GRAMMY MUSEUM MISSISSIPPI

GRAMMY Museum Mississippi in Cleveland is an exciting, interactive celebration of the power of music. Located on historical Highway 8, this 28,000-square-foot museum features more than two dozen exhibits exploring genres from rock and hip-hop to country, classical, Latin, R&B, and jazz. Visitors can experience a 130-seat state-of-the-art soundstage and enjoy educational programs, films, lectures, and intimate live performances. Engaging, educational, and inspiring, GRAMMY Museum Mississippi is a must-visit destination for music lovers of all ages.

Hwy 61 and the Mississippi Blues Trail

Rock and Roll grew from the blues—and the blues were born in the Mississippi Delta. Legends like Robert Johnson, Charley Patton, B.B. King, Son House, and Muddy Waters all hail from within 35 miles of Cleveland, making it the perfect base for exploring Delta music history. Just minutes from town, Dockery Farms—the birthplace of the blues—draws music lovers from around the world, while nearby Rosedale is tied to the legendary crossroads. In Merigold, the historic Po’ Monkey’s Lounge, now closed, remains a must-see site on the Mississippi Blues Trail for its iconic role in Delta music. A short drive north brings you to Clarksdale, home of the Delta Blues Museum and other legendary music spots. Greenwood and Greenville are dotted with Mississippi Blues Trail markers and historic sites. From live music and museums to scenic Delta roads, Cleveland puts you in the heart of blues country.

Cleveland: The Heart of Mississippi Pottery

Just minutes from Cleveland, McCarty’s Pottery in Merigold and Peter’s Pottery in historic Mound Bayou are celebrated worldwide for their elegant, functional, and artistic pieces, each featuring distinctive glazes that make them some of the most sought-after pottery in the country. McCarty’s also offers al fresco lunches in a serene, Asian-inspired garden, making a visit a full sensory experience. With pottery studios and galleries throughout the region, Cleveland is the perfect base for discovering the Delta’s rich ceramic artistry.

historic downtown main street

Cleveland’s historic Crosstie District is a must-visit for shoppers exploring the Delta. This walkable downtown is packed with curated boutiques, art galleries, antique shops, and restaurants, offering everything from pottery and fashion to décor and unique gifts. Mid-morning? Grab a coffee. Afternoon craving? Treat yourself to ice cream. The district also features a scenic walking trail, a charming sculpture garden, and the Cleveland-Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce, making it the perfect hub for visitors. Just outside the city, a short, picturesque drive leads to more eclectic shops in surrounding towns, making Cleveland the ultimate home base for Delta shopping.

local Dining

Cleveland satisfies every appetite with a wide variety of dining experiences and authentic Mississippi Delta flavors. From fine dining and soul food to crawfish, hot tamales, barbecue, burgers, and authentic Mexican—or just a quick, quality bite—there’s something for everyone. Enjoy award-winning lunches and dinners, rooftop eateries, and fresh breakfasts in unique, historic settings. For pre-dinner drinks, appetizers, and lively after-hours music, Cleveland has you covered. With so many options, every meal is a chance to savor the Delta.

Honoring Black History: The Civil Rights Trail

Cleveland and the Mississippi Delta are rich with sites that celebrate African American history, culture, and civic milestones. Explore the Amzie Moore House and Interpretive Center, where leaders like Bob Moses, Stokely Carmichael, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. planned key Civil Rights activities. Visit the historic City of Mound Bayou, one of the first communities founded by freed African Americans, or discover cultural landmarks like Rosedale, where Robert Johnson elevated the Delta blues, and the B.B. King Museum in nearby Indianola. Cleveland is the perfect base for exploring these historic sites and experiencing the profound events that shaped the region. For more information and tour opportunities, be sure to visit the Delta Center for Learning and Culture at Delta State University.

Terrene Landing

While Cleveland isn’t directly on the river, it’s the perfect base for exploring the Mississippi River. Just a short drive along the Great River Road brings you to Terrene Landing in Rosedale, where sweeping Delta views meet the river’s natural beauty. Watch steamboats glide by, spot wildlife, or simply enjoy a picnic while taking in the tree-lined banks of Arkansas and breathtaking Delta sunsets. For the adventurous, Great River Road State Park offers trails to the river’s edge, and MS Delta River Excursions lets you experience the river firsthand with half- and full-day fishing trips, artifact hunts, or sunset cruises with refreshments. Cleveland puts the best of the Mississippi River within easy reach.

Delta State University

Cleveland is proud to be home to historic Delta State University, where unique Delta attractions and the beloved “Fighting Okra” football team await—don’t leave town without a Fighting Okra sweatshirt! Explore the “Living Masks” of Mississippi blues legends, the Delta Chinese Heritage Museum, the Boo Ferris Museum, one of the state’s few sculpture gardens, and Mississippi’s only university-sponsored planetarium. The campus also features GRAMMY Museum Mississippi and the Bologna Performing Arts Center, hosting dozens of concerts, shows, and events throughout the year. With so much to see and do, Delta State University is a must-visit destination in Cleveland.

Martin and Sue King Railroad Museum

The Cleveland Railroad Museum is a must-visit for families and history buffs alike. Featuring one of the largest O-gauge model railroads in the country set in a stunning, detailed diorama, the museum also showcases thousands of artifacts, photographs, and documents highlighting the impact of railroads in the Mississippi Delta—including a real caboose! With hands-on activities for kids and engaging exhibits for all ages, it’s fun whether you’re a “railhead” or not. Located downtown just steps from the Visitor Center, the museum is the perfect starting point for your Delta family getaway.

Mathews-sanders Sculpture Garden

The Mathews-Sanders Sculpture Garden is one of the largest in the South, featuring over 50 striking sculptures from around the world. Located on the Delta State University campus just across from GRAMMY Museum Mississippi, with additional pieces along the Historic Downtown Main Street walking trail and at the Bologna Performing Arts Center, the garden makes art accessible throughout the city. It’s a fun and inspiring experience for both kids and adults, offering a chance to explore, learn, and connect with the stories behind each work.

ms Delta chinese heritage museum

The Mississippi Delta Chinese Heritage Museum highlights the unique history and lasting contributions of Chinese families in the Mississippi Delta. Rooted in the region’s rich agricultural and cultural heritage, the museum shares stories of entrepreneurship, family life, and community that helped shape Delta towns for generations. Through thoughtfully curated exhibits, photographs, and personal histories, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the diverse influences that make the Mississippi Delta such a distinctive and vibrant place. The museum is located on the third floor of the Charles W. Capps, Jr. Archives & Museum building.

the baby doll house

The historic Burrus House (Baby Doll House) in Benoit, Mississippi—an antebellum home nestled in the Mississippi Delta—was the filming location for Elia Kazan’s 1956 movie Baby Doll. Tennessee Williams, who co-wrote the screenplay, helped shape the Southern Gothic story that brought the house to cinematic fame. With its Greek Revival architecture and grand interiors, the home perfectly captures the charm of the Delta’s antebellum past. Today, fully restored, the “Baby Doll House” is open for special events, offering visitors a unique blend of film history and Southern heritage.

cleveland farmers market

The Cleveland Farmers Market features fresh, locally grown and produced fruits, vegetables, eggs, honey, nuts, baked goods, jams and jellies, pickled vegetables and other unique Mississippi Delta items.

Where Culture Comes Alive

For unforgettable Mississippi Delta events, Cleveland is the place to be. The Bologna Performing Arts Center (BPAC) hosts national touring acts, concerts, films, and comedy year-round, with overnight packages for visitors. Downtown, the historic Ellis Theater features concerts from up-and-coming musicians through Deep Roots. Explore the Martin and Sue King Railroad Heritage Museum, one of the Southeast’s largest train dioramas, or spend a day at Delta State University visiting the Mississippi Delta Chinese Heritage Museum, Cast of Blues Exhibit, Mathews-Sanders Sculpture Garden, and Wiley Planetarium.

Cleveland’s Crosstie District downtown is a hub for galleries, dining, and shopping, and hosts signature events like the Crosstie Arts Festival each spring and Octoberfest in the fall, drawing artisans from across the region. For a more casual night out, check out live music and trivia at Hey Joe’s. With something happening year-round, Cleveland offers endless ways to enjoy arts, culture, and live entertainment.