Places to Visit

Places
to Visit

Places to Visit in

Panola County

There are so many things to do and see in Panola County. If you’re looking for a great place to visit while you’re staying or passing through, please visit one of the places detailed below:

Attractions

Safari Wild Animal Park

Safari Wild Animal Park is Mississippi’s premier Safari Park featuring a stunning 466 Acre authentic African Drive-Through and Walk Through Safari Park and Wild Animal Preserve. See our amazing Wild African Animals up close and personal, with a Giraffe Feeding Station, Camel Rides, Lorikeet Feeding and a Children’s Petting Safari.

Magnolia Grove Monastery

This 120-acre residential monastery and mindfulness practice center  rests peacefully in Northwest Mississippi. It is a place to rest with the present moment and to live peacefully with the faithful friend, our breathing.

McIvor Shooting Facility

Located in Sardis, the Shooting Facility has multiple ranges available for a daily entrance fee. They also offer handgun instruction classes on certan scheduled days. All shooters must complete the Range Rules and Regulations documentation.

Outdoor Recreation

Lakes and State Parks

Panola County is fortunate to be bound by two of the largest recreational outlets in the state, Sardis Lake and Enid Lake. Although situated on two different sections of the county, both were created as a plan for flood control and are now maintained by the Corps of Engineers to provide recreational outlets for public use.

Enid Lake

Just 10 miles southeast of Batesville, Enid Lake offers 44,000 acres of outdoor fun including:

  • Picnic pavilions
  • Swimming beaches
  • Campgrounds (5 Class A)
  • Fishing
  • Nature trails (3 trails, 0.5 miles each)
  • Bicycle trail (0.5 miles)
  • Horseback trail (9 miles)
  • Visitor Information Center with exhibits

Recognized as one of America’s Top 10 Fishing Spots, fishermen should take note that the world record crappie and the world record short nose gar were caught in these waters. Enid Lake has over 1.7 million visitors a year.

George Payne Cossar State Park is also located at Enid Lake.

Sardis Lake

Located 8 miles from Sardis, Sardis Lake offers 98,530 acres of land and water recreation including

  • An upper and lower lake
  • Swimming beaches
  • Camping sites
  • 2-mile fitness trail
  • 2 self-guided half-mile trails with a board walk
  • Picnic pavilions
  • Full-service marina
  • 18-hole championship golf course – Mallard Pointe

Sardis Lake has a state refuge where waterfowl, ducks, geese, deer and even the treasured bald eagles retreat.

Enid Lake
Sardis Lake
Sardis Lake

John Kyle State Park

Located at Sardis Lake, John Kyle State Park offers

  • RV campground
  • Tent campground
  • Cabins
  • Golf Villas
  • Fishing
  • Water Skiing
  • Boat launch

North Mississippi Fish Hatchery

The Hatchery is located on the west end of Enid Lake, which provides the facility water. This state of the art facility was constructed to provide a number of fish species to lakes and waterways across the state.

The North Mississippi Fish Hatchery Visitor Education Center gives and in-depth look at fish production as well as the progression of fishing throughout time.

North Mississippi Fish Hatchery

Mallard Pointe Golf Course

An 18-hole Championship Golf Course in Sardis, Mississippi, Mallard Pointe was rated one of the “Best Places to Play” by Golf Digest in 2004. The course was designed by Bob Cupp and offers golfers a total practice facility. Enjoy a 10 acre grass tee area and range with six target greens, practice fairway bunker, chipping green, and putting green. 350 yards from end to end, enjoy both sides to practice variable wind conditions or simply a change of view. Mallard Pointe Golf Course offers a Golf Shop with a selection of competitively priced golf equipment and apparel. Sit back and enjoy our friendly Pro Shop and large outdoor patio, all with magnificent views of the course.  Other amenities include: Golf Lessons, Rental Clubs and Carts.

Mallard Pointe Golf Course
3037 State Park Rd.
Sardis, MS 38666
(662) 487-2400
Website

Batesville Indian Mounds and Walking Trail

This Native American burial site is a flat-topped ceremonial mound from the Woodland Period (ca. 500 BC to 1000 AD).  This stop along the Mississippi Mound Trail is located on Mississippi State Highway 35.  Click here to get directions via Google Maps.

City Parks

Batesville City Parks

The City of Batesville offers three city ballparks in addition to the J.P. Hudson Memorial Park, (the only private park in town).

James Trussell Park – Hwy 35 North

  • 3 softball fields
  • 4 baseball fields
  • 6 tennis courts
  • beach volleyball court
  • covered pavilion
  • picnic tables
  • 3 children’s play areas
  • charcoal grills
  • walking trail with fitness stations
  • splash pad

Patton Lane Park – Patton Lane St.

  • 1 softball/baseball field
  • 1 T-ball field
  • 2 tennis courts
  • 3 multi-purpose courts with basketball goals
  • picnic tables
  • children’s play area and splash pad

American Legion Park – Park St.

  • 1 baseball field
  • 2 multi-purpose courts with basketball goals
  • 2 tennis courts
  • picnic tables
  • children’s play area

J.P. Hudson Memorial Park – Booth St.

  • 4 softball/baseball fields
  • concessions & covered pavilion areas

Como City Parks

Como Community Park – Elder Frank Ward St.

  • playground equipment
  • swings
  • walking trail
  • ample open space

Civic Center

The 45,000-square-foot Batesville Civic Center is climate controlled with professional quality lighting and sound systems. A separate covered multi-purpose building is also available for use. Parking is plentiful on-site and overflow parking is available as needed.  There is also an RV Park located on-site.

Meeting Space

The Civic Center can be utilized for banquets, conferences, classes, or meetings and has two 45’x35’ meeting rooms and one 30’x35’ meeting room adjacent to the lobby. Catering is available on-site.

Arena Seating

The main arena can hold a maximum of 8,022 people with

  • 3,022 theater style seating
  • 5,000 (max,) arena floor seating
  • Handicap accessible seating on concourse level

Events

The Civic Center has hosted many events including

  • Car shows
  • Rodeos
  • Gun shows
  • Monster truck shows
  • Concerts
  • Banquets
  • Motorcross
  • Circuses

UKC Annual Winter Classic

The UKC Winter Classic Nite Hunt and Bench Show is an annual event held in February each year. The purpose of this event is to bring a major UKC event to the people of the South, while at the same time providing a vacation opportunity for those in the North.

The Arts

Panola Playhouse – Sardis, MS

Open since 1962, the theatre seats 136 and puts on four productions annually. Productions include comedies, dramas, musicals, and children’s shows.

Turner Family Picnic

The Otha Turner Family holds the annual Turner Family Picnic at Otha’s place in the Gravel

Springs community the weekend prior to Labor Day. 

Sharde Thomas Summer Festival

Sharde Thomas, leader of the Rising Star Fife and Drum Band, hosts a summer picnic usually

the third weekend in July.

Panola Playhouse

Batesville Springfest

Batesville celebrates Springfest the weekend after Mother’s Day every year with lots of music, carnival rides and games, Racing for Paws 5k, food, cornhole tournament, a kid’s activities corner, and much more! Come celebrate our community with us at this event! No admission fee.

Mainstreet Fall Concert Series

At the Batesville square, every Thursday night in October, bring your lawn chair (or set up a table and bring coolers!) and relax in the Indian summer breeze listening to the music of local artists. Enjoy dinner at one of our downtown food vendors.

Historic Sites

Historic Churches

Holy Innocents Episcopal Church – Como, MS

Built in 1873 in the Carpenter Gothic style, this church was designed by James B. Cook and constructed by Andrew Johnson. The church has an authentic Tiffany window.

Fredonia Church – Como, MS

The county’s oldest standing pioneer church; it was constructed in 1848 in the Greek Revival style. Designed by architect Andrew Johnson.

Como United Methodist Church – Como, MS

Built in 1912, this church features a dome.

Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church – Batesville, MS

On March 19, 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke at the church about the goals of the march on Washington. Annually, a parade that starts or ends at this church is held to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

St. John’s Catholic Church – Sardis, MS

Built in 1880 in the Gothic style, this church is found on Main St.

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church – Batesville, MS

Constructed in 1895 by Andrew Johnson, this church was deconsecrated after 1940 and used for the town’s public library, a voting precinct, and an American Legion post as well as a meeting place for civic groups.

Holy Innocents Episcopal Church – Como, MS

Built in 1873 in the Carpenter Gothic style, this church was designed by James B. Cook and constructed by Andrew Johnson. The church has an authentic Tiffany window.

Fredonia Church – Como, MS

The county’s oldest standing pioneer church; it was constructed in 1848 in the Greek Revival style. Designed by architect Andrew Johnson.

Como United Methodist Church – Como, MS

Built in 1912, this church features a dome.

Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church – Batesville, MS

On March 19, 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke at the church about the goals of the march on Washington. Annually, a parade that starts or ends at this church is held to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

St. John’s Catholic Church – Sardis, MS

Built in 1880 in the Gothic style, this church is found on Main St.

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church – Batesville, MS

Constructed in 1895 by Andrew Johnson, this church was deconsecrated after 1940 and used for the town’s public library, a voting precinct, and an American Legion post as well as a meeting place for civic groups.

Historic Homes

26 homes, sites, buildings, and churches are on the National Register in Panola County. View the full listing of buildings and homes on the Register.

Swedish-born architect Andrew Johnson lived in Sardis, designing over 60 homes, churches, public buildings, and private clubs in Panola County. A sampling of these homes is listed below. If you want more information, you can visit his great granddaughter’s website.

This free Classical Queen Anne home with a turret was built in 1904-05 and designed by Andrew Johnson.

Architect Andrew Johnson designed this Renaissance style house, built in 1870.

Built in the mid-1850’s of hand-hewn lumber, this was the home of Rev. James Wesley Bates, the founder of Batesville. The home is in the Greek-revival style.

This Colonial Revival/Queen Anne style house was built in 1899. Designed by architect Andrew Johnson.

Designed by architect Andrew Johnson and constructed c. 1904 in Queen Anne style.

Constructed in 1870 in the Italianate/Gothic Revival style, this 2-story house was designed by Andrew Johnson.

Architect Andrew Johnson designed this 1-storye home, constructed in 1885.

This Greek Revival home was constructed in 1858. It houses a museum containing artifacts from Panola County history.

This Italianate style one-story home was constructed c. 1880, designed by architect Andrew Johnson.

An Eclectic/Composite style house designed by architect Andrew Johnson, this home was constructed in 1873.

A Queen Anne style home constructed in 1901 that was designed by architect Andrew Johnson.

A Queen Anne style home constructed in 1892 designed by architect Andrew Johnson.  This home is currently owned by Morgan Graff, proprietors of Heaven’s Trees Bed and Breakfast.

Sardis Historic District : View a list of properties in the district.

Historic Buildings

Judge John William Kyle Law Office – 147 S. Main St., Sardis, MS

This office was used by Judge John William Kyle from 1919 to 1965. A native of Panola County, Judge Kyle served on the Mississippi Supreme Court first as an Associate Justice and then as a Presiding Justice.

Historic Music Sites

The Mississippi Blues Trail runs throughout the state, highlighting historic blues locations. Como is home to three Mississippi Blues Trail markers, all located on Main Street.

Fred McDowell Blues Trail Marker – Como, MS

The marker, located on Main Street, honors “Mississippi” Fred McDowell, renowned for his bottle-neck style of playing the guitar and for his soulful singing of “Highway 61” and other blues classics.

Gravesite of Mississippi Fred McDowell

Blues musician Mississippi Fred McDowell is buried in the cemetery at Hammond Hill Baptist Church, just north of Como.

Otha Turner Blues Trail Marker – Como, MS

Otha was a master of the fife and drum who attracted an international following as a fife player, preserving a historic fife and drum music tradition that predated the Blues. The marker is on Main Street across from City Hall.

Gravesite of Otha Turner

Fife and drum player Otha Turner is buried at Cistern Hill MB Church cemetery, just east of Como on Hwy 310. Turner is buried next to his longtime bandmate, drummer and daughter Bernice Turner Pratcher, who died on the same day, Feb. 26, 2003.

Napolian Strickland Blues Trail Marker – Como, MS

A gifted fife and drum and country blues musician, Strickland was born just east of Como. The marker is located on Main Street.

Gravesite of Napolian Strickland

Multi-instrumentalist Napolian Strickland is buried at Hunter’s Chapel MB Church cemetery, east of Como on Hunter Chapel Road.

Fred McDowell Blues Trail Marker – Como, MS

The marker, located on Main Street, honors “Mississippi” Fred McDowell, renowned for his bottle-neck style of playing the guitar and for his soulful singing of “Highway 61” and other blues classics.

Gravesite of Mississippi Fred McDowell

Blues musician Mississippi Fred McDowell is buried in the cemetery at Hammond Hill Baptist Church, just north of Como.

Otha Turner Blues Trail Marker – Como, MS

Otha was a master of the fife and drum who attracted an international following as a fife player, preserving a historic fife and drum music tradition that predated the Blues. The marker is on Main Street across from City Hall.

Gravesite of Otha Turner

Fife and drum player Otha Turner is buried at Cistern Hill MB Church cemetery, just east of Como on Hwy 310. Turner is buried next to his longtime bandmate, drummer and daughter Bernice Turner Pratcher, who died on the same day, Feb. 26, 2003.

Napolian Strickland Blues Trail Marker – Como, MS

A gifted fife and drum and country blues musician, Strickland was born just east of Como. The marker is located on Main Street.

Gravesite of Napolian Strickland

Multi-instrumentalist Napolian Strickland is buried at Hunter’s Chapel MB Church cemetery, east of Como on Hunter Chapel Road.

Mississippi Blues Trail Marker for Otha Turner
Mississippi Blues Trail Marker for Otha Turner
Blues Trail Marker for Fred McDowell
Blues Trail Marker for Fred McDowell
Blues Trail Marker for Fred McDowell
Blues Trail Marker for Fred McDowell

Historic Arts Sites

Ada Sledge Bankhead Home – 204 East St., Como, MS

The home of stage and screen actress Tallulah Bankhead’s mother.

Stark Young Southern Literary Trail Marker – Como, MS

Born in Como, Young was a drama critic, novelist, essayist, playwright, translator, and poet. A marker is located on the lawn of the Emily J. Pointer Public Library.

The Southern Literary Trail honors classic writers of Southern fiction and the places in Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi that inspired them. July 2013, Como and her native son Stark Young were added to the trail joining fellow Mississippians William Faulkner, Eudora Welty, and Richard Wright among others.

Historic Markers

Read about local historic markers here. It includes a variety of topics from historical events to the Blues Trail.

The Square in Batesville

Located in the heart of downtown Batesville is Public Square, otherwise known as The Square.

The Square is lined with many historic buildings including the Panola County Courthouse, Batesville City Hall, the Illinois Central Railroad Centennial Monument, several historic homes and churches, and The Red School Building.

A mixture of retail stores and professional offices are located at The Square. Some of the well-known stores and restaurants on The Square include:

  • Stubbs Department Store
  • Davis Family Pharmacy
  • Buffy’s on The Square Salon & Spa
  • Square Arts
  • Downtown Nutrition
  • The Tan Shop
  • Frock
  • Copeland Jewelers
  • Edward Jones
  • C. Gaines Baker & Associates, Attorneys at Law
  • William H. Polk & Co, CPAs
  • Complete Computers
  • Elliott & Britt Engineering, PA
  • J. Gary Kornegay, CPA
  • Michael Darby & Associates, Attorneys at Law
  • Mendrop Wages Enginering, PA
  • Dr. William Haire Family Practice
  • Calwell Insurance
  • Kelly Law Firm
Memorial Park at The Square
Fresh produce at Square Market
Fresh produce at Square Market

Farmers’ Market

Local farmers and vendors offer produce, arts, and crafts for sale at Square Market each Wednesday afternoon from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. from the first Wednesday in June through the last Wednesday in September.

Annual Events

Several events are held throughout the year at The Square

  • SpringFest
  • Showoff on the Square
  • Scare on the Square
  • Holiday Open House
  • Square Market (June – October)
  • Fall Concert Series
  • Pep Rally
  • Veterans Day Memorial Program
  • Batesville Rotary 5k / 10miler
  • Racing for Paws 5k

Visit our Festivals and Events page for more information.

Museums

Heflin House Museum – 304 S. Main St., Sardis, MS

This antebellum home houses a museum that displays furniture and decorative objects from the late 1800’s. The museum is open every third Sunday of the month from 1:00-4:00 p.m. and is managed by the Heflin House Museum Heritage organization.

Como Library – 104 Main St., Como, MS

The library houses permanent and special collections

  • Rev. John Maurer’s Freedom Summer Collection (Twenty 1964-era photos documenting civil rights struggle)
  • Jessie Mae Hemphill Hill Country Blues Photography Collection (Over 40 shots of local Hill Country artists. Featuring photographs from Yancey Allison, Alan Lomax, Steve Gardner and Bill Steber).
  • Youth Art Wall (revolving shows)
  • Stark Young Collection (collection of most of Young’s novels and writings, the majority of which are now out of print)
  • Elders Remember Panola County Music: A Teen Oral History Project and I Always Thought Como Was Like Heaven: A Teen Oral History Project

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