Hattiesburg
Zoos
HATTIESBURG ZOO
The Hattiesburg Zoo opened its gates on Easter Sunday 1950. Legend has it that the park that houses the zoo, Kamper Park, was a popular place to bring animals of all sorts in the early 1900s. This became a known tradition in the area, so a local women’s club raised money to build a real zoo on the site. When the gates opened on that Easter Sunday, guests were greeted by exotic animals and the spirit of learning that still exists today.
The Zoo has seen a wonderful cast of characters in its day, including the famous elephant, Miss Hattie. Miss Hattie’s personality charmed all who visited. Many visitors recall that she would sway to the music of the carousel. Miss Hattie passed away in 1974 when her dear companion, a one-horned goat, was washed away in a flood. Broken hearted, Hattie laid down, never to get up again. Today, you can find memorial sculptures of Miss Hattie and her little goat just inside the Zoo’s gates.
Like Hattie in her time, today’s beloved Zoo animal is Chewy the Sloth and his family, Mo and Baby Maple. Chewy’s charming personality and his comical slowness delights visitors from all over the world. From Hoffman’s Two Toed Sloths to Howler Monkeys and a Jaguar, the Zoo houses a multitude of animals, all with their own special gifts and personalities. Everyone can find a favorite animal pal at the Hattiesburg Zoo.
Today the Hattiesburg Zoo is constantly growing. Named Best Travel Attraction of the Year by the Mississippi Tourism Association in 2017, the Zoo is also listed as the #1 thing to do in Hattiesburg by TripAdvisor. So what are you waiting for?
Kid-friendly features: Family bathrooms, changing tables in bathrooms, stroller-rental, Bug Hub Playground, Mining Sluice, High Ropes Adventure Course, snow cone caboose, popsicle stand, splash pad, covered pavilions, picnic tables, cabana rental at splash pad, concessions (Safari Grill), train, carousel, gift shop
Admission: Children under 2: FREE
Adults and Children: $5
Military/Seniors (62+): $4 (only on Tuesdays)
Annual passes available
Mining Sluice: Bags start at $5
High Ropes Adventure Course: $6-$13(height requirements apply-closed on Tuesdays)
Train: $2
Carousel: $2
Stroller Rental: $5
Hours: Monday - Thursday: Closed
Friday: 10 AM - 4 PM
Saturday: 10 AM - 4 PM
Sunday: 10 AM - 4 PM
Closed: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas & Christmas Eve, New Year’s Day
Address: 107 S 17th AveHattiesburg, MS 39401
Phone: (601) 545-4576
Photo courtesy of Hattiesburg Zoo
Museums
Mississippi Armed Forces Museum
The Mississippi Armed Forces Museum (MAFM) began in 1984 when two retired military veterans, Donald Evans and Doug White, decided to display their personal collections of war artifacts in a small room inside a warehouse at Camp Shelby. The pair began contacting other soldiers and veterans organizations for items to display, growing the Museum’s collections, and by 1993 the Museum moved to a larger building on Camp Shelby.
In 1999, with the help the Armed Forces Museum Foundation, military veterans, and state and local leaders, the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum was allotted $4.5 million from the Mississippi Legislature to construct a new facility. On October 27, 2001, the new 26,000-square-foot facility was completed at the Museum’s present location.
The facility was renovated in 2015 and was expanded to 36,000 square feet, with 26,000 square feet for exhibition space. The Museum reopened to the public in October 2016 after closing in February 2015 for construction and renovation work. In addition to revamped and new exhibits, a 7,500-square-foot, $2 million dollar addition was made to the facility. The previous center courtyard was enclosed creating the Armed Forces Benefits Association (AFBA) 5-Star Life Grand Gallery, the Museum’s largest new addition to the facility at 5,000 square feet. This gallery provides multi-use space for new exhibits, military ceremonies, civic events, and large-scale traveling exhibits. Two new galleries were also added honoring the state’s 28 Medal of Honor recipients as well as other distinguished veterans from Mississippi.
Admission: Free
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday - 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Closed most federal and state holidays
Address: 1001 Lee AVE W, Building 850, Hattiesburg, MS 39407
Phone: (601) 558-2757
photo courtesy of Mississippi Armed Forces Museum
African American Military History Museum
Opened in 1942, in the segregated army of World War II, the USO Club served as a home away from home for African Americian soldiers stationed at Camp Shelby.
Opened in 1942, in the segregated army of World War II, the USO Club served as a home away from home for African American soldiers stationed at Camp Shelby. This building is the only remaining USO constructed especially for African American soldiers in public use in the United States. It is now listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and is a Mississippi Landmark.
Beginning with the Buffalo Soldiers of the post–Civil War era through the modern-day conflicts of Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom, the museum bears witness to the service and sacrifice of the African American soldier. Hundreds of artifacts, photos and unique displays, including one of the most complete sets of authentic Spanish-American War medals, fill the restored main hall. Each item tells a story of pioneers such as Hattiesburg's own Jesse L. Brown, America's first black naval aviator, and lesser-known heroes such as Ruth Bailey Earl, also of Hattiesburg, whose image and actions represented the more than 500 black nurses who served during World War II.
Their acts of valor and bravery while under fire are presented with honor at Hattiesburg's African American Military History Museum at the Historic USO Club, so that we may be inspired by their courage and patriotism.
Admission: Free
Hours: Wednesday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Address: 305 E 6th St, Hattiesburg, MS 39401
Phone: (601) 450-1942
photo courtesy of African American Military History Museum
State Parks
Paul B. Johnson State Park
Located in the heart of Mississippi's pine belt region, Paul B. Johnson State Park is the gateway to a natural wonderland marked by majestic long-leaf and loblolly pines, delicate dogwoods, and ancient oaks. The deep forests surrounding Paul B. Johnson provides a picturesque setting for a variety of outdoor activities. The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is just a 20-minute drive to the north.
A variety of recreational activities and facilities are available at Paul B. Johnson State Park. Facilities for use include: visitor center and game room, picnic tables and grills, picnic pavilions, playgrounds, splash pad, disc golf, swimming, and nature trails. Fishing, boating, and water skiing are available on Geiger Lake, a 225 acre fresh water lake.
Amenities: Visitor Center, Game Room, and Meeting Room, Picnic Area, Pavilions, Playgrounds, Nature Trails, Beach, and Swimming, Splash Pad, Fishing and Boating, Disc Golf
Admission: A day-use entry fee is charged on a per vehicle basis. Entrance $4 and $.50 per person over 6 people.
Hours: Everyday - 8 AM-5 PM
Address: 319 Geiger Lake Road, Hattiesburg, MS 39401
Phone: (601) 582-7721
photo courtesy of Hattiesburg Parks & Rec
Local Parks
Town Square Park
Town Square Park is a large park in downtown Hattiesburg that is home to local favorites like Live at Five, Summer Tunes, the Farmer’s Market and much more.
Hours: Everyday - 6:30AM–5:30PM
Address: 100 Main St., Hattiesburg, MS 39401
Phone: (601) 466-3481
Kamper Park
This 40-acre park is home to the Hattiesburg Zoo, plus tennis courts, playgrounds & walking trails.
Hours: Sunday - Closed
Monday - Closed
Tuesday - 9AM–4PM
Wednesday - 9AM–4PM
Thursday - 9AM–4PM
Friday - 9AM–4PM
Saturday - 9AM–2PM
Address: 107 S 17th Ave., Hattiesburg, MS 39401
Phone: (601) 545-4576