Mississippi

explore like never before

Get Custom Travel guides packed with local tips
Experiences|Museums

Hidden In A Converted Dairy Barn, Oren Dunn City Museum Is One Of Mississippi’s Best Kept Secrets

Published Jan 18, 2020

Written by 

Daniella DiRienzo

Hidden gems aren’t limited to the state’s smaller, lesser-known towns and cities. Take Tupelo, for example. The popular city is home to one of Mississippi’s best kept secrets – Oren Dunn City Museum. A must-visit for all ages, the museum includes tons of memorabilia as well as a historic village with authentic buildings from the past. Take a look:

Founded in 1984, Oren Dunn City Museum has been delighting visitors of all ages for more than three decades.

alt
Oren Dunn Museum/TripAdvisor

From the outside, it looks like any other museum; however, it’s anything but. First off, it’s housed in a former dairy barn, which was part of the internationally known Forest Lake Farms.

advertisement
alt
Oren Dunn Museum/TripAdvisor

The museum’s uniqueness doesn’t end there, though. There’s also the fact that it’s basically three museums in one, since the grounds also include the Tupelo Veterans Museum and…

alt
janet shook/Google

… an outside village, which includes several buildings from yesteryear.

alt
Oren Dunn City Museum/Google

An original dogtrot cabin, one-room church, and school are all part of the village and open for visitors to explore.

alt
Bora Eugui/Google

The outdoor exhibits don’t end with the village, though. There are several other pieces of the past on-site.

alt
Oren Dunn City Museum/Google

Incredibly informative, the Oren Dunn City Museum tells the story of Tupelo from its birth to the present day.

advertisement
alt
Oren Dunn City Museum/Google

In addition to temporary exhibits, the museum houses a permanent collection, which includes everything from a model railroad to fossils.

alt
Oren Dunn City Museum/TripAdvisor

Another thing the museum has going for it is location – it’s in Ballard Park, which features playgrounds, picnic areas, and lakeside nature trails.

alt
Jacqueline B/TripAdvisor

The park also provides the perfect backdrop for train rides, which the museum offers during its annual Dudie Burger Festival.

alt
City of Tupelo – Mayor’s Office/Facebook

Held every summer in honor of the iconic Tupelo eatery, Dudie’s Diner, the event includes music, contests, kids activities, and...

alt
Oren Dunn City Museum/Facebook

...Dudie burgers, of course.

alt
Oren Dunn City Museum/Facebook

So, are you ready to pay a visit to Oren Dunn City Museum? If so, it's open Monday – Friday, from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information, call (662) 841-6438. You can also visit the museum’s website or Facebook page.

advertisement

This isn’t the state’s only amazing museum. Read about another here.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Experiences|Museums

This Lesser-Known Mississippi Tourist Attraction Is Worth A Day Trip

Published Jul 8, 2024

Written by 

Megan Todaro

Ahh, one of America's most beloved soft drinks. Coca-Cola is a time-honored drink that to this day, still reigns in popularity. While you can find The World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta, many people might not know that the popular drink is also tied to Mississippi. The Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum is a lesser-known Mississippi tourist attraction, but one that is totally worth the day trip. Come explore this delightful museum and learn all about the history of this soda pop brand.

advertisement

The Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum, located in Vicksburg, Mississippi, holds a significant place in Coca-Cola history as the first place where Coca-Cola was bottled.

Historic brick building with large windows, featuring a faded sign that reads "Biedenharn Candy Co."
Tripadvisor Rick B

The museum is housed in the original building where Joseph Biedenharn, a local entrepreneur and candy wholesaler, began bottling Coca-Cola in 1894.

Sign for the Museum of Coca-Cola, featuring history memorabilia and offering ice cream and Coke floats.
Google Reviews Percella Snyder

This marked a pivotal moment in the beverage's history, as until then Coca-Cola had only been available as a fountain drink.

A vintage store filled with Coca-Cola memorabilia, featuring customers browsing shelves lined with colorful products.
Google Reviews Zach Green

Visitors to the museum can explore exhibits that detail the early days of Coca-Cola bottling, showcasing vintage bottling equipment, original bottles, and memorabilia related to the brand's evolution.

A museum exhibit featuring vintage Coca-Cola memorabilia and historical artifacts displayed in a well-lit room.
Tripadvisor Trypp Adams

The museum offers insights into the entrepreneurial spirit of Joseph Biedenharn and his role in popularizing Coca-Cola beyond its initial regional market.

Display case filled with vintage Coca-Cola collectibles, including bottles, cans, and advertising memorabilia.
Tripadvisor Bill15Q

In addition to the historical displays, the museum features a soda fountain where visitors can enjoy refreshing Coca-Cola beverages and other nostalgic treats. The restored candy store and office area allows visitors the chance to insdulge in fountain Cokes, Coke floats, and so much more.

A vintage-style café interior with a wooden counter, brick walls, and decorative lighting, featuring small tables and chairs.
Tripadvisor Trypp Adams

This museum is a popular destination for Coca-Cola enthusiasts, history buffs, and families looking to learn about the cultural impact of this iconic beverage.

advertisement
Sign for the Coca-Cola Museum displaying history and memorabilia, with American flags and a candy store visible.
Google Reviews Dave Densmore

The Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum provides a unique glimpse into the early days of one of the world's most recognizable brands, set within a charming historic building in downtown Vicksburg.

Faded mural featuring "Biedenharn" with dates 1894 and 1994, and a bottle icon, against a blue sky.
Google Reviews Brenda Owens

What do you think about this lesser-known Mississippi tourist attraction? Have you visited before? Sound off in the comments section!

Looking for more unique things to do in Mississippi this year? Check out the fun adventures available through Airbnb Experiences!

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Experiences|Museums

Delve Into The Intriguing World Of Bridge At This Uncommon Museum In Mississippi

The ACBL Museum in Horn Lake, Mississippi, offers an engaging and interactive experience dedicated to the history and evolution of the game of bridge.

Published Jul 31, 2023

Written by 

Newton Mathews

The bridge museum in Mississippi might not be your typical tourist attraction, but it's intriguing. Just as chess lovers have museums to explore, so do bridge enthusiasts. This uncommon museum celebrates the timeless game of bridge and serves as a treasure trove of its rich history. Whether you're an ardent player or just curious about the game, this place has something to offer everyone. Prepare to delve into an interactive experience beyond your regular deck of cards.

advertisement

The ACBL (American Contract Bridge League) Museum, also known as the Bridge Museum, stands proudly in Horn Lake, Mississippi. It is a unique hub dedicated to all things related to the game of bridge. You can expect to find fascinating exhibits showcasing the evolution of this card game over the years.

Sign for the American Contract Bridge League, featuring flowers and greenery, promoting bridge since 1937.
Management/TripAdvisor

Among its displays, you will find rare collectibles such as vintage cards, scoring sheets, and bridge equipment.

A museum exhibit featuring portraits, historical displays, and a trophy in a warmly lit room.
Management/TripAdvisor

There are even sections dedicated to famous personalities who have significantly influenced the bridge world.

A museum exhibit featuring a lifelike mannequin seated at a desk, surrounded by bookshelves and display panels.
Management/TripAdvisor

One highlight of the museum is its interactive exhibits, which bring the game to life in engaging ways.

A modern trophy room featuring glass display cases filled with various trophies and awards, illuminated by overhead lights.
Management/TripAdvisor

Visitors can participate in digital games or even observe a live demonstration to understand the intricacies of the bridge better.

Four players engaged in a card game at a tournament, with green tables and spectators in the background.
American Contract Bridge League - ACBL/Facebook

Accessible for all ages, the museum offers a fun and educational outing.

A modern building with a curved roof, surrounded by greenery and a paved pathway on a sunny day.
ACBL Museum/Google

The bridge museum in Mississippi is truly a hidden gem, offering an engaging look into the world of bridge. Its wealth of exhibits and interactive displays make every visit a unique and rewarding experience. You can check out the ACBL Museum website and ACBL Museum on Facebook for more information.

advertisement

But the fun doesn't end there. Once you've soaked in the intriguing world of bridge at this uncommon museum, continue exploring the vibrant local food scene. Treat yourself to authentic flavors at Memphis Barbecue, renowned for its mouthwatering dishes. Also, in my Mississippi explorations, I stumbled upon Boomer's Restaurant, a delightful step back in time.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

Stays
Vacation Rentals

The Secluded Airbnb Cabin in New Hampshire Is the Perfect Place for a Digital Detox

by Kim Falchek
on Nov 9
alt
Nature
National & State Parks

The Breathtaking Small Town State Park in North Carolina That We Can’t Stop Thinking About

by Beth Copenhaver
on Nov 8
alt
Stays

This Secluded Airbnb Cabin in Oregon Is the Perfect Place for a Digital Detox

by Courtnie Erickson
on Nov 8
alt
Nature
Hiking

Skip the Crowds: Explore Hawaii’s 5 Quietest Trails and Parks This Month

by Megan McDonald
on Nov 8
alt
Nature

The Remote Destination in California Where the Drive Is Worth the Final View

by Megan McDonald
on Nov 8
alt