There Is A Unique Man-Made Wonder Hiding In This Small Town In Mississippi

There are so many charming small towns in Mississippi, that it would take a lifetime to explore them all. One of my favorite small towns is Enterprise, a tiny little town in Clarke County that’s home to about 500 residents. While this tiny town may not seem like a destination worthy of your time, it’s actually hiding one of the most unique man-made wonders in Mississippi: Dunn’s Falls. And this is a spot the whole family will enjoy. Let’s check it out:

At first glance, Dunn’s Falls Water Park seems like a scenic spot to spend an afternoon.

And you’re not wrong! This enchanting recreational area boasts tons of nature trails, picnic tables, a pond, and plenty of primitive campsites to enjoy.

Long before it became Clarke County’s favorite recreational park, it was where John Dunn, an Irish Immigrant ran his business in the mid-1850s.

Dunn purchased the land and decided to divert the nearby Chunky River to his property so he could power his cotton mill.

The result was a 65-foot waterfall, the tallest waterfall in Mississippi!

Not much else is known about Mr. Dunn, although during the Civil War, his business was confiscated and turned into a mill to manufacture blankets, hats, and knives for the war. Not necessarily because Mr. Dunn was running a shady business, this was a common practice during the Civil War so that the Confederate Army could manufacture things for their soldiers.

While the original buildings are long gone, you can wander through a similar building that was brought over from Georgia in 1987.

The grist mill dates back to 1857 and gives visitors an idea of what John Dunn’s mill would have looked like.

Boardwalks have been built to take visitors all around the mill and waterfall...

...and also a pathway down to the river itself.

During the summer months, taking a dip in the river or splashing around the waterfall is a great way to keep cool on a hot summer day.

We all know how brutal Mississippi summers can be!

Just remember that you’ll be swimming at your own risk, there are no lifeguards on duty.

The area near the waterfall can be slippery, so I’d recommend wearing a pair of water shoes so you can get a good grip.

Day use is only $5 a person, and the park is open Wednesday through Sunday.

Visit the Pat Harrison Waterway District website to learn more about visiting. You can also check dates and rates for camping opportunities and make reservations through the website, too.