There are numerous special events that take place in the Tupelo area throughout the year. Have you ever wanted to practice playing a dulcimer or learn how early pioneers survived in the wilderness surrounding the early Natchez Trace? Come during one of the park’s Dulcimer Days or Pioneer Days and practice your skills!

You may also choose to join a park ranger and explore parts of the original Trace, or learn more about the many American Indian mounds found along route of the modern Parkway. Discover the world of boatmen and bandits, Chickasaw and Choctaw, and forest and wildlife. Ranger programs are always free; schedules and topics vary by season. Please call 1-800-305-7417 for more information on ranger-led activities.

February 2012

February 11, 2012 Civil War Program

Discover what life may have been like for a member of the US Colored Troops (USCT) during the Civil War on Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at the Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center. In celebration of Black History Month, a ranger in USCT dress will present "Will They Fight," giving families the opportunity to hear about the challenges African American soldiers faced. Visitors can also see a soldier's equipment and watch a non-firing musket demonstration.

This program is free to the public. The Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center is located along the Parkway at milepost 266, just north of Tupelo, Mississippi. For more information about this and other Parkway programs, call 1-800-305-7417.

Download our informational flyer here.  

February 18, 2012 Dulcimer Day

A special program of dulcimer music will be provided by the North Mississippi Dulcimer Association from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 18, 2012, at the Parkway Visitor Center located at milepost 266 near Tupelo, Mississippi.

The North Mississippi Dulcimer Association teaches dulcimer history, tradition, craftsmanship, and music by sharing its knowledge and talents. The Appalachian mountain dulcimer is the first instrument developed in the United States. Dating back to the early 1800s, the dulcimer is an instrument whose very name means "sweet sound." The National Park Service and the North Mississippi Dulcimer Association invite everyone to listen to the soft sweet sounds of the dulcimer and learn of its extensive history.

 

February 25, 2012 Pioneer Day

The Tombigbee Pioneer Group will perform living history demonstrations that show the challenges faced and creative solutions developed by those Americans who lived in the area from the 1700s to 1840. The demonstrations will take place at the Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center (located at milepost 266 near Tupelo, Mississippi) from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 25, 2012.The public is invited to watch pioneer lifestyle activities that often include corn-shuck doll making, basket weaving, beading, and quill pen demonstrations.Leatherworking and mountain dulcimer demonstrations will also be offered throughout the day. Children are invited to participate by dressing up in pioneer clothes and trying these activities firsthand.

March 2012

March 10, 2012 Dulcimer Day

A special program of dulcimer music will be provided by the North Mississippi Dulcimer Association from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 10, 2012, at the Parkway Visitor Center located at milepost 266 near Tupelo, Mississippi.

The North Mississippi Dulcimer Association teaches dulcimer history, tradition, craftsmanship, and music by sharing its knowledge and talents. The Appalachian mountain dulcimer is the first instrument developed in the United States. Dating back to the early 1800s, the dulcimer is an instrument whose very name means "sweet sound." The National Park Service and the North Mississippi Dulcimer Association invite everyone to listen to the soft sweet sounds of the dulcimer and learn of its extensive history.

March 10, 2012 Night Hike

This one-hour program will give families the unique opportunity to walk on a paved nature trail at night. We will use all our senses to discover more about some of the animals that make the park come alive after the sun sets. Visitors are encouraged to bring a flashlight and wear comfortable walking shoes. 

March 24, 2012 Pioneer Day

The Tombigbee Pioneer Group will perform living history demonstrations that show the challenges faced and creative solutions developed by those Americans who lived in the area from the 1700s to 1840. The demonstrations will take place at the Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center (located at milepost 266 near Tupelo, Mississippi) from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 24, 2012. The public is invited to watch pioneer lifestyle activities that often include corn-shuck doll making, basket weaving, beading, and quill pen demonstrations. Leatherworking and mountain dulcimer demonstrations will also be offered throughout the day. Children are invited to participate by dressing up in pioneer clothes and trying these activities firsthand.