5 Tiny Towns in Mississippi That Come Alive in the Summertime

Between the high temperatures and immense humidity, summer in Mississippi can be a real drag – but it doesn’t have to be! There are several tiny towns in the state that really hit their stride during the season. Take, for instance, the tiny towns below, which offer some of the best summer fun in Mississippi.

1. Waveland

With roughly 6,000 residents, Waveland is one of the smaller towns on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. It’s also the only community of the Gulf Coast that prohibits commercial buildings on its beachfront, which means there’s lots of undisturbed shoreline. Water-related fun in Waveland doesn’t end with the beach, though. The small town is home to Buccaneer State Park, a 343-acre park with lots of amenities, including a 4.5-acre waterpark. The perfect place to be on a hot summer day in Mississippi!

2. Snow Lake Shores

Nestled in north Mississippi, Snow Lake Shores is a tiny town with just 300 permanent residents. During the summer season, that number swells to over 900, as seasonal residents and vacationers flock to Snow Lake Shores to take advantage of its picturesque lake and relaxing surroundings.

3. Louisville

Located in the rolling hills of east central Mississippi, Louisville is home to roughly 6,000 residents and Lake Tiak-O'Khata, a waterfront resort with lots of amenities, including a white sand beach, a 25,000-square-foot swim area, an inflatable obstacle course, inflatable waterslides, an on-site restaurant, and lots more. Visit the website for Lake Tiak-O'Khata for more information.

4. Mendenhall

Typically, things move at a slower pace in Mendenhall, a small town with about 3,000 residents. However, during the summer season, it gets a bit livelier, as people flock to Mendenhall’s Merit Water Park. A natural waterpark, it’s devoid of slides and rides. Instead, though, it boasts a spring-fed creek with an old-fashioned swimming hole and several small falls.

5. Collins

With just 3,000 residents, Collins is the last place you’d expect to find a top-rated attraction, but that’s exactly what you’ll find in the tiny town, which is home to Grand Paradise Waterpark. A water wonderland, the park encompasses seven acres, every inch of which is packed with fun-in-the-sun excitement for all ages. For a unique side quest, visit Mississippi's Red Bluff near Collins. It's about an hour southeast of Collins, but the landscape will make you feel like you've been transported to the Grand Canyon.

So, what do you think? Are these tiny towns must-visit during summer in Mississippi? Ever spent the season in any of the towns mentioned above? What do you think are the best things to do in Mississippi during the season? Tell us!

These aren’t the only towns that offer summer fun in Mississippi. Located on the Gulf Coast and brimming with opportunities for water-related fun, Gulfport is another great place to celebrate the season.

Read on to discover some of our favorite things to do in the summer in Mississippi.