Greenville, Mississippi: 10 Must-Do Activities in Washington County

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10 Fun Things To Do In and Around Greenville, Mississippi (Washington County)

If you’re dreaming about a laid-back trip along the Mississippi Delta, Greenville, Mississippi in Washington County is a great place to start. This river town mixes blues music, rich history, Southern food, and wide-open Delta views into one easygoing getaway. Whether you’re road-tripping down Highway 61, planning a weekend escape, or just curious about the Delta, here are 10 things to do in and near Greenville, MS that will give you a real taste of the region.

1. Stroll the Levee and Riverfront in Downtown Greenville

Greenville grew up right on the Mighty Mississippi River, and you can feel that history as you walk along the levee. Take a slow walk on the riverfront and look out over the wide, muddy water. Barges slide by. The sky seems to go on forever. On a quiet evening, it’s one of the most peaceful views in the Delta. You’ll often find:
  • Locals walking dogs or jogging
  • Families enjoying the breeze
  • Great spots for sunset photos
If you’ve never seen the Mississippi River up close, this is a must-do. It really helps you understand why this town—and the whole Delta—grew up the way it did.

2. Explore Delta Culture at the 1927 Flood Museum

The 1927 Flood Museum in Greenville tells the story of one of the most powerful and heartbreaking events in Delta history: the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927. Inside a historic building downtown, you’ll find:
  • Old photos of flooded streets and homes
  • Personal stories from families who lived through the disaster
  • Displays explaining how the levee system changed after the flood
You don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy it. The museum shows how this one event reshaped Greenville and much of the South. It’s a short, worthwhile stop, and it gives deeper meaning to that huge levee you see along the river.

3. Listen to the Blues at the Greenville Blues Festival (and Other Live Music)

The Mississippi Delta is often called the Birthplace of the Blues, and Greenville proudly carries that tradition. One of the best things to do in Greenville, MS, is to time your visit with:
  • Greenville Blues Festival – usually held annually, featuring classic and modern blues artists
  • Other seasonal music events and local shows
Even if your trip doesn’t line up with a festival, check out local bars, juke joints, and venues. You might hear:
  • Blues guitar sliding and bending through the night air
  • Soul and gospel on weekends
  • Cover bands with a Delta twist
If you like New Orleans or Memphis music scenes, Greenville gives you that same soulful energy, but in a more relaxed, small-town way.

4. Visit the Washington County Courthouse and Historic Downtown

Greenville’s historic downtown is compact, walkable, and full of character. The Washington County Courthouse is a standout with its grand architecture and stately presence. As you explore, you’ll find:
  • Historic brick buildings and faded painted signs
  • Local shops and small businesses
  • Murals and public art celebrating Delta life
If you enjoy small-town main streets and Southern architecture, plan an hour or two to wander. Grab a coffee, poke into a shop, and imagine what the town looked like a century ago when cotton ruled the region.

5. Discover Local Stories at the Greenville History Museum

For a deeper look into the town’s past, stop by the Greenville History Museum. It’s a cozy museum, but packed with pieces of everyday life from long ago. You’ll see:
  • Old store signs and advertisements
  • Photos of Greenville in its early days
  • Artifacts from local businesses, schools, and clubs
It feels a bit like stepping into your grandparents’ attic—if your grandparents had lived in the Mississippi Delta. The displays are simple and down-to-earth, and you walk away with a better picture of how people lived, worked, and played here.

6. Get Outdoors at Leroy Percy State Park

If you want a nature break, head about 20–25 miles southeast of Greenville to Leroy Percy State Park in Washington County. It’s Mississippi’s oldest state park and has a peaceful, old-fashioned feel. Here you can:
  • Walk shaded trails through cypress and hardwood trees
  • Fish in the park’s lake
  • Have a picnic under tall pines
You might even spot alligators in the nearby wildlife management areas, so always keep a safe distance and follow park guidelines. Whether you’re traveling with kids, your partner, or solo, this park is a calm spot to stretch your legs and enjoy the quieter side of the Delta.

7. Try Delta Catfish and Southern Comfort Food

You can’t talk about things to do in Greenville without mentioning the food. This is Delta catfish country, and you’ll find plenty of local restaurants serving it hot and crispy. Typical plates often include:
  • Fried catfish fillets or whole fish
  • Hushpuppies and coleslaw
  • Greens, cornbread, and maybe mac and cheese
Beyond catfish, look for:
  • Barbecue with slow-smoked ribs or pulled pork
  • Soul food and meat-and-three style spots
  • Local diners serving hearty breakfasts and sweet tea by the gallon
Tip: Ask a local, “Where’s your favorite place for catfish?” People in Greenville usually have strong opinions—and great recommendations.

8. Drive the Great River Road and Delta Highways

One of the best ways to experience Greenville and Washington County is simply to drive. Take a ride along:
  • The Great River Road (following the Mississippi River)
  • Highway 61, the famous “Blues Highway”
Along the way you’ll see:
  • Flat cotton fields stretching for miles
  • Old country churches and small communities
  • Levees, oxbow lakes, and big Delta skies
It’s not a flashy, touristy drive. Instead, it’s slow and open—perfect if you like backroads and discovering places at your own pace. Stop for photos, grab a snack at a gas station, and just let the Delta roll by your windows.

9. Visit Nearby Delta Towns and Blues Landmarks

Greenville makes a handy base for exploring other famous Delta spots in the region. With a short drive, you can reach:
  • Clarksdale – About 1.5 hours north, known for live blues clubs and the famous “Crossroads” legend.
  • Cleveland – Home to the GRAMMY Museum® Mississippi and a growing arts and music scene.
  • Indianola – Roughly an hour away, where you’ll find the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center.
These towns aren’t in Washington County, but they’re close enough for easy day trips from Greenville. If your goal is a Mississippi Delta road trip, Greenville is a comfortable, central place to sleep, eat, and plan your routes.

10. Enjoy Local Festivals, Fairs, and Community Events

Throughout the year, Greenville and Washington County host events that show off local flavor. Depending on when you visit, you might catch:
  • Food festivals featuring catfish, barbecue, or regional dishes
  • Art and cultural events highlighting Delta writers, painters, and musicians
  • Seasonal fairs and holiday celebrations
These events are great chances to:
  • Meet friendly locals
  • Hear live music
  • Sample regional food and crafts
Before your trip, it’s smart to check Greenville’s tourism or city websites, or local social media pages, to see what’s happening during your stay.

Planning Your Trip to Greenville, Mississippi

Here are a few quick tips to make your visit smoother:
  • When to go: Spring and fall often bring comfortable temperatures. Summers can be hot and humid, but evenings by the river feel nice.
  • How to get around: You’ll want a car. Distances aren’t huge, but public transportation is limited.
  • Trip style: Greenville is perfect if you like relaxed, unhurried travel with history, music, and local food instead of big city attractions.
If you’re used to fast-paced cities, think of Greenville as a chance to slow down, talk to people, and really soak in the Delta atmosphere.

Share Your Greenville Experience

Have you ever been to Greenville, Mississippi or anywhere in Washington County? Did you walk the levee, try the catfish, or hear live blues that stuck with you? Tell us about it in the comments! What was your favorite thing to do in Greenville, and what would you recommend to first-time visitors? And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends or family planning a road trip through the Mississippi Delta. The more people discover places like Greenville, the more these small river towns can keep their culture and stories alive.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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