Looking for the best and fun things to do in Tupelo, MS?
Tupelo is an enthralling city in Mississippi that boasts a pleasant blend mix of art, culture, history, and picturesque natural beauty.
This city is distinguished globally for one major occurrence – the place where rock legend Elvis Presley was born. It is host to numerous exciting festivals and events which hold through all four seasons.
The charming Natchez Trace Parkway meanders through this city, the Oren Dunn City Museum, and even two historic Civil War battlefields.
With plenty of majestic statues and colorful street murals, you have an opportunity to take loads of great pictures.
Let’s explore the best things to do in Tupelo.
Things to Do in Tupelo
1. Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum
Do you know that the birthplace of Elvis Presley -the King of Rock’ n’ roll- is located in Tupelo? Well, if you don’t, it is one of the top attractions in Tupelo.
The singer’s family built this home for only $180. However, due to financial hardships, the family eventually moved out some years after the birth of Elvis.
Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum has now been transformed into a museum, and it is located in Elvis Presley Park. Features of the park include a chapel that Presley attended during childhood and many appealing statues of the late singer.
Every year, this attraction witnesses the visit of several thousands of fans, making it a prime tourist spot of Tupelo.
Address: 306 Elvis Presley Dr, Tupelo, MS 38801, United States
2. Oren Dunn City Museum
Oren Dunn City Museum is a museum located in Ballard Park which educates its regulars about the history of Tupelo city and its nearby regions.
The museum features permanent displays which depict the historic Battle of Tupelo, Chickasaw history, the destructive cyclone in 1936, notable accomplishments in agriculture and industry, and more.
It includes fossils, dioramas, images, a train car, a model railroad, historic buildings, and other memorabilia from the region.
The museum also plays host to the Dudie Burger Festival in May and the Dogtrot Festival in October.
Additionally, lots of events are organized here throughout the year—the likes of summer camps, fossil shows, geology exhibits, toy exhibits, and more.
You would have a lovely time in the park in which the museum is sited as it features hiking trails, scenic views, picnic spots, play areas, and a lake.
Address: 689 Rutherford Rd, Tupelo, MS 38801, United States.
3. See Beautiful Murals
Tupelo as a city is highly recognized for its astonishing street murals. You are bound to see interesting designs on the walls of the streets, so it adds to the top things to do in Tupelo.
In 2018, Ryan Christenson, a famous graffiti artist, created the 1950’s Elvis Mural during the Tupelo Elvis Festival. It is one of the best murals of this city.
Another is the Book Stack mural. This mural was painted in 1997 by a regional artist and told about Reed’s Department Store – a renowned local family business in Tupelo.
You would also see the Buy Local Produce Mural, which is located near the Farmer’s market. This mural was painted by a local artist, regional high school students, and their art teacher.
It features a lovely farm with many fruits and vegetables, a flower garden, and a tractor.
Don’t forget the iconic Coca-Cola Wall Art, Jail House Rock Elvis Mural, Chickasaw Heritage Mural, and Icehouse Elvis Mural.
4. Tupelo Veterans Museum
The Tupelo Veterans Museum is another interesting thing to do in Tupelo. This museum features exhibits from the Civil War, Gulf War, Korean War, Vietnam War, and the World Wars.
It is owned and operated by a US Army veteran and contains exhibits collected over sixty years. They include ancient military uniforms, artifacts, army weapons, images, jeeps, model fighter aircraft, jeeps, a fedora worn by Harry Truman, a document signed by Abraham Lincoln, and plenty more.
Tupelo Veterans Museum pays tribute to the US army for their contributions and sacrifices for the nation. At the same time, you have an opportunity to meet and interact with Tony Lute – the owner of this place.
Address: Ballard Park, 689 Rutherford Rd, Tupelo, MS 38801, United States
5. Tupelo National Battlefield
If you are a history enthusiast, you must pen this to your bucket list of things to do in Tupelo.
Tupelo National Battlefield is a historic Civil War battlefield where the Union troops had victory over the Confederate army in a battle that lasted two days in July 1864.
The Union army (which at that time was under the leadership of General AJ Smith) didn’t want her “march to the sea” campaign in Georgia to be disrupted by the Confederate forces.
To achieve this, they blocked the railroads for sending supplies as a tactical measure.
Upon your visitation of the site, you will see gravesites, markers, two cannons, and a memorial. You can visit any time of the day and at any time of the week.
Address: 2005 Main St, Tupelo, MS 38801, United States
6. Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo
Visiting the Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo is one lovely thing to do in Tupelo. This zoo occupies more than 200 acres and is home to over 250 animals.
You would see several buffaloes, camels, capuchin monkeys, one of the tallest giraffes in the country, lemurs, zebras, blackbuck, llama, African grey parrot, Burmese python, horses, Arctic fox, llama, deer, rose tarantula, blackbuck, and several more.
One distinguishing feature about this zoo is that visitors can pet and feed the animals. Also, kids can try the pony rides at the zoo.
Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo also organizes coloring contests and parties and should not be missed, especially by the kids.
Address: 2272 N Coley Rd, Tupelo, MS 38801, United States
7. BancorpSouth Arena
Next on the list of best things to do in Tupelo is a visit to the BancorpSouth Arena.
BancorpSouth Arena dated back to 1993 and was home to Tupelo’s ice hockey and indoor football teams.
Formerly called Tupelo Coliseum and BancorpSouth Center, until December 2006, BancorpSouth Arena is a 10,000-seat multi-purpose arena near downtown Tupelo, Mississippi.
Its name came after the locally based yet large multi-state commercial banking company called BancorpSouth.
You would enjoy variety as it is used for organizing exhibitions, musical concerts, entertaining performances, parties, and sports tournaments, amongst other events.
Interestingly, big names have performed here including, Aerosmith, Goo Goo Dolls, Toby Keith, Elton John, and Florida Georgia Line.
Do well to get tickets to a concert at this arena and be in line for a memorable experience. It is open from Monday to Friday between 9 am and 4:30 pm.
Address: 375 E Main St, Tupelo, MS 38804, United States
8. Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield
The Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield is a historical site in the city and makes the list of top attractions in Tupelo.
It is the site that birthed the victory of the Confederate army over the Union troops in a battle that took place in June 1864.
The resultant effect of this victory was the capturing of a railroad by the Confederate army under the leadership of General Nathan Bedford Forrest. This railroad was used to deliver food and military supplies to the Union soldiers.
Currently, you will see two cannons and a memorial on the site. At the same time, close to the historic battlefield is a cemetery that has the graves of nearly 100 Confederate soldiers who fell in the battle.
The park is open all through the week so that you can visit at any time.
Address: 128 MS-370, Baldwyn, MS 38824, United States.
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9. Paradox Games and Escape Rooms
Free yourself from the routine life and take a journey into a mysterious world by trying Paradox Games and Escape Rooms. It adds to our teeming list of top things to do in Tupelo.
Come with your friends and family as you try to decipher overwhelming and resolve mysteries in a bid to uncover hidden treasures or save the world.
At Paradox, you can become a guest of Houdini or even a secret agent for a day through their immersive adventure games.
You are bound to have a fantastic time as they offer entertaining experiences for all age categories. The Office of Secret Agent 22 and Houdini’s challenge are amongst their most popular challenges for your pleasure.
And because it is a very popular attraction, you may make reservations ahead of your visit.
Opening hours are Friday (4:00pm – 10:00pm), Saturday (12:00pm – 10:00pm) and Sunday (2:00pm – 7:00pm)
Address: 716 N. Gloster St. Tupelo, Ms
10. Enjoy a Scenic Long Drive
One of the prime attractions of Tupelo is Natchez Trace Parkway. This parkway seamlessly makes the list of top things to do in Tupelo.
Natchez Trace Parkway is a picturesque road that crosses three states: Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee. There are various features which include numerous archaeological sites, verdant meadows, the Mississippi River, and charming clifftop views.
Others include an abandoned town, ancient cemeteries, a reservoir overlook, charming creeks, mesmerizing waterfalls, parks, hiking trails, ancient mounds, and the Tennessee River.
It offers access to a vast range of outdoor recreation, such as cycling, hiking, boating, picnicking, cycling, camping, birding, amongst others.
This road almost follows the Old Natchez Trace, a historic footway used previously by soldiers, European explorers, Native Americans, and slave dealers.
So, go on a long drive and stop along the way to have an experience of the astounding natural beauty of this region.
11. Visit the Trace State Park
Trace State Park is a popular park in Tupelo and is well known for its camping, disc golf, golf, hiking, picnicking, and water adventures.It is located off Mississippi Highway 6, approximately 7 miles west of Tupelo and 7 miles east of Pontotoc. The state park encompasses 565-acre Trace Lake and takes its name after the nearby Natchez Trace trail.
The park features a large serene lake, a golf course, dense forests, picnic areas, playgrounds, campgrounds, and energizing hiking trails.
For water enthusiasts, the lake offers visitors an opportunity to go fishing and water skiing. And if you want to explore nature, you can do that here while still being close to the city.
Trace State Park is a popular location, so do well to place your reservations ahead of your visit.
Address: 2139 Faulkner Rd, Belden, MS 38826, United States
12. Tombigbee Lake State Park
The Tombigbee Lake State Park is Pam well-known for diverse recreational activities such as hiking, camping, picnicking, fishing, and disc golf. It adds to our impressive list of best things to do in Tupelo.
This park features a lake, barbeque grills, ball field, tennis courts, picnic tables, and more.
You will also see lake Lee – a very trendy spot for fishing. It is situated at the center of the park. The lake is surrounded by dense foliage, which makes it an exceptional visual to behold.
Enjoy the picturesque topography, a picnic, go hiking along the energizing trails, soak up the serene atmosphere, play a fun volleyball game, and camp here at night.
Address: 264 Cabin Dr, Tupelo, MS 38804, United States
13. Reed’s Department Store
Opened in 1905, Department Store is a favorite store founded by R.W. Reed, Sr., after moving to Tupelo from Itawamba County.
The store is a family-owned business that started a general dry goods store. Though existing for over a year, the store still retains the extensive feeling of an old-fashioned, full-service department store.
Here, you’ll find clothing for men, women, and children, including accessories. There is also a bookstore and gift shop.
Would you want to shop while in Tupelo, head to Reed’s Department Store? They are open Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 5:30 pm.
Address: 131 Main St, Tupelo, MS 38804, United States
14. Elvis Presley Homecoming Statue
The Elvis Presley Homecoming Statue is a massive statue of the king of rock ‘n’ roll. This statue is located near the City Hall in downtown Tupelo and makes the list of best things to do in Tupelo.
It was an inspiration from a popular Elvis’ photograph taken in 1956 on the occasion of his homecoming concert in this city. This statue was sculpted by a regional artist is an attraction
This humungous statue of the king of rock ‘n’ roll is near the City Hall in downtown Tupelo. It drew inspiration from a famous photograph of Elvis taken during his homecoming concert in this city in 1956 and was sculpted by a regional artist.
Elvis Presley Homecoming Statue is located at the exact spot where the concert took place and is an awesome spot to take pictures.
15. Explore Art a Gumtree Museum of Art
Established in 1982, Gumtree Museum of Art is a famous visual arts gallery situated in downtown Tupelo. The museum features a permanent collection together with rotating displays, and it makes our list of things to do in Tupelo.
Here, you will see various artworks done by local high school students, which are all exhibited multiple times during the year. All their exhibitions are totally free for public access.
Another popular thing for which Gumtree is recognized is their annual festival which holds over a weekend in May.
The festival celebrates regional arts and features music, delicious food stalls, live performances, and different works by many regional artists.
You also have the opportunity to network with the artists while checking up on their works at this event. So, experience pulsating local culture at this festival.
Opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday between 11 am and 4 pm.
Address: 211 Main St, Tupelo, MS 38804, United States.
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16. Tupelo Furniture Market
The Tupelo Furniture Market is a furniture market which holds twice every year. It is a popular site in the city and makes the top things to do in Tupelo.
The Tupelo Furniture Market is traced to as far back as September 1987. This biannual market is organized in January and August and sees many patrons troop in their thousands from the USA and other parts of the world.
They display products from more than three hundred regional vendors. These furniture products are really durable and aesthetically pleasing and can be gotten at affordable rates.
Address: 1879 Coley Rd, Tupelo, MS 38801, United States
17. Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo
Although Tupelo is not entirely known for its buffalo, the Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo offers visitors a memorable trip experience.
It’s a favorite for some visitors, and anyone would enjoy it, no matter the age.
An experienced guide would take your group on an hour-long safari ride, giving you a very close and personal dealing with buffalo, emus, yaks, zebras, and more.
The zoo is actually small, and you’ll see most of these animals on the VIP Tour. But most importantly, have fun!
Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo is open from Monday to Sunday, and the time is 10 am to 4 pm.
Address: 2272 N Coley Rd, Tupelo, MS 38801, United States
18. Tupelo Hardware Company
What about taking a tour of the store from which Elvis Presley’s mom bought him his first guitar? Tupelo Hardware Company adds to our list of top places to visit in Tupelo.The store is a family-operated business situated in downtown Tupelo and has existed for close to a century.
So, you can visit this store, leaf through up, and discuss with the employees who will unveil various stories about Elvis to you.
Aside from Elvis and his mom, there are lots of history attached to this valuable shop which you may realize, so don’t miss it!
Address: 114 Main St, Tupelo, MS 38804, United States
19. Farmers’ Depot
The downtown Farmers’ Depot is a good farmers’ market that happens from May through October in Tupelo.
It is an open-air market where vendors sell everything from vegetables to fruits to baked goods to local produce and flowers. There are also cooking demonstrations as well as some scheduled children’s activities
The market holds on Tuesdays (3 pm – 6 pm) and Saturdays (6 am – 12 pm), and you will also love the live music played on the first Saturday of each month.
Address: Shed at 415 South Spring Street at the railroad tracks in downtown Tupelo, Mississippi
20. Relics Antique Market Place
Relics Antique Market Place is an exceptional antique mall in the city and joins the list of top places to visit in Tupelo.
Relics Marketplace is a 16,000 square foot facility that covers two floors and holds over a hundred vendor booths.
It plays host to more than a hundred antique vendors who sell a wide variety of vintage goods such as apparel, furniture, clocks, home décor, glassware, cutlery, paintings, jewelry, and many more.
Part of the exciting features of the mall include stores of local artists where they exhibit their works. There is also a nice coffee shop to check out.
The store is open every day of the week from 10 am to 6 pm, but they resume by 12 pm on Sundays.
Address: 248 S Green St, Tupelo, MS 38804, United States.
21. Watch a Show at Tupelo Community Theatre
Tupelo Community Theatre is an award-winning theatre that opened in 1969. Your tour in Tupelo won’t be complete without visiting this building.
It is a popular attraction of this city located at the historic Lyric Theatre. Since its inception, the theatre has presented more than 300 plays and is currently a household name.
As the years have rolled by, this theatre has diversified, and now it also presents cabaret, comedies, and musicals.
They have a second location at TCT Off-Broadway, which performs magnificent cabarets. It is also an excellent place for a lovely evening’s entertainment.
Address: 201 N Broadway St, Tupelo, MS 38804, United States
22. Café 212
One of the best places to eat in the city is Café 212. If you are looking for where to get a great meal in Tupelo, this place is for you.
They serve tantalizing sandwiches, soups, salads, and coffee at pock-friendly rates. It would help if you gave their White Cheddar Pimento Cheese Sandwich a trial.
Café 212 is a great spot to enjoy lunch, and you would love their meat-centric dishes. They source most of their ingredients from the local farms, so you are sure of fresh food.
They are open from Monday to Friday and the time is 11 am – 2 pm.
Address: 212 Main St, Tupelo, MS 38804, United States
23. Healthworks! Kids Museum
If you’ve got little ones, then this is for you. Visit the Healthworks! Kids Museum while in Tupelo is something you should definitely make out time for.
If your kids are up to age 10, they would have so much fun and games to enjoy inside this museum.
Healthworks! Kids Museum is dedicated to health and the human body and houses the world’s largest fiberglass teeth, a climbing wall, and several activities and games which promote physical movement.
The museum is open from Tuesday through Saturday (9:30 am – 4:30 pm), while Sunday is only reserved.
The museum operates between Tuesday – Saturday, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm, while Sundays are reservations.
24. Elvis’ Tupelo Self-Guided Bicycle Tour
Elvis’ Tupelo Self-Guided Bicycle Tour takes visitors to fourteen essential points in the city which stood out for Elvis when he was a kid.
You can bring your bike or rent one from any outfitters in the region. Visitors will stop by the Lyric Theatre, where Elvis always went to watch plays.
Visitors get to see Johnnie’s Drive-in, where Elvis loved to dine, the Tupelo Hardware store, where his mother bought his first guitar, and other places.
25. Chickasaw Village Site
Tupelo was referred to as a Mississippi home by the people of Chickasaw. In the 1700s, it was reportedly said that villages and Chickasaw forts grew on this territory.
You will find interpretative signs with some artist renditions, which show what the community looked like.
Chickasaw Village Site features walking and hiking trails with the Blackland Prairie Trail, which stretches for Six miles taking you to the Parkway Visitor Center and the Old Town Overlook.
There are path sections that aid walking through the Parkway to cross a creek and road.
Whenever you visit, you will be able to sight plants and what they’re used for by the American Indians on an interpretative one and half mile path.
Horse and hiking trails are available for those who want a major adventure.
Address: Chickasaw Village Site, Tupelo, MS 38801, United States
26. Skate Zone Tupelo
Skate Zone Tupelo has existed since 1989 as a family fun center that attracts locals and visitors.
The center provides a secure and exciting environment for individuals of various ages to have a great time.
Skate parties and in-session occasions are open to children of all ages, while the skating rink is open to all.
Skate Zone Tupelo offers a collection of redemption games, allowing kids to win fascinating prizes.
Skate sessions are available on Sunday, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday afternoons.
The facility consists of a retail section featuring the latest skate models and supplies for those interested in purchasing them.
Address: 103 Parkgate Dr, Tupelo, MS 38801, United States
27. Margaretes Fine Chocolates Inc
For some delicious treats with your family and friends, the top thing to do in Tupelo is to visit Margaretes Fine Chocolates Inc.
Margaretes Fine Chocolates Inc was founded on May 1st, 1996. It was originally purchased as Mrs. Burdens Chocolates before it was changed after the partnership. It turned into a corporation in March 2006.
The owners of the business have continuously worked to offer the finest chocolates, including their large collection of coated chocolate.
They offer custom orders along with their popular offering, Baskets by Margarete. These containers or baskets are packed with a variety of items.
Address: 812 Robert E Lee Dr, Tupelo, MS 38801, United States
28. Downtown Tupelo Main Street
Take a stroll through Downtown Tupelo Main Street, a place that has been considered the city’s major point since the late 1980s.Recently, a mall was opened in the region, making it a target for fresh competitors.
Through the support of the city authorities and business owners in the downtown area, Tupelo Main Street was revived in 1990 by the Main Street Association of Mississippi and the National Main Street Center.
Downtown Tupelo Main Street was formerly referred to as “Tupelo Front Porch” before it was altered by the Fairpark District.
This is a location for about fifteen events all year round, with about eighty thousand persons in attendance, such as the Tupelo Elvis Festival, wine tastings, and more.
Address: 108 S Broadway St, Tupelo, MS 38804, United States
29. Mugshots Grill and Bar
There are a good number of restaurants where you can take yourself on a memorable treat in Tupelo.
Mugshots Grill and Bar is undoubtedly one of them, with a selection of other fantastic restaurants such as Harveys, Buffalo Wild Wings, Woody’s Tupelo, Fairpark Grill, and more.
Take yourself on a fantastic treat and visit Popsicles and Hollypops Bakery, especially with your little ones.
Address: 374 E Main St, Tupelo, MS 38804, United States
30. The Pier Arcade
The Pier Arcade utilizes the magnificence of recreation to unite loved ones and create memories.
There are old-fashioned and modern games with an enormous collection of party areas and multiplayer games.
The arcades were invented to offer users a chance to create unforgettable memories through social involvement.
The Pier Arcade provides a place for relaxation, enjoyment, and laughter through vintage specials.
You can play whichever games you want, as you acquire playtime over the counter while you try to earn some points.
After playing, you can head to the prize counter with your earned points and swap them for games and toys.
Address: 1001 E Barnes Crossing Rd, Tupelo, MS 38804, United States
31. Blue Canoe
For those who just want to vibe to some cool jams, the best thing to do in Tupelo is to visit Blue Canoe.
Blue Canoe is the number spot for everything that has to do with live music, with a bar-cuisine offering delicious treats.
The company earned the Best Dessert award three times from Mississippi Magazine.
Offering about forty-eight craft beers on tap for guests to pick from and enjoy along with the music
You get to enjoy live music performances by famous artists, including Gary Clark, Jr. And Alabama Shakes.
Address: 2006 N Gloster St, Tupelo, MS 38804, United States
32. Barnes Crossing
Why not embark on an amazing shopping spree with some loved ones? Exploring Barnes Crossing is the best thing to do in Tupelo.
Barnes Crossing is one of the most popular malls in the Northeastern part of Mississippi.
Attracting over twelve million people annually because of the diverse collection of restaurants, businesses, anchors, entertainment halls, and more.
The mall is strategically located at a perfect point, making it easily spotted even from afar.
Barnes Crossing is owned and operated by David Hocker & Associates, featuring anchor stores like two Belk shops, Jos. A. Bank, Ulta Beauty, Barnes & Noble, and more.
The Cinemark movie theater is housed in Barnes Crossing, with more than ninety stores and a food court.
Address: Barnes Crossing Rd, Tupelo, MS, United States
33. Queens Reward Meadery
Are you a strong fan of wines? If yes, add a visit to Queens Reward Meadery to your list of things to do in Tupelo.
Queens Reward Meadery produces each item following a carefully crafted process for the customers to enjoy.
The company specializes in producing homemade wines before including experimentation with mead a few years back.
The tasting lounge or room is open to everyone; you can purchase mead by bottle or glass to take home.
Queens Reward Meadery manufactures each mead with the finest Mississippi honey. In addition, they offer exclusive sampling with a complimentary glass of any drink of your choice.
Address: 1719 McCullough Blvd, Tupelo, MS 38801, United States
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Plan your Trip to Tupelo
What a lovely experience we’ve had already! The engaging museums, exciting parks, historical sites, fascinating, beautiful murals, classy restaurants all make Tupelo the city to beat.
You can also involve yourself in various outdoor recreation activities such as camping, fishing, disc golf, water skiing, hiking, and plenty more.
Why not start preparing towards having your next vacation here. Safe travels!