What to do in Tunica – Besides Gambling
Tunica, Mississippi is a small city and does not consist of much apart from the casinos. However, a person looking to get away from the gambling action can find other ways to spend their time in this town. If the following options are not enough, the thriving city of Memphis, Tennessee is only a short drive away and all manner of attractions can be found there.
One idea for a recreational activity is to play a round of golf. There are three golf courses in the city and the Tunica National Golf and Tennis Complex is one of the best choices. This course is spread over 212 acres and was built by one of the nation’s most lauded golf architecture firms, McCumber and Associates. The course is suited for both amateur and experienced players, featuring great contour changes found on many holes. Managed by Kemper Golf Management, the course has a great clubhouse and the added benefit of clay tennis courts if that is the game you prefer.
Another golf option that has received national attention is the Grand Casino’s Cottonwoods course.
It was built to resemble the popular golf courses of Scotland, with lakes interspersed between the holes that create many water obstacles to avoid. The greens are made up of Crenshaw bent grass and the fairways are Zoysia. The course can be a difficult challenge, as the professional tee boxes create a 7,000-yard, par 72 course.
The last, but not least, golfing option is the River Bend Golf Course. As the name implies, the course lies directly on the Mississippi River and was built on an old cotton field. Similar to Cottonwoods, this course attempts to recreate the experience of playing on a Scottish course. Players may be surprised to encounter a wild animal such as a deer, fox, or turkey.
Nature and History
Another way players can take a break from the tables and machines is by visiting Tunica’s RiverPark or the Tunica County Museum. This complex is built on the banks of the Mississippi River and has nature trails, a harbor, and a marina. A walk through this park can be very relaxing and will remind visitors of childhood stories like Mark Twain’s “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” The RiverPark also features an aquarium with many different examples of aquatic life from the river. Visitors coming to the park may either opt for a guided tour or can explore the facilities on their own. The park is open every day of the year except for Christmas and can be visited from 9am-5pm.
The Tunica County Museum is located slightly south of the casinos and explores the development of the city and region. A history is drawn from early Native American settlements to the current occupation by the casino corporations, focusing on what life was like living in Tunica throughout the history of the city. Additional exhibits feature wildlife of the area and a video that helps prepare visitors for the tour. Best of all, this learning adventure is provided by the city free of charge for visitors.