Hunting Club Conference location offers vacation and sightseeing opportunities....
Being a third-generation hunting club/gamebird farm owner, I can tell you that there are many great memories that you can make as a family going to the conventions/conferences. I remember going to Texas and seeing the Alamo, flying to California with my family and then driving up to Fresno to see the redwoods before driving down Route 1 where we lucked into seeing the elephant seals. One year we drove all the way from Ohio to Mesquite, Nevada, taking the northern route on the way out and the south route back. On that trip, we packed in the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park and Hoover Dam, among other things.
I will forever remember go-carting with other attendees that turned more into bumper cars, shooting sporting clays with my dad and NAGA member Jeff Hughes and his son, Chad Hughes. We won’t mention scores to protect the not so innocent.
Depending on your children’s age and the time that you have available before, during and after a convention, make plans to create some memories. I highly recommend it. For the 2023 convention in Orlando, I was able to bring my husband and kids, and enjoyed Legoland and Sea World. Back in 2020, right before COVID, I took my oldest son (then 13 months) to Memphis, Tennessee, going to Graceland and taking a trolley to get BBQ with other attendees. The best plans are made ahead even though they don’t always go as we plan. I’ve compiled a few places to see in and around Tunica for the upcoming Hunting Club Conference. Because of the schedule, it may be hard to get away during the conference, but come a day or so ahead or plan a few days after to make some memories and take in the sights.
Memphis, Tennessee – 45 minutes north of Tunica
Graceland – NAGA did a group trip here back in 2020. If you’re an Elvis fan, this is well worth the trip. Plan at least a half day. graceland.com
Tupelo, Mississippi – 2 hours east of Tunica
If you’re a fan of the “King,” you might want to check out the birthplace of Elvis Pressley. elvispresleybirthplace.com
Tunica, Mississippi - tunicatravel.com and experiencetunicacounty.com
Gateway to the Blues Museum and Visitor Center
The Gateway to the Blues Visitors Center and Museum on Highway 61 is the first place many people see when they roll into Tunica. This rustic train depot, circa 1895, is a great place to stop and get information as well as visit the Gateway to the Blues Museum. This must-see attraction for all music lovers will tell the remarkable story of how the Blues were born and the role Tunica played in building the genre’s legacy. 13625 Highway 61 North, Tunica Resorts, MS 38664, (888) 488-6422
Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Sunday 1 – 5:00 p.m.
Mississippi Blues Trail
“Some roads take you places. Others pass through history. The Mississippi Blues Trail does both, taking blues lovers to places where history was made.”
The Mississippi Blues Trail is the state’s tribute to this truly American music genre. The trail consists of 120 historical markers throughout Mississippi, and each marker tells a story about a person, place or event essential to the creation of the Blues. Start your Tunica Blues experience at the Gateway to the Blues Visitors Center, home to the Mississippi Blues Trail U.S. Highway 61 marker, and then make your way to the following landmarks:
You can get more information at the Gateway to the Blues Visitors Center before heading out.
13625 U.S. Highway 61 North, Tunica Resorts, MS 38664 ~ msbluestrail.org
Tate House
See how the original residents of Tunica Lived in this 1840 dogtrot-style log house. It’s the oldest structure in the county. 1014 Magnolia Street, Tunica, MS 38676
Tunica River Park – Includes museum, eco trail and aquarium
The museum lets visitors explore and understand the rich history of the Mississippi Delta and America’s greatest river that includes multiple interactive attractions and features different aspects of Delta culture. The experiences include exhibits where you can learn about Native American Culture, strap on your archaeological hats for the Mound Builders interactive exhibit, take part in the wildlife spotting and learn how to blend in with the help of camouflage or jump inside the Diving Bell Simulator for a trip to the bottom of the Mississippi River.
On the eco trail, enjoy 3.1 miles of undisturbed Delta Forest. Take a stroll to experience the wetlands and the wildlife that call it home like deer, fox, squirrels, beaver, turtles, snakes, birds and more.
Visit the aquariums inside the Mississippi River Museum. This freshwater aquarium stocks fish native to Tunica’s ecosystem and will prepare you for whatever you’ll find if you take your own journey into nature. With four enormous marine exhibits you can peek at the live turtles, gars and other fish that lurk beneath the surface of the Mississippi River.
1 River Park Dr., Tunica Resorts, MS 38664 - (662) 357-0050
Tuesday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Hollywood memorabilia
Hollywood Casino houses the Mid-South’s largest collection of authentic movie memorabilia, including the DeLorean driven by Michael J. Fox in “Back to the Future,” costumes from “Forrest Gump” and “The Terminator” and a real model of the sinking Titanic. Wander the Hollywood Casino lobby and gaming floor to see more. Admission to the exhibit is free.
1150 Casino Strip Resort Blvd., Tunica Resorts, MS 38664 (662) 357-7700 hollywoodcasinotunica.com
Open 24 hours
Veterans memorial
The Tunica Veterans Memorial at Rivergate Park honors the brave men and women who have fought for our country. Veterans Memorial Plaza on Main Street memorializes our soldiers with a 7-foot-tall bronze monument of three solders. Flags fly for each armed services branch and plaques hang in honor of the victims and heroes of September 11.
909 River Road, Tunica, MS 38676 - (662) 363-6611 - tunicamainstreet.com
There’s still time to register and make travel plans: https://northamericangamebird.com/hunting-club-conference/event-details.
