Main Street, Water Valley
If it happens in Water Valley, it takes place on Main Street. The following are just a few points of pride we wouldn't want you to miss.
City Park
At the heart of City Park is a picturesque gazebo flanked by tree-lined sidewalks and quaint grassy lawns. The gazebo is a result of the remarkable vision and commitment of the Water Valley Garden Club, which continues to maintain and beautify the area. Each August, City Park is the host site for the annual Watermelon Carnival.
Bozarts Art Gallery
Located right next to Turnage drug store, Bozarts just adds to the rich culture of Water Valley. The gallery is owned by Mickey Howley and Annette Trefzer. Also housed in Bozarts is the local dance studio run by April Pullen.
Civic Auditorium
With 600 seats and a performance stage, this auditorium is an inviting venue for community events, including performances by the Water Valley Community Band and the Water Valley Ballet School. Annual events like the Watermelon Pageant and the Town & Country Garden Club Music Festival are also held here.
Crawford Sports Complex
Located at the far south end of Main Street, this 36-acre complex is one of the most popular city locales for youth and adults. Tennis courts have recently been added. Fields for baseball, softball, soccer, and football are flanked by a lighted, quarter-mile track.
Railroad Mural
Painted on the outside wall of the Water Valley Cleaners & Shoe Repair at 502 Main Street, this mural is the work of artist Kermit Kroll. The subject of the mural is the Illinois Central Railroad, which provided service here for more than 120 years.
Sartain's Hardware
Established in 1963, Sartain's hardware is a family-operated business that anchors Main Street. A mural adorning the storefront adds vintage flavor and reminds customers that hometown spirit and superior customer service still thrive.
Turnage Drug Store
Turnage Drug Store began in 1905 as a small pharmaceutical store to service the needs of the town. A family operation now in its fourth generation, Turnage has just celebrated its centennial year. Of course, getting a prescription filled is only one of the reasons this store is so popular. Every weekday morning, locals stop in for coffee and a devotional. In the afternoons, sandwiches and ice cream are enjoyed at the original soda fountain. Pictures adorning the wall above the counter allude to the store's rich history.
Veterans Monument
"In memory of those who gave their lives for freedom," this monument memorializes local military personnel who died in service to the country during the Spanish-American War, World Wars I and II, and the Korean and Vietnam wars. The Center portion of the monument was erected in 1949 with subsequent pillars and the Humanities monument added at later dates.
Railroad Park
The renovations to Railroad Park were completed in June of 2007. These renovations include the Water Valley Bandstand Project which was spearheaded by the Town & Country Garden Club. The Town & Country Garden Club raised the funds to put a roof on the bandstand and create the Railroad Park Pavilion. The Pavilion's Victorian adornments, including a cupola and weathervane, pay homage to the original railroad depot and the Bank of Water Valley buildings that once graced Main Street. Railroad Park plays host to many events throughout the year including "Music in the Park."
A new addition to the park is the Railroad Park Clock. The clock was donated by Dorris Crawford in memory of her late husband, Brownie Crawford. (pictured left: left to right Lorrie Crawford Williamson and Dorris Crawford)
Water Valley Casey Jones Railroad Museum
105 Railroad St. .................................473-3828
Housed on the site of the former Illinois Central Railroad (ICRR) Depot, this museum displays an extensive collection of railroad items, rare photographs, and historic documents. Memorabilia includes the account of legendary Engineer Casey Jones, a one-time resident of Water Valley. In April 1900, Jones died as a result of a tragic wreck at Vaughn, Mississippi. Following the event, Jones' Engine 382 was brought to Water Valley to be rebuilt. Today, visitors can view authentic rail cars- a caboose and a banana car -located outside the depot on museum grounds.
For statewide tourism information, the Mississippi Tour Guide is a valuable resource that can be picked up at the Water Valley Chamber of Commerce office, or accessed via
