-Fi, a free expanded cable package featuring HBO, a guest coin laundry facility, free coffee in the lobby, and a microwave and mini-refrigerator in every ..more info
Located above Restaurant Tyler, in historic Downtown Starkville, Upstairs at Tyler provides a unique, inviting venue for events of all kinds. The large crescent bar, historic exposed brick walls, and ..more info
The perfect place to dance the night away, Rick’s Cafe has hosted acts as varied as legendary rapper Snoop Dogg to 90’s country party band Mustache The Band. The Dog ..more info
The Starkville Area Arts Council gallery features up to 6 artists at a time. Stop by on Monday-Friday, 10 am – 2 pm, excluding Holidays to view and purchase crafts ..more info
Address: 122 E. Main St
You can explore this amazing wilderness area that is only 20 minutes from Starkville year-round. Established in 1940, Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge manages habitat for the conservation of migratory birds. ..more info
Strap on the roller skates and have some fun! We have been offering wholesome family fun to the local area since 1989. Our family owned business has grown over the ..more info
Chase away the winter chills with a taste-off of delicious soups from local restaurants in downtown Starkville at the annual SOUPER bowl! You can enter at participating restaurants to win ..more info
Address: Main Street
The J.L. King Splash Pad is located at the edge of the park, with sidewalk connections that offer easy access to children and parents in the neighboring community. It is ..more info
Address: 400 N. Long St.
‘Tis the season to celebrate! The Holiday Season in Starkville features our unique blend of old-fashioned Christmas traditions and fun shopping experiences, all centered around a yearly theme. The Famous ..more info
Open from May to September each year at Fire Station Park, you can find fresh local produce, live plants, baked goods, and the work of local artisans for sale at ..more info
An award-winning theater company, the Starkville Community Theatre presents a full schedule of four productions each season in the intimate Playhouse at 108 E. Main Street. Members hold a children’s workshop and ..more info
The Starkville Country Club offers its members golf, tennis, access to the swimming pool, and dining. Golfing Members of the Country Club can enjoy a round of golf on this ..more info
Our club is a place for friends and families to come together for challenging golf, competitive tennis, relaxing in the pool, and great dining. Come join us!SharePinShareEmail ..more info
The nation’s largest weiner dog race, held in the heart of Starkville!SharePinShareEmail ..more info
Address: Main Street
Our dog park is located within the parameters of Moncrief Park. Overlooked by the pool, the dog place is the perfect place to enjoy the sun and shade with your ..more info
The Starkville-Oktibbeha County Public Library System connects and enriches lives in our community by providing equitable access to diverse cultural and educational experiences. We celebrate imagination, promote creativity, connect people, ..more info
Located on Lynn Lane, the Starkville Sportsplex is a multipurpose facility providing indoor and outdoor spaces for a wide range of sports activities. Features include eight lighted youth and adult softball fields ..more info
Address: 405 Lynn Lane
With a schedule that includes children’s programs and outdoor events, the Starkville-MSU Symphony and Chorus performs at various locations from October through April. One of the most popular events is the annual ..more info
Phone: (662) 325-3070
Located on the third floor of the Mitchell Memorial Library, this room contains photographs, correspondence, and artifacts that document the lives and careers of Senator John C. Stennis and Congressman ..more info
Address: Mitchell Memorial Library
Motorcycle enthusiasts from all across the United States flock to this weekend event packed with activities: a bike show and games, area rides and tours, and live music. Founded in ..more info
Address: MS Hwy 12 West
Phone: (662) 465-7970
Bulldog fans have plenty to look forward to during Mississippi State’s spring homecoming tradition! In addition to a home baseball series, multiple spring sports have home games, and the football ..more info
Address: Cullis Wade Depot, Starkville
The Borden Company opened this milk condensing plant in April 1926. The plant helped bring over 1,200 dairy farm and milk distributing operations to Oktibbeha County. The plant closed in ..more info
Address: 419 E Lampkin St
Agritourism, family fun, and event venue that offers year-round outdoor eventsSharePinShareEmail ..more info
The Gallery at Dunkington is an event space located at the back of the Dunkington Art & Jewelry retail store. The space is located in the heart of downtown Starkville ..more info
In the alley behind Restaurant Tyler, with only the glow of a porchlight marking its existence, you will find the most unexpected Starkville experience, The Guest Room. This intimate, seated, ..more info
An affordable golf club featuring a challenging 9-hole regulation golf courseSharePinShareEmail ..more info
Perfect for Rehearsal Dinners, Wedding Receptions, Bridal Showers, Post Game Parties, Class Reunions,Business Meetings, Graduation Parties, and Fraternity & Sorority EventsSharePinShareEmail ..more info
Built in 1902, Starkville’s historic cotton mill is now a premium, unique setting for special events, conferences and weddings. With over 12,000 square feet of event space, we are prepared ..more info
This art gallery in the GSDP building includes works by artists in Starkville and surrounding communities. The exhibits, which rotate often, are managed by the Starkville Area Arts Council through ..more info
The National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS), in collaboration with MSU fashion design and merchandising students, will work to design custom outfits made of recycled goods and modeled by ..more info
Take Highway 389 north out of Starkville for 4 miles and you will see Trim Cane WMA on the left. The WMA is managed by Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, ..more info
The Grant Presidential Library is managed by MSU and the Ulysses S. Grant Association, which was founded during the Civil War Centennial in 1962. Since 2009, the Grant Association has ..more info
Address: Mitchell Memorial Library
The stories of the Civil Rights Movement in Starkville, Mississippi, and The South have been chronicled through video interviews in a digital oral and public history project at Mississippi State ..more info
Address: 101 Dr. Douglas L Connor Dr
unTapped Downtown will be a Starkville summer evening that you will definitely want to tap into. Hosted by the Starkville Main Street Association and presented by Bank of Commerce, come ..more info
Address: Main Street
Main Street businesses open their doors for a night of wine tasting (with a special unWine glass) and after-hours shopping for ladies-only in this fun retail event. Even better – ..more info
Address: Main street
The Veterans Memorial Rose Garden at Mississippi State University provides a panorama of traditional and new rose varieties including Hybrid Tea, Grandiflora, Floribunda, Shrub, and Ground Cover.SharePinShareEmail ..more info
Address: Technology Blvd.
Operated by the MSU College of Architecure, Art, and Design, the Visual Arts Center gallery features works of art in a variety of media by faculty and students. Hours: Monday – Friday, 1 ..more info
Address: 808 University Dr.
Eminent educator & agriculturist. Pres. of Miss. State U. & first Pres. of USM. Served as State Rural School Supervisor & State Supt. of Ed. Founded first Boys Corn Club ..more info
Address: 303 Mississippi 12
A 9-hole, par-35 course over 3,011 yards is available to members of the West Point Country Club at 1145 Lakeshore Drive in the city of West Point, about 14 miles from the ..more info
Address: 1145 Lakeshore Dr