Things to do in Jones County MS vary from exploring nature to golfing, visiting historical sites, and much more. The area is filled with fun adventures for everyone from kids to adults, making it a great place to visit with the family. With so many things to do in Jones County MS, your family is sure to find several things that pique their interest. So if you are visiting Laurel, make sure to check out things outside of the downtown area.
Best Things to do in Jones County MS
Jones County is located in southeast Mississippi, just one county over from Alabama and a couple of hours drive to the Gulf Coast. The area is home to Laurel, which I told you about in a previous post and Ellisville, the county seat. Once an area known for yeomen farmers and lumbermen, it’s now a place where travelers can experience the down home charm for which the south is known.
Attractions
- Anderson-Deason Country Store: This is the classic country store, offering a wide variety of goods from games and plushies to souveniers and more. 1106 Highway 29 N, Ellisville, MS 39473
- Bar-T Adventures: Bar-T offers wall climbing, zip lines, rope courses, camping, team building programs, and more. 365 Pine Grove Rd, Heidelberg, MS 39493
- Bak Homa Casino: A 27,000-square-foot casino offering the full casino experience with table games, plenty of slots, and some of the best food around. 141 Choctaw Rd, Heidelberg, MS 39493
- Ch
- Veteran’s Memorial Museum: A 6,000-square-foot museum telling the stories of the sacrifice of our servicemen and women through thousands of military artifacts and memorabilia. 920 Hillcrest Dr, Laurel, MS 39440
- Laurel Little Theatre: Offering stage show classics like Hello Dolly, as well as southern-fried productions like Doublewide Texas. 408 N 5th Ave, Laurel, MS 39440
- Carpenter Bros. Emporium of Wonderful Whatnots: A charming shop bursting with antiques, vintage items, books, records, and more. You can find a little bit of everything, including the kitchen sink. Yes I saw a sink on our recent visit. It’s the ultimate thrift/antiquing store. 119 W Ivy St, Ellisville, MS 39473
- A Stroka Gene-Us Alpacas: This farm is fun for the entire family. Take tours to visit the alpacas, and shop the store for homemade alpaca yarns and other products along with farm-fresh eggs, essential oils, and more. 383 Co Rd 155, Stringer, MS 39481 (just a bit outside of Jones County, but worth visiting)
Nature, Camping, and RVing
- Big Creek Water Parks: Located between Laurel and Collins of Highway 84, Big Creek offers camping, a beach area, picnicking, boating, and tons of fishing. #2 Big Creek Water Park, Soso, MS 39480
- De Soto National Forrest: Offering year-round hiking, biking, camping, canoeing, ATVing, horse riding, hunting, and fishing. 968 Hwy 15 S, Laurel, MS 39443
- Lake Bogue Homa: Offers great boating and fishing with species like largemouth bass, crappie, bream, and catfish. 149 Bogue Homa Lake Rd, Laurel, MS 39443
- Sleepy Hollow RV Park: A great spot for RVers to use as their vacation hub offering amenities like bathhouses, security systems, swimming pool, unlimited WiFi, propane fill up, laundry room, and more. 2920 Hwy 11 N, Laurel, MS 39443
Golfing
- Dixie Golf Club: Full-course golfing featuring the beauty of Mississippi, golf facilities, and dining. 750 Hillcrest Dr, Laurel, MS 39440
- Laurel Country Club: This historic country club offers some of the prettiest scenery of any golf course you’ll find, tennis courts, a pool, dining, and more. 2011 Hwy 84 W, Laurel, MS 39440
Historic Sites
- Hotel Alice: This historic, 100-year-old hotel in Ellisville is overflowing with history. In addition to history, you can find excellent dining at Bosun Joe’s. 110 Front St, Ellisville, MS 39473
- Amos Deason Home: This historic home has been fully restored and is open to the public. The house is known for both its historical value as well as being haunted. 410 Anderson St, Ellisville, MS 39473
- Laurel Historic District: Home to one of the largest, most intact collections of early 20th-century architecture in Mississippi. The district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and protected against change by law. Laurel, MS 39440
- Landrum’s Homestead and Village: A mashup of attraction and history, this fully restored homestead takes visitors back in time to see how people used to live in the area. 1356 Hwy 15 S, Laurel, MS 39443
Dining
- Estelle’s Southern Cuisine & Catering: Visit Estelle’s for some of the best Southern food you’ll ever eat served buffet-style in a relaxed, downhome atmosphere. 5534 Hwy 11 N, Ellisville, MS 39473
- Hog Heaven BBQ: Focusing on great Southern BBQ and nothing else. Delicious pulled pork, Po Boys, beef ribs, and more are served on styrofoam plates. 3204 Ellisville Blvd, Laurel, MS 39440
- Vic’s: Focusing on classic Southern food like burgers, chicken tenders, greens, biscuits, and the like. 804 Chantilly St, Laurel, MS 39440
- Cafe La’Fleur: An eclectic establishment serving a combination of classic Southern favorites from around the area, as well as surprising options like duck wontons. 313 N Magnolia St, Laurel, MS 39440
- Pearl’s Diner: All comfort food all the time, with offerings like meatloaf with mac and cheese and potatoes with gravy, pork chops, fried catfish, and more. 330 N Magnolia St, Laurel, MS 39440
- Bird Dog Cafe: One of the newest places to open in Laurel, it’s quickly becoming the place to eat during your visit. It was even featured on Home Town this past season. This little cafe has a small but delicious menu, outdoor dining, and an incredibly inviting atmosphere for all. 412 Short 7th Ave, Laurel, MS 39440
- Charlie’s Catfish House: Serving up classic Southern fried chicken with big portions and even bigger flavor in a laid back dining atmosphere. 5167 US 11, Ellisville, MS 39473
As with any smaller communities, they have come together the past year after being hit by two tornadoes. Rebuilding continues with lots of support.
A Lot of Things to do in Jones County MS
From historic sites to are museums, beautiful parks, and even a casino, there’s plenty of things to do in Jones County MS. No matter what you love, you’ll find it in this charming area of Mississippi. Head to the area and get ready for adventure, relaxation, and great food.
Follow me on Pinterest and make some travel boards for your future trips to Laurel. My Home and Travels Pinterest
You know how much I love visiting the area:
Visit Laurel, Home of Home Town
Leave a Reply