Visit the Hidden Gem Small Town Right Next Door to Lake Lowndes State Park in Mississippi

Far away from the largest cities in Mississippi, you'll find a little slice of heaven that's well worth exploring, filled with beautiful nature and charming small towns filled with top-notch dining and attractions. For your home base, you can't do better than a small town near Lake Lowndes State Park — Columbus, not far from the Alabama border. This town of around 24,000 people is the county seat of Lowndes County, and you'll easily be able to spend a few days there exploring its rich culture and history in between some of the region's best hiking.

Lake Lowndes State Park is the heart of the county, boasting 1,150 acres of laid-back recreation centered around a stunning 150-acre lake. During the summer months, this peaceful destination attracts those who love the great outdoors and want to beat the crowds, and they often choose to camp at the park. But if you're looking for a vacation that's the best of both worlds, staying in Columbus is truly the ideal way to explore this region of the Magnolia State.

Why This Town Is the Perfect Base for Lake Lowndes State Park

Lake Lowndes State Park is only about 20 minutes by car from Columbus, making it an ideal day trip and one of the best state parks in Mississippi. The park is centered around Lowndes Lake, which is the region's top spot for swimming and boating. It's also an amazing fishing lake, regularly stocked with largemouth bass and blue catfish, among other species. The whole park can be explored from the Lake Lowndes Loop Trail, a moderate 4.6-mile trail through the surrounding forest. And after that adventure, a day in a laid-back small town might be just the ticket.

What to Do in Columbus, Mississippi

Columbus has a historic vibe that makes it one of the most underrated towns in the Deep South, and the town's leadership has worked hard to preserve some of those classic buildings. The Princess Theater, the town's iconic cinema, has been restored and now holds regular special screenings. The town also has a rich dining scene, including popular gastropub Zachary's and old-school Southern gem on the water Profitt's Porch.

One of the most important spots in Columbus is the historic first home of Tennessee Williams. This legendary playwright, behind the Pulitzer-winning "A Streetcar Named Desire", was heavily influenced by his years in Columbus, and the home is now a museum open for visitors five days a week. That's not the only fascinating bit of Columbus history - the town is also home to one of the South's best ghost stories.

On the outskirts of the town, you'll find a local Air Force base. While the base is usually off-limits to visitors, it will periodically host air shows and other events for the public. Even if you're not around for one of those, the planes soaring through the sky are always pretty impressive. If you're looking for another hidden retreat outside of the town, Plymouth Bluff is an ideal spot to beat the crowds and the heat.

What to Know Before You Go

Most attractions in Columbus are open year-round, as the town is fairly warm even in the winter months. Of course, that does mean that the summer months here can be very hot — something that will come as no surprise to southerners! Lake Lowndes State Park is open sunrise to sunset year-round, although motorized boats are only allowed during the summer months.

Have you visited this charming small town in Mississippi near Lake Lowndes State Park? If not, this unique town is excited for more visitors, so make sure to tell a travel buddy about this article and plan a visit! You can see more information about the town on the Columbus Main Street tourism website, and visit the Lake Lowndes State Park page on the Mississippi Parks website for more details on the park's amenities.

Are you just driving through on a summer road trip? If so, let Only in Your State help with your planning. We've got an article on the best small towns across the USA to give you ideas for your next destination.