There’s never a shortage of things to see and do in Mississippi. But even with all of the state’s wonderful sites, it’s hard not to miss what once was. From riding a roller coaster at a one-of-a-kind amusement park to spending an afternoon getting up close and personal with sea lions, here are ten things from Mississippi’s past that you’ve surely missed being able to do at some point over the years.
- Learning about life under the sea at Marine Life Oceanarium.
Jordan S./Yelp At one time, Marine Life was a popular tourist destination. And if you lived pretty much anywhere in south Mississippi, you visited this place on a field trip (myself included). Not your normal aquarium, Marine Life was much more hands on, even allowing kids to feed the sea lions. Sadly, Marine Life was completely destroyed during Hurricane Katrina.
- Celebrating the King at Graceland Too.
Diana Gurley McGaw
Visit Mississippi/Flickr At one time, Holly Springs was home to its very own tribute to the King, which was known as none other than Graceland Too. Smaller than its Tennessee counterpart, the one-of-a-kind attraction featured memorabilia that had been collected for over 45 years.
- Catching a show at the Paramount Theatre.
remster_9/Flickr This Clarksdale theater was originally opened in 1918 under the name the Marion Theatre. During the 1930s, the theater was purchased by the Saenger chain and it was renamed the Paramount Theatre. In the decades that followed, the Paramount operated as a movie house.
- Riding the rollercoaster at Royal Land.
Tom/Flickr Although this Meridian amusement park has been closed since the 1970s, it remains close to the hearts of many residents to this day.
- Spending a summer afternoon at Rapids on the Rez.
Russ Matthews/Flickr This once lively water park was opened in 1983. Rapids on the Rez, which was located on the Ross Barnett Reservoir, was sold around 2008.
- Monkeying around at Monkey Island Castle.
Natalie Maynor/Flickr Located in the center of the Jackson Zoo, this fairy tale-like castle was originally used to house, you guessed it, monkeys. Eventually, the furry troupe was relocated, but to locals it will always be Monkey Island Castle.
- Climbing the walls at the Hangout in Jackson.
The Hangout Indoor Rock Climbing Gym/Facebook As one of the only indoor rock climbing gyms in the state, this is one establishment that is definitely missed.
- Spending a weekend at the Broadwater Beach Resort.
By Wasted Time R at en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 First opened as a venue for illegal gambling, this oceanfront property was eventually transformed into a world class resort. The Broadwater Beach Resort included a state of the art marina and other amenities, which attracted celebrities, top politicians, and successful businessmen. The building stood long after the resort closed; however, it was later destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.
- Watching a movie at the Beverly Drive-In Theatre.
Norman Plant, photographer CC BY 3.0 First opened in 1948, this Hattiesburg drive-in remained in operation until the late 1980s. Prior to Hurricane Katrina, the theater would open periodically for special events, but ended up being extensively damaged by the storm. Sadly, in 2010, the Beverly Drive-In burned down.
- Having a ton of fun at Fun Time USA.
Fun Time USA/Facebook Filled with rides, games, and even a train, this Gulfport amusement park was every kid’s dream come true. And it looks like reliving this childhood dream will become a reality this summer as the park is scheduled to be reopened.
Did you remember all of these places? What would you add to this list? Tell us in the comments section below.
Jordan S./Yelp
At one time, Marine Life was a popular tourist destination. And if you lived pretty much anywhere in south Mississippi, you visited this place on a field trip (myself included). Not your normal aquarium, Marine Life was much more hands on, even allowing kids to feed the sea lions. Sadly, Marine Life was completely destroyed during Hurricane Katrina.
Diana Gurley McGaw
Visit Mississippi/Flickr
At one time, Holly Springs was home to its very own tribute to the King, which was known as none other than Graceland Too. Smaller than its Tennessee counterpart, the one-of-a-kind attraction featured memorabilia that had been collected for over 45 years.
remster_9/Flickr
This Clarksdale theater was originally opened in 1918 under the name the Marion Theatre. During the 1930s, the theater was purchased by the Saenger chain and it was renamed the Paramount Theatre. In the decades that followed, the Paramount operated as a movie house.
Tom/Flickr
Although this Meridian amusement park has been closed since the 1970s, it remains close to the hearts of many residents to this day.
Russ Matthews/Flickr
This once lively water park was opened in 1983. Rapids on the Rez, which was located on the Ross Barnett Reservoir, was sold around 2008.
Natalie Maynor/Flickr
Located in the center of the Jackson Zoo, this fairy tale-like castle was originally used to house, you guessed it, monkeys. Eventually, the furry troupe was relocated, but to locals it will always be Monkey Island Castle.
The Hangout Indoor Rock Climbing Gym/Facebook
As one of the only indoor rock climbing gyms in the state, this is one establishment that is definitely missed.
By Wasted Time R at en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0
First opened as a venue for illegal gambling, this oceanfront property was eventually transformed into a world class resort. The Broadwater Beach Resort included a state of the art marina and other amenities, which attracted celebrities, top politicians, and successful businessmen. The building stood long after the resort closed; however, it was later destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.
Norman Plant, photographer CC BY 3.0
First opened in 1948, this Hattiesburg drive-in remained in operation until the late 1980s. Prior to Hurricane Katrina, the theater would open periodically for special events, but ended up being extensively damaged by the storm. Sadly, in 2010, the Beverly Drive-In burned down.
Fun Time USA/Facebook
Filled with rides, games, and even a train, this Gulfport amusement park was every kid’s dream come true. And it looks like reliving this childhood dream will become a reality this summer as the park is scheduled to be reopened.
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