Local Attractions

Whether you're a native or just passing through, here are some places which are well worth your time and visit. For general information, the friendly staff at Ripley City Hall, the Tippah County Development Foundation, the Ripley Public Library, and the Southern Sentinel newspaper are excellent sources of information.

First Monday (flea market)

First Monday Trade Day was established on July 3, 1893. Held just south of Ripley on the first Monday of every month and the weekend preceding, First Monday is one of the largest flea markets in existence, covering 50 acres. It draws thousands of people to Tippah County from many different places to buy, sell and trade almost anything imaginable.

Clayton Wammack Public Park

Clayton Wammack Public Park is located on MS 15 near Ripley High School. It features lighted tennis courts, a swimming pool, softball, baseball, and Little League fields. There is also a walking and jogging track and a concession stand.

Faulkner Family Burial Plot

At the cemetery is a marble statue of Colonel Faulkner, great-grandfather of award winning author, William Faulkner. Col. Faulkner is, in his own right, one of Ripley's most colorful characters. William Faulkner made reference to the monument in several of his works.

Tippah County Courthouse

Many history and architecture buffs enjoy the unique architecture of the Tippah County Courthouse on the square in Ripley. The courthouse was built in 1870. A previous brick courthouse, built in 1838, was burned by federal troops in 1864.

Tippah County Fair

The Tippah County Fair and Livestock Show is held each August, and unfailingly draws crowds of thousands. The 65th Annual Fair will be held August 8-15, 2009.

Historic Antebellum Homes

Historical homes of interest include the Dr. John Y. Murry home in Ripley. The home was built prior to the Civil War. The Jim Harris home was built in 1884, the Cole Home in 1898, and the W.R. Cole (R.J. Thurman) Home in the 1850s.

Tippah County Historical Museum

Visit Tippah County's historical museum and learn more about our rich history. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Holly Springs National Forest

Holly Springs National Forest offers many activities including hunting for several months of the year.

Brices Crossroads  Battlefield

Located five miles south of the Tippah County line is this historic Civil War battle site.

Tippah County Hospital

Tippah County Hospital serves all of Tippah County as well as surrounding areas. Recently, it partook in a "facelift" to update the equipment as well as other things. At Tippah County Hospital, they not only care about the customer, they care about what the customer thinks about them.

Tippah County Wellness Center

This new Wellness Center is open and ready for your patronage! It has a walking track, an indoor Olympic-size pool, racquetball courts, cardiovascular equipment, weights, aerobics classes, a whirlpool, saunas and steam rooms, and locker rooms with showers and dressing areas. Health promotion classes are offered periodically.  So, if you are looking for a place to tone up that figure, this is the place to be.

Ripley Public Library

The Ripley Public Library is an excellent source of local information, including local records on the early history of the county, as well as genealogical information. If you need help finding a topic , the people here will go out of their way to help you find what you are looking for.

Tippah Lake

Tippah Lake is located about six miles north of Ripley. The lake is 165 acres and features primitive and developed campsites, swimming, boating and boat rentals, as well as a snack bar and picnic tables. Scenic Wicker Mountain is just south of the lake.

Blue Mountain College

Historic Blue Mountain College is located in the town of the same name, about six miles south of Ripley on MS 15. The four-year predominantly women's college was founded in 1873, by General Mark Perrin Lowrey. It is believed to be the oldest senior college for women in the state. The college is supported by the Mississippi Baptist Convention.

Dumas Lake

Dumas Lake is located 10 miles south of Ripley and features picnic areas, boating, fishing, and swimming. Whether you're looking for a place to fish or a place to think,  Dumas Lake is the place.  It may be small but you'll have a ball!

Tippah County Development Foundation

If your interest in Ripley and Tippah County comes from a business or industrial standpoint, the Tippah County Development Foundation office should be your first stop in Ripley. The office has information on employment figures, land availability, and a great deal of other business-related material.  Contact Duane Bullard, Executive Director, Phone (662) 837-3353.

South Tippah Math and Science Complex

Located on Ripley High School's campus, the South Tippah Math Science Complex provides all schools in South Tippah Consolidated School District with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.

* The information on this page was reprinted from or paraphrased from FYI-1998, printed by the Tippah County Development Foundation, 212 East Jefferson Street, Ripley, MS 35663, (662) 837-3353.

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