POINTS OF INTEREST
Hernando • Horn Lake • Nesbit • Olive Branch • Southaven
The Historic DeSoto County Square in Hernando is unique because it was designed on the Spanish square, therefore having eight access roads instead of the usual four. The Square houses retail, professional and service offices, restaurants, as well as home décor. The anchor of the square, the Courthouse was built in 1942 after the previous French Castle courthouse burned in 1940. The courthouse is most notable the home to eight oil murals depicting the town’s growth during the time of Hernando De Soto. Until the 1960’s, Hernando was the nationally recognized wedding capital of America.
The DeSoto County Museum houses 600 to 700 items that delineate the history of the county from Spanish conquistador Hernando DeSoto to Confederate Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest, to rock’n’roll legend Jerry Lee Lewis. The museum also features the restored Crumpler-Ferguson “dog trot” cabin, built in the 1850s. For more specific information on DeSoto County residents, visit the Genealogical Society Library, also located in Hernando.
Hernando is home to experienced potter, Joe Eckles, whose stoneware can be seen and purchased among shops located in southern Mississippi and parts of Louisiana as well as his studio located approximately 5 miles west of the Historic DeSoto County Square in Hernando.
Arkabutla Lake is a sailor's haven, a fisherman's dream and a draw for hunters, campers and hikers. The 40,704-acre lake was created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on the Coldwater River. Its prevailing westerly wind makes Arkabutla one of the best sailing lakes in the nation. It has eight boat ramps and 333 campsites. There are nature trails, picnic areas, playgrounds and swimming beaches. Arkabutla is rated one of the top 5 crappie fishing locations in the U.S. Fish in the lake include largemouth and white bass, black and white crappie, and channel and flathead catfish. Because of the lake's turbidity and lack of depth, all game fish tend to stay shallow.
Cedar Hill Farm offers a day on the farm for school groups, families, company gatherings, and more. Daily activities include a hay ride, petting zoo, nature trail, fishing, and a hay fort for the children. On the weekends, paint ball enthusiasts from near and far come to play at their many tournament fields. Seasonal activities in the fall include a haunted hay ride and a pumpkin patch to select the perfect pumpkin to decorate. Also, they have a blackberry field that you can pick your own blackberries or purchase them already picked during blackberry season.
Don’t forget to stop by Elvis and Priscilla Presley’s Honeymoon Cottage when you visit the Horn Lake area. The cottage is currently housing Marianne’s Flower Patch and many visitors stop in to buy a bouquet where Elvis and Priscilla spent their first night of marriage. Also, Mulligan’s Golf and Games is located in Horn Lake. Visitors can practice batting skills, ride go-karts and bumper boats, play lazer tag, enjoy a round of putt-putt golf, and much more!
Nesbit is home to music legend Jerry Lee Lewis. The Lewis Ranch, not currently open to the public, is Jerry Lee Lewis’ private residence which displays his gold records, pianos, and much more! Also in Nesbit, is the Nesbit Blueberry Plantation. During blueberry season, visitors can pick blueberries first hand or purchase blueberries that are freshly picked. The Merry Christmas Tree Farm offers Christmas lovers the opportunity to continue tradition by browsing tree after tree for the perfect one.
Brussel's Bonsai is the largest importer, grower, and exporter of fine bonsai in the United States with extensive experience shipping premium plants nation-wide. Enjoy a personal tour and watch a professional in the art of bonsai sculpting.
Olive Branch Old Towne, dubbed the Antique, Gift and Collectible Center of the Mid-South, is located in the heart of Olive Branch. With more than 150 dealers operating out of more than two dozen business locations, Old Towne offers a high concentration of antique, gift, floral and collectible shops.
Built in 1875, the Wesson House was home to Ben F. Wesson, the first mayor of Olive Branch. Because of Ben Wesson’s importance as a historical figure in Olive Branch history, the house is now a Dedicated Mississippi Landmark.
Snowden Grove Park, Southaven, will once again host many of our baseball tournaments beginning in April this year, including the Dizzy Dean World Series and the USSSA tournaments.
The DeSoto Civic Center is home to the ice hockey 2002 and 2003 CHL President’s Cup Champions, the RiverKings. The Civic Center is also home to our arenafootball2 team, the Xplorers. They, along with 33 other teams in the league, play indoors on a 50 yard field of artificial turf. Also, be sure to check out a production by the DeSoto Family Theater in the 400 seat amphitheater.
Southaven is home to Main Street Antiques, the largest Antique Mall in Northern Mississippi. Main Street Antiques occupies over 60,000 square feet and houses more than 100 vendors. Main Street Café, located inside, serves both breakfast and lunch.
For more information on any of the attractions listed above, please visit www.desotocountytourism.com
