Itineraries
Family Trip Ideas
When you’re thinking about a family getaway in Mississippi, the Delta might not be the first place you think of, but it should be in the top 3! From one of the largest model train museums in the south, to the birthplace of Kermit the Frog, nature hikes, music and civil rights history, and the world famous GRAMMY Museum, there are days worth of educational and entertaining things for kids to do, and plenty to keep the parents and grandparents happy, too! Whether you’re looking for things for the kids or grandkids to do, this itinerary shows why Cleveland, Mississippi is such a fun family trip idea!
Martin and Sue King Railroad Museum
With one of the largest O gauge model railroads in the country, (set in a beautiful and meticulous diorama), and thousands of artifacts, photographs and documents related to the history and impact of railroads in the Mississippi Delta, and even a real kaboose, the Cleveland Railroad Museum is one of the best railroad museums in the south. In addition to the exhibits, the museum has loads of interesting activities for kids! Whether a “railhead” or not, everyone loves this museum! It’s located downtown, just steps away from the visitors center and is a great place to begin your Delta family getaway.
Grammy Museum Mississippi
The Grammy Museum Mississippi (the only one outside of Los Angeles) is a fantastic place to spend a few hours. There are loads of kid-friendly interactive exhibits, and plenty for the parents to view while the kids learn to dance, or even produce their own songs! The museum is open from Tuesday - Sunday.
Mathews - Sanders Sculpture Garden
One of the largest sculpture gardens in the south, the Mathews - Sanders Sculpture Garden, located on the Delta State campus just across from the Grammy Museum, as well with pieces at different locations throughout the city, boasts over 50 sculptures from around the world. To preview the works and learn more about their meanings and the artists who created them, be sure and check out their very well-done website at www.thesculpturegardensms.com. This is a great way to expose kids to art and grown ups will enjoy it, too.
“Delta Escape” Escape Rooms
If you’re looking for a fun activity to do with the family, Delta Escape, located in downtown Cleveland, offers Mississippi Delta-themed escape rooms. Not only are the puzzles fun, they’re a great way for kids to hone their thinking skills. The rooms are normally open on Fridays and Saturdays but will also open throughout the week on appointment.
The Wiley Planetarium
As one of the few planetariums in Mississippi, the Wiley Planetarium at Delta State, also known as the “Okradome”, houses a Digistar 7 digital projector system from Evans and Sutherland. The planetarium offers astronomy classes, special school group shows, and offers astronomy-related, and other planetarium style shows for the public. Be sure and check out their website for a list of upcoming shows.
Delta State University, Elanor Boyd Walters Hall, Room 125, Cleveland, MS 38733
Dockery Farms
Take a picnic and let the kids roam while you learn about the origins of blues music and the history of post civil war plantation times in the Mississippi Delta. A trip to Dockery Farms is a free activity for kids and families (though donations are accepted) that is enjoyable and educational. It’s a self-guided tour with videos and interpretive markers that will teach you about the origins of the blues and the delta lifestyle at the turn of the last century.
The Jim Henson (Kermit the Frog) Museum
You wouldn’t know by his accent, but Kermit the Frog was born in the Mississippi Delta! Located just down the road from Cleveland in nearby Leland, Mississippi (the birthplace of the Muppets creator, Jim Henson) is the Kermit the Frog Museum, also known as “Birthplace of the Frog”. Here you’ll learn how Jim Henson came up with the idea of Kermit (he thought of Kermit when he was a kid, living on the bayou in Leland…where there are plenty of frogs), the mechanics behind the muppets, and how Jim’s career landed him with Sesame Street. They also have an awesome gift shop.
BB King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center
Another nearby museum is dedicated to the King of the Blues, BB King. BB King was born in nearby Indianola. Before he passed away, he worked on creating this museum highlighting his career, blues music in general, and life in the delta. If you want to give your kids some insight into Mississippi culture as it relates to popular culture. Pair this museum with a visit to the Grammy Museum and they’ll be well exposed. You can also pay your respects to BB King, as he is buried on site.
Dahomey National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
Take the kids for an easy hike through some of the Delta's remaining natural forests. Plenty of wildlife to see and well maintained trails with viewing platforms and towers.
Terrene Landing
Another great picnic spot is Terrene Landing in nearby Rosedale. Terrene Landing is on a small bluff on the Mississippi River and is where the paddlewheel riverboats dock when they’re making land excursions to Cleveland attractions. It’s one of the few places in the state where you can take in some of the best views of the Mississippi River without being in a populated area. And if you want to catch a world-famous delta sunset, this is the place! The views of Arkansas on the other side probably look the same as they have for centuries, so it’s a really nice way to experience one of the most famous rivers in the world. Also, don’t be surprised to see boats and barges navigating the river while you’re there. And, if you like delta tamales, you’re in luck! The White Front Cafe in Rosedale sells some of the best in the state!
Mississippi Delta Chinese History Museum
One of the most overlooked populations of the Mississippi Delta are the Chinese who immigrated to the area as laborers and merchants in the late 1880s during the second cotton boom. This museum, located on the Delta State campus, details how Chinese immigrants adapted to and thrived in their new culture and what their descendents are doing today. At least two Chinese Americans from the area went on to work on the Apollo program. At this museum, you’ll get a glimpse of the American Dream in action. To find out their hours or arrange a viewing, and to learn more about the museum, be sure and check out their website.
Boo Ferriss Museum
Located inside the Crawford Center at Delta State University, the Boo Ferriss Museum tells the story of one of baseball's most legendary icons, and Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame inductee, Boo Ferriss. Ferriss was pitcher for the Boston Red Sox during baseball’s heyday years of 1945 - 1950 and came home to coach and lead Delta State where he retired as the school’s all-time leader in wins. Ferris held the American League record for scoreless innings pitched for almost 40 years. The museum is open before each Delta State Home Baseball game or by appointment.