A number of historic attractions are located a short distance from Natchez State Park. Some of the more interesting ones are Natchez Under-the-Hill, Emerald Mound, the start of the Natchez Trace Parkway, Grand Village of the Natchez Indians, Old South Winery, the Mississippi River, historic Jefferson College, and a multitude of antebellum homes. And since you're going to be in the area, a few other fascinating attractions that you don't want to pass up are just a short drive north of the park near Port Gibson. Those are Grand Gulf State Military Monument, Grand Gulf Nuclear Station, First Presbyterian Church, (the church with the 12-foot tall gold hand on top of the steeple), and Windsor Ruins.

For more information about Natchez State Park and what it has to offer, contact the park office at (601) 442-2658.

AUGUST
Roosevelt State Park
My final choice -- and one of my favorites -- is Roosevelt State Park. Conveniently located between Meridian and Jackson on U.S. Interstate 20 at Morton, Roosevelt offers an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities wrapped in a picturesque setting. The park's scenic overlook provides a panoramic view of the Bienville National Forest.

The largest bass in Mississippi history -- a largemouth weighing 18.15 pounds -- was caught in Natchez Lake in 1992.

Shadow Lake is the centerpiece of Roosevelt State Park. Although it isn't one of the largest state-operated lakes at 160 acres, what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in opportunities for fishing. Bass and catfish are popular targets, but the bream are what Shadow Lake is best known for. Unlike many of the state park lakes, Shadow offers excellent shoreline fishing around much of the lake. However, a launch is available for those who prefer to fish by boat.

Roosevelt State Park is one of the most family oriented state parks in Mississippi, when you look at it from the standpoint of all-around outdoor fun and the wide selection of activities and facilities available.

The lodging options available at Roosevelt are a perfect example. The park features a 20-unit Motel Lodge, with one unit handicap accessible. Each of these units is furnished with bed and bath linens, basic kitchen equipment, TV and telephone. Then there are the 15 cabins with similar furnishings and all affording beautiful views of Shadow Lake. All cabins are air-conditioned, feature screened-in porches and accommodate four to 12 people. Or if you need something larger, the park's eight air-conditioned dormitory-style cabins accommodate 16 persons each. Additionally, 109 sites are available for RV camping, featuring picnic tables and grills. All sites include electrical and water hookups, with 81 of those also having sewer hook-ups. Finally, a scenic wooded area on the upper end of Shadow Lake is available for tent camping.

Roosevelt provides a number of other activities that are certain to appeal to the whole family. The Visitor's Center houses the park office, a video game room, and a souvenir shop, featuring a variety of Mississippi gift items. The adjoining swimming pool is open for two sessions per day. Twenty picnic sites complete with grills are located throughout the park, many affording beautiful lakeside views. Four nature trails wind through the park, providing an unobstructed view of native trees, flowers, and wildlife. Two lighted tennis courts and a lighted softball field are available to guests at Roosevelt. Water skiing is permitted on Shadow Lake from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Like most state parks, playground equipment is also available at Roosevelt.

To find out more about everything Roosevelt State Park has to offer, call the park office at (601) 732-6316.

Find more about Mississippi fishing and hunting at: MississippiGameandFish.com