Historic Attractions

B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center
400 Second Street Indianola
662-887-9539
Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00am – 6:00pm, Sunday 1:00pm – 5:00pm. Closed Mondays (except by special arrangement), Thanksgiving Day, and December 25.

The B.B. King Museum is a 20,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility which uses the life story of world renowned blues artist, and native son, Riley (B.B.) King, as a framework to tell about the Mississippi Delta region and the origins and influence of blues music. Centered around the last standing brick cotton gin in Mississippi, the Museum uses artifact displays, interactive exhibits and audio/visual presentations to celebrate the talent and perseverance of this talented musician and the land he calls home.

B.B. King’s corner and MS Blues Trail Marker
Corner of Church Street and Second Street Indianola

“Like a good fishing hole” is the way B.B. King described this spot where he played blues to passersby early in his career. Located in front of a local bakery, across from the county courthouse, and at the entrance to lively Church Street, this location attracted an audience that would encourage the career of one of America’s most influential musicians. Around the corner is a painted mural honoring Indianola’s favorite son.

Charlie Patton’s Gravesite and MS Blues Trail Marker
St. Rest Plantation cemetery Holly Ridge, MS

In the shadow of a modern working cotton gin lies a nondescript country cemetery. Deep among the primitive headstones is the final resting ground of pioneer bluesman, Charlie Patton. Patton is considered the Founder of Delta Blues for his role in defining not only the musical genre, but also the image and lifestyle of the rambling Mississippi bluesman. The descriptive Blues Trail Marker bears informative photographs and narrative. Patton’s headstone was donated by rock singer John Fogerty long after Patton’s death in 1934.

Wayne and Minnie Cox Park
Faisonia and Catchings Avenue
This site was once the home of Wayne and Minnie Cox, prominent African American residents who organized the Delta Penny Savings Bank that operated until the 1920’s. Mrs. Minnie Cox rose to prominence in 1891 when President Benjamin Harrison appointed her as Indianola’s postmistress, the first black postmistress in the United States. The home site is now a city park near Indianola’s post office, equipped with swing sets, slides, a walking trail, tennis courts, and picnic tables.

Freedom School Site
676 Jefferson Street

A Mississippi Historic Marker now stands at the site of the Indianola Freedom School. Destroyed by a firebomb in 1965, the school was targeted for serving as a school for African Americans and as a center for voter registration in the turbulent civil rights era.

Where the Southern Crosses the Yellow Dog
Downtown Moorhead, MS

The site immortalized in the lyrics of W.C. Handy 1915 blues song “Yellow Dog Blues”, this point marks the intersection of two major railroad lines, northbound Yazoo and Mississippi Valley Railroad (the “Yellow Dog”) and westbound Southern Railroad. Riding on the railroad was a common theme in blues songs – a metaphor for travel and escape.

Live Entertainment

Club Ebony and MS Blues Trail Marker
404 Hannah Street, Indianola
662-887-2264
Thursday 3:00pm – 12:00am, Friday and Saturday 11:00am – 12:00am, Sunday 3:00pm – 12:00am

Club Ebony, one of the most famous hot spots on the Mississippi Blues Trail, still serves up live music on Sunday evenings. Since 1945 it has hosted Count Basie, Ray Charles, James Brown, Ike Turner, Little Milton, Willie Clayton, Bobby Bland, and blues legends Howlin’ Wolf and B.B. King, as told on the MS Blues Trail marker outside. Under new ownership (Mr. B. B. King himself!), this “refreshed” blues club honors the blues legends while ushering in the next generation of blues artists. It also serves lunch Wednesday through Sunday.

The Gin Mill Galleries
109 Pershing Avenue Indianola
662-887-3209
Tuesday and Wednesday 11:00am – 2:00pm, Thursday – Sunday 11:00am – 2:00pm, 6:00pm - until

Live entertainment on weekends pays homage to the blues inside this circa 1920’s cotton gin, next door to the B.B. King Museum. Proudly displaying the works of many Mississippi artists and craftsmen, the Gin Mill Galleries sells antiques and gifts, as well as hosts book signings and art exhibits. Lunch and dinner are served.

Mid-Delta Arts Association
315 Main Street Indianola
662-887-4454

In the heart of Indianola’s arts area is Indianola’s “Little Theatre.” Started in 1978, the Mid-Delta Arts Association produces several successful theater productions each year. The surprising talent of local thespians has shown in productions such as Annie, The Wizard of Oz, Nunsense, and frequently hosts local vocalists such as The Generations.