Things To Do
in Booneville

Booneville, Mississippi sits at coordinates 34.6643, -88.5684 as a small Southern town known for its friendly atmosphere and historic downtown. The courthouse square anchors a cluster of local shops, diners, and museums that reveal the area’s heritage. It’s a welcoming base for exploring rural Mississippi with easy access to nearby parks and countryside.

Visitors can enjoy Southern hospitality, slower-paced days, and authentic regional flavors in a compact, walkable setting.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Explore the Great Outdoors
morning
:

Start your day with a refreshing hike in the Ozark National Forest, taking in the stunning vistas and diverse flora. Enjoy breakfast at a local café that serves homemade biscuits and gravy. Breathe in the fresh morning air as you spot unique bird species along the trails.

afternoon
:

After lunch, take a scenic drive to the picturesque White River for some fishing or kayaking. You can also arrange a guided tour to learn about the area's natural history and geology. Spend the afternoon soaking up the sun and taking in the serene beauty of the river.

evening
:

As the sun sets, gather around a campfire at a campground to share stories and roast marshmallows. Opt for a casual dinner in Booneville, where you can savor local BBQ or Southern comfort food. Conclude your evening by stargazing and enjoying the tranquility of the outdoors.

day 2
Discover Local History
morning
:

Begin your day with breakfast at a diner renowned for its hearty options, then visit the Logan County Museum to delve into the rich history of Booneville. Engage with local artifacts and exhibits showcasing the railroad and agricultural heritage of the area. Take a stroll through the historic downtown to appreciate the architecture and charm of the town.

afternoon
:

For lunch, stop by a nearby farm-to-table restaurant that highlights local ingredients. Afterwards, tour the Booneville Depot and explore the stories of communities that thrived with the arrival of the railroad. Consider visiting local antique shops to find unique keepsakes or gifts.

evening
:

Dine at a cozy restaurant that offers delicious seasonal dishes. Share a bottle of regional wine as you enjoy a relaxed meal with outdoor seating. Wrap up your evening with a walk along the nearby riverbank, reflecting on the day's discoveries.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
Coffee or beverage$2-5
🏨One night in a mid-range hotel$80-120
🛒Groceries for a week$60-120
🚗Gasoline (per gallon)$3-4

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Small-town charm and friendly locals
  • Access to outdoor recreation and nearby parks
  • Affordable costs and traditional Southern cuisine
  • Compact, walkable downtown
  • Quiet evenings with community events
  • Limited nightlife and dining options compared to cities
  • Some services may be cash-only or smaller in scale
  • Limited public transportation
  • Hot and humid summers can be uncomfortable
  • Hospital options may require travel to larger towns for specialized care

Places to Visit in Booneville

Visit one of these nice places.

Booneville Courthouse Square at sunrise

Historic courthouse with stately trees and period streetscape—ideal for moody early light.

Old Booneville Railroad Depot

Historic rail structure with vintage signage and rail lines—great for architectural shots.

Prentiss County Heritage Museum grounds

Outdoor displays and classic signage that capture regional legacy and character.

Rural countryside and creeks along paved country roads

Open fields, creeks, and rural vistas offer timeless Southern landscapes.

Culinary Guide

Food in Booneville

Booneville’s cuisine centers on Southern comfort food, regional barbecue, and homemade pastries, served with hospitality in a town-friendly setting.

Booneville Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Barbecue Pork Sandwich

Slow-smoked pork with tangy sauce, typically found at local diners and casual eateries along the courthouse square.

Must-Try!

Country-Style Fried Catfish

Crispy fried catfish served with hush puppies and slaw at family-owned restaurants.

Pecan Pie

Classic Southern dessert available at bakeries and cafés; best enjoyed with a cup of coffee.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Booneville Farmers Market

Seasonal produce, honey, jams, and crafts; open on Saturdays during peak market season.

Climate Guide

Weather

Booneville experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers, mild winters, and four distinct seasons.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Polite greetings and friendly conversation are common; a handshake or wave is typical.

Church and community norms

Church and local events are important social hubs; dress modestly for visits and services.

Tobacco and alcohol

Conventional rural norms apply; respect private property and keep noise reasonable in residential areas.

Safety Guide

Safety

General safety is good; practice standard travel precautions, lock vehicles, stay aware in crowds, and have emergency numbers (911) handy.

Tipping in Booneville

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants, a standard 15-20% tip is customary; small tips for counter-service are appreciated.

Payment Methods

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; carrying some cash is useful for markets and smaller shops.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures with blooming dogwoods and azaleas; ideal for walking tours and outdoor markets.

Summer

Hot and humid; plan early mornings and evenings; thunderstorms can develop in the afternoons.

Autumn

Comfortable temps and colorful foliage; excellent for hikes and scenic drives.

Winter

Cool to mild; occasional frost; some attractions may have shorter seasonal hours.

Nightlife Guide

Booneville at Night

Booneville offers a quiet, small-town nightlife with local bars, coffee houses, and occasional live music at community venues. Expect relaxed evenings rather than a large club scene, with opportunities to mingle with locals at weekend events.

Hiking in Booneville

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Tishomingo State Park Trails

A scenic park with bluff formations, forested trails, and varied difficulty levels suitable for day hikes.

Tombigbee National Forest Trails

Forest trails offering serene scenery, creeks, and quiet backcountry routes a short drive from Booneville.

Natchez Trace Parkway segments

Historic byways with overlooks and gentle trails nearby, ideal for easy scenic hikes and day trips.

Airports

How to reach Booneville by plane.

Tupelo Regional Airport (TUP)

Regional airport about 50-70 miles southeast offering domestic flights and car rental; convenient for quick trips.

Memphis International Airport (MEM)

Major hub roughly 130-170 miles north with extensive domestic and international connections.

Getting Around

Walkability

Booneville has a compact downtown with a walkable core around the courthouse square; sidewalks connect shops, eateries, and the museum, but longer attractions or rural routes may require a car.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Residents

A family-oriented community with a mix of longtime residents and newcomers from surrounding counties.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football

High schools and local leagues are community focal points and bring crowds on Friday nights.

Baseball and softball

Seasonal leagues and school programs are common in the region.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally light to moderate in Booneville; main roads are two-lane in town and traffic increases on regional routes during peak travel times. Public transit is limited, so most visitors rely on a car or rideshare in nearby towns.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Booneville.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many diners offer veggie plates or salads; ask for fresh vegetable options and sides.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Local healthcare includes small clinics and a regional hospital nearby; for major care, residents may travel to larger cities such as Tupelo or Memphis.

Discover United States

Read more in our United States 2025 Travel Guide.

United States Travel Guide