Facts for Tourists


 

·         Hazlehurst is located on the Interstate 55 corridor between New Orleans, LA and Jackson, MS. It is a convenient day trip from either city or you may want to stay overnight and enjoy the quaint atmosphere of this Southern bluestown. Several motels and camping grounds provide comfortable accommodations.

 

Hours to Hazlehurst by Car

Jackson

.5 hours

Vicksburg

1 hour

Natchez

2 hours

New Orleans

2.5 hours

MS Gulf Coast

3 hours

Clarksdale

3.5 hours

Memphis

3.5 hours

 

  • Hop the Blues Train, The City of New Orleans to Hazlehurst.  Routed from Chicago to New Orleans with stops in Memphis and Hazlehurst, this train whistles the history of the blues—the Chicago scene, Beale Street, Railroad Row and Bourbon Street. The City of New Orleans accommodations include: sleeping car, coach, and sightseer lounge/café car.

 

  • Music Enthusiasts

 

Hazlehurst was listed on the Mississippi Blues Trail in 2006.

                       

    • Robert Johnson Walking and Driving Tour

Retrace the steps of Robert Johnson during the years of 1930-31—the period of time that Johnson spent in the city of his birthplace. Legend says that he came to find his father and never found him. Truth is that while Johnson was in Hazlehurst, he went from a mediocre musician to one of the greatest talents of all time. It happened here!

 

    • Sidetracks Grill

Make a stop in Hazlehurst to visit the birthplace of Robert Johnson and hear blues played at Sidetracks Grill on Ragsdale Avenue, also known as Railroad Row. Listen to the amazing local blues talent or catch a famous blues musician who likes to stop by and “play Hazlehurst.” You could find Sonny Ridell or Rory Block or Rocky Lawrence or Robert “The Duke” Tillman.

 

    • The Robert Johnson Blues and Heritage Festival--May

Hazlehurst and the Robert Johnson Blues Foundation will celebrate the birthday of Robert Johnson on May 5th. Come join us for this year’s festival. Hear gospel performances in the morning and blues performances in the afternoon/evening.  Bobby Rush will perform this year!

 

    • Hazlehurst Gospel Festival—August

One of the year’s highlights in Hazlehurst is the free gospel festival in the sizzling summer. The day’s event is held in front of the courthouse and features the best gospel choirs in Southwestern Mississippi. There are also gospel mime performances and an antique car show. Come sit beneath the huge magnolia trees and watch the festivities.

  • Outdoor Sports/Nature Enthusiasts

 

Hazlehurst is known for its Eastern Turkey and deer hunts and the fish stories you hear are actually true.

 

    • Fishing
      • Lake Hazle—located in the city limits
      • Lake Lincoln State Park—13 miles south
      • Calling Panther Lake and Park—-12 miles northwest
      • Copiah Lake—8 miles north

    • Hunting
      • Hickory Hills Hunting Preserve encompasses several thousand acres in the extreme western part of Copiah County.  Privately managed, this hunting area offers a beautiful lodge, trophy and exotic deer hunting and turkey hunting.

    • Nature Trails/Picnic Areas
      • Lake Hazle—located in the city limits
      • Chatautauqua Park—15 miles north
        • 74 acre park
        • 35 acre lake
        • 3 mile long nature trail

 

Hunting/Fishing License 1-800-5GO-HUNT
  • Golf Enthusiasts
    • Rolling Hills Country Club—7 miles north
    • Wolf Hollow Public Golf Course—9 miles south

  • Flower and Garden Show Lovers—October

The Mississippi State University Experiment Station, located 8 miles north of town, holds a two-day Flower and Garden Show in October. This spectacular annual event boasts many vendors and thousands of people in attendance. Locals attest that this one is not to be missed!

 

  • Nostalgia Buffs

Sometimes you just want to turn-back the clock. Hazlehurst is a step back in time. There are many historic Southern homes and interesting landmarks reminiscent of The Garden District in New Orleans. Once a bustling, progressive city in the late 1800’s through the 1930’s, the town remains known for its “silk stocking district” on Extension Street. A leisurely stroll with camera in hand brings rewarding results. The Depot Museum has displays of railroad artifacts, local history and culture. The antique shops are known for “bargain” shopping and near-by Wesson has Porches, an exceptional restaurant located in an old house. True nostalgia!

 

§         Robert Johnson Fans

o        Hazlehurst is the birthplace of Robert Johnson, but it is also the place where Johnson found his musical talent. Take the Robert Johnson Walking Tour and hear how his genius evolved in one short year.

 

o        Want to meet one of Robert Johnson’s relatives? His son, his grandson? Call to make arrangements: 601-892-7883

 

o        Come by the Heritage House at 201 Downing Street where the Robert Johnson Blues Foundation provides an after school program for disadvantaged youth.

 

o        Stop by the Robert Johnson Center located in the Depot on Ragsdale Avenue.