Recreation
Dancing Rabbit Festival
Festivals
Dancing Rabbit Festival
4th Saturday of October in historic downtown Macon
This fun-filled family annual event celebrates Noxubee County’s heritage. The first festival was held in 1987 named for the 1830 Treaty at the Dancing Rabbit Creek that was signed between the Choctaw tribe and the U. S. Government.
The Dancing Rabbit Festival is held on four blocks in historic downtown Macon with focus around the courthouse. Festivities include
- approximately 60-80 arts/crafts vendors
- a wide variety of food vendors
- pony rides
- inflatables
- games
- train rides
Train Rides at the Dancing Rabbit Festival
The highlight of the festival is the variety of local to regional entertainers. The cutest baby contest is a crowd favorite especially for the grandparents. The festival offers a fun-filled day for the whole family
Juneteenth Festival – 2nd Saturday of June at Cedar Creek Park
The Juneteenth Festival commemorates the abolition of slavery in the United States. The festival features a wide range of family-oriented entertainment, including games for children, sports demonstrations, exhibits and sales of arts and craft, and a variety of food offerings.
Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge
Outdoor Recreation
Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge
The Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, covering portions of northwestern Noxubee County and two adjacent counties, draws 250,000 visitors annually to enjoy 48,000 acres of woodlands with abundant wildlife. Hunting and fishing are both allowed on the Refuge, and the quality of hunting has been higlighted on national television.
The Refuge includes
- a visitors’ center with a store and educational displays
- a boat ramp for canoeing or fishing
- a goose overlook
- nature and hiking trails
- picnic areas
Noxubee River
The Noxubee Riverflows southeasterly through Noxubee County. It is a State Scenic Stream, joining a select group of rivers and streams recognized by the Mississippi Legislature for its outstanding natural heritage and recreational opportunities. A canoeing and bird watching trail is under construction.
Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway
The Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, a 234-mile constructed link between the Tennessee and Tombigbee rivers, flows through northeastern Noxubee County. Recreational areas on the Tenn-Tom include
- day-use parks
- 7 campgrounds
- 10 lakes for boating or fishing
- many public boat ramps
- wildlife viewing opportunities
Circle M Plantation
On the banks of the Noxubee River in the southwestern corner of the county is Circle M Plantation, a nationally known, privately owned sportsman’s paradise with a history dating back more than 150 years. Once a working cotton plantation, many of its charming historic features have been preserved. The original buildings have been repurposed to serve as lodges, a game room, dining area, and saloon. Attractions include:
- 5,000 acres for hunting quail, deer, doves, and turkey
- a stocked fishing lake
- a skeet field
Sports and Golf Facilities
Noxubee Sportsplex
Noxubee Sportsplex
The sportsplex includes baseball and softball fields, a concession area, and an open air covered arena. Soccer fields and tennis courts are slated for future completion.
Zach Brooks Golf Course
The Zach Brooks Golf Coursein Macon offers a 9-hole course along the banks of the scenic Noxubee River.
Old Waverly Golf Club
Zach Brooks Golf Course
Only 40 miles to the north, the Old Waverly Golf Club offers an 18-hole championship course. It is included in Golf Digest’s prestigious listing of America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses.
Pearl River Resort
The Pearl River Resortin neighboring Neshoba County, about 55 miles from Macon, offers two of the country’s premier 18-hole championship golf courses along with gaming, fine dining, a water park, an luxurious hotel accommodations.
Historical and Cultural Attractions
Noxubee County Historical Trail
The Trail takes visitors on a self-guided sightseeing day trip to see points of historical interest and learn more about southern history. A comprehensive tour book is available from the Noxubee County Economic and Community Development Alliance
Noxubee County Historical Society Museum
The Museum features exhibits depicting the days when Choctaw Indians occupied the land as well as later developments during the county’s history. Artifacts include Choctaw Indian relics and an early post office.
Site Where the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek Was Signed
The site where the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek was signed is recognized as a National Historic Landmark. The treaty, signed in 1830, was the basis for one of the largest land transfers between the United States government and the American Indians in a time of peace.
Eddie The Chief Clearwater with the Black Prairie Blues Trail Marker
The Black Prairie Blues Trail Marker
The Black Prairie Blues Trail marker at the Welcome Center on Jefferson Street in downtown Macon recognizes the contributions that Carey Bell, Willie King, and Eddie “The Chief” Clearwater made to the blues music genre born in the Mississippi Delta. All three went on to achieve worldwide fame with their Chicago-style blues performances.
Macon Historic District
The Macon Historic District encompasses much of the downtown area and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Many examples of antebellum architecture remain from the two years during which Macon was the state capital during the Civil War. One of Mississippi’s largest collections of antebellum homes can be found in Noxubee County.
Noxubee County Library
Noxubee County Library
The unique Noxubee County Libraryon East King Street in Macon is a Mississippi Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places because it is housed in an attractive Romanesque building constructed in 1907 to serve as a jail. Books are shelved inside the former jail cells, and the original gallows may still be seen. It was accorded the 1984 Award of Merit for Adaptive Restoration from the Mississippi Historical Society.
Ole Country Bakery in Brooksville
The Ole Country Bakery in Brooksville is operated by members of the Mennonite community and is widely popular for its traditional Mennonite baked goods. It provides visible and edible evidence of the county’s unique role as home to the largest Mennonite community outside the Midwest.
Recreation Facility
Noxubee County Civic Center
The Civic Center of Noxubee County has
- a conference room
- a 39’x 82’ banquet room with seating for approximately 250
- a caterer’s kitchen
- WiFi availability.
This public facility has been made available by the Noxubee County Board of Supervisors. There is also a large open air arena available for rent. There is a concessions stand with two restrooms and meeting room also at this location.
Noxubee County Recreational Activities
Noxubee Christmas Tree
Whether you prefer outdoor recreation, historic sites, or the excitement of festivals, you’ll find many things to do in Noxubee County. And for additional options, the nearby cities of Columbus, Starkville, and Meridian offer excellent concerts, theater, dining, shopping, and sporting events.
Other special county events include Relay for Life, County Wide Pep Rally, Brooksville Fall Festival, Noxubee Christmas Parade, Frosty Follies, Brooksville Christmas Parade and Sandyland Christmas Parade.
While you’re in Noxubee County, be sure to check out these events and attractions. For more information, contact the Noxubee County Economic and Community Development Alliance.
