Starkville, Mississippi: 10 Fun Things To Do Nearby

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10 Fun Things To Do In and Around Starkville, Mississippi

Starkville, Mississippi may be best known as the home of Mississippi State University, but this college town in Oktibbeha County has a lot more going on than just football Saturdays. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip, visiting a college student, or just passing through on Highway 82, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Starkville and nearby. From local food and live music to outdoor trails and small-town charm, this guide covers 10 great ways to enjoy Starkville, MS.

1. Experience Game Day at Mississippi State University

If you really want to feel the energy of Starkville, plan your visit during a Mississippi State Bulldogs home game. On football Saturdays, the whole town turns maroon and white. You’ll see tailgates set up hours before kickoff, hear cowbells ringing all over campus, and smell barbecue drifting through the air. Some ideas for a game day experience:
  • Walk through Davis Wade Stadium, one of the oldest stadiums in college football.
  • Join a tailgate on the Drill Field or around the Junction.
  • Check out the MSU campus before the game – it’s especially pretty in the fall.
Not visiting during football season? Don’t worry. There are still plenty of MSU sports to enjoy: baseball at Dudy Noble Field, basketball at Humphrey Coliseum, and more. College sports are a big part of life in Starkville, so catching a game is one of the best things to do in town.

2. Stroll and Shop in Downtown Starkville

Downtown Starkville has that classic Southern small-town look, with brick buildings, local shops, and walkable streets. You can easily spend a few hours just wandering around:
  • Browse local boutiques for MSU gear, home décor, and gifts.
  • Grab a coffee from a local café and people-watch on the sidewalk.
  • Look for murals and public art scattered around the area.
On certain weekends, downtown hosts festivals, live music, and community events. If you’re planning a trip, it’s worth checking the local calendar to see what’s happening while you’re in Starkville.

3. Eat Your Way Around Starkville’s Food Scene

For a town its size, Starkville has a surprisingly strong food scene. If you love trying local restaurants when you travel, you’ll be happy here. You’ll find:
  • Classic Southern cooking – fried catfish, biscuits, and plenty of comfort food.
  • Barbecue joints with slow-smoked meat and all the fixings.
  • Casual spots perfect for burgers, pizza, or wings on game day.
One fun way to explore is to plan your day around meals:
  • Breakfast near campus.
  • Lunch downtown.
  • Dinner at a local favorite and maybe dessert at a bakery or ice cream shop.
If you’ve ever judged a town by its restaurants, Starkville holds up well. It’s easy to see why so many Mississippi State alumni come back just to eat at their old favorite spots.

4. Wander Through the Cotton District

The Cotton District is one of Starkville’s most unique neighborhoods. It sits between downtown Starkville and the MSU campus and has a very different feel from other parts of town. Expect:
  • Colorful buildings with balconies and porches.
  • Cobblestone-style streets and walkways.
  • A mix of student housing, restaurants, and bars.
At night and on weekends, especially during the school year, the Cotton District can be lively. It’s a popular place to:
  • Grab dinner and a drink.
  • Meet up with friends.
  • Enjoy the atmosphere between campus and downtown.
If you like walkable neighborhoods with personality, put the Cotton District on your list of things to do in Starkville.

5. Explore the Mississippi State University Campus

Even if you’re not visiting for a game, the MSU campus itself is worth a slow walk or drive. It’s one of the top attractions in Starkville. Highlights include:
  • The Drill Field – the big grassy center of campus, perfect for a stroll.
  • Classic red-brick academic buildings and newer modern facilities.
  • Beautiful trees and landscaping, especially nice in spring and fall.
If you’re traveling with a high school student, this can double as an informal college visit. And if you’re just a curious visitor, you’ll still appreciate the mix of history and growth you see all over campus.

6. Get Outside at the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge

Looking for outdoor things to do near Starkville? Head about 20–30 minutes southeast to the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, which stretches into Oktibbeha County and the surrounding area. This large protected area offers:
  • Hiking and walking trails through woods and along water.
  • Wildlife watching – you may see deer, alligators, birds, and other animals.
  • Fishing and boating (check local rules and seasons).
There are observation decks where you can look out over lakes and wetlands. On a quiet morning or late afternoon, the views can be beautiful and peaceful. If your idea of a good trip includes getting away from traffic and screens for a while, this refuge is a great escape just outside Starkville.

7. Enjoy Art, Culture, and Live Performances

For a small city, Starkville has a steady stream of arts and culture, much of it connected to Mississippi State University and local organizations. Depending on when you visit, you might:
  • See a theater production at a campus or community venue.
  • Catch a concert or live music at a local bar, restaurant, or performance hall.
  • Visit a gallery exhibit featuring student or regional artists.
If you like to mix culture into your trips, keep an eye out for posters around downtown Starkville and the MSU campus. It’s common to find something going on somewhere in town, especially during the school year.

8. Take a Scenic Drive Through Oktibbeha County

Once you’ve explored Starkville itself, it’s worth taking a little time to drive the backroads of Oktibbeha County. Why?
  • You’ll see rolling fields, forests, and small communities that show a quieter side of Mississippi.
  • There are plenty of churches, old homes, and rural landscapes that make for nice photos.
  • The roads around Starkville are generally easy to navigate and not too crowded.
If you’re used to big-city driving, a relaxed country drive with the windows down can be a simple but memorable part of your trip. Pack a drink, turn on some music, and just see where the road takes you for an hour or two.

9. Visit Local Parks and Green Spaces

Starkville has several parks and outdoor spots where you can stretch your legs, especially if you’re traveling with kids or pets. While the exact park you choose may depend on where you’re staying, you can look for:
  • Walking paths for a short, easy stroll.
  • Playgrounds and open fields for kids to burn off energy.
  • Sports fields or courts if you want to throw a ball or shoot some hoops.
On nice days, you’ll see locals walking dogs, jogging, or just sitting on benches enjoying the weather. These parks may not be “tourist attractions” in the usual sense, but they’re part of what makes Starkville feel like home to the people who live there.

10. Join a Local Event or Festival

One of the best ways to experience Starkville, MS is to line up your visit with a local event. Throughout the year, the city and the university host all kinds of gatherings, such as:
  • Seasonal festivals and community celebrations.
  • Farmers’ markets with local produce and crafts.
  • Food or music events that bring the whole town together.
These events are great places to:
  • Meet locals and students.
  • Try local food and drinks.
  • Listen to live music and enjoy the atmosphere.
If you’re planning a trip, take a minute to search for “Starkville MS events” or check city and university websites. You might find something fun happening the very weekend you’re in town.

Final Thoughts: Why Starkville Deserves a Spot on Your Travel List

Starkville, Mississippi isn’t a huge city, but that’s part of its charm. It has:
  • The energy of a college town.
  • The friendliness of a small Southern community.
  • Easy access to nature and outdoor activities in Oktibbeha County and beyond.
If you’re looking for a place that feels genuine, laid-back, and welcoming, Starkville is worth a visit—whether you’re touring Mississippi State University, driving across the state, or planning a short Mississippi getaway.

Share Your Starkville Experience

Have you been to Starkville or Oktibbeha County?
  • What was your favorite thing to do in Starkville?
  • Did you discover a great restaurant or hidden gem we should know about?
Drop a comment with your tips, stories, or questions about visiting Starkville, MS. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with a friend who’s planning a trip through Mississippi or thinking about visiting Mississippi State University. Your ideas and experiences help other travelers discover new things to do in and around Starkville!
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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