2021 Visit Meridian Visitors Guide

8 9 VISITMERIDIAN.COM Dunn’s Falls, a 65-foot waterfall, is 15 miles southwest of Meridian and worth the drive. A stream that was diverted in the 1850s to provide water power for a factory created a picturesque waterfall that tumbles down a cliff into the Chunky River. The factory is gone, but an 1857 vintage gristmill, moved here from Georgia, stands in its place. The millrace, waterwheel, and mill machinery remind us that, not so long ago, entrepreneurs had to create their own power instead of simply flipping a switch. Visitors — including a few joyful dogs — descend the winding stairs to play in the waterfall and the clear, shallow waters of the Chunky. A few stay atop the cliff, settling down at benches or picnic tables and enjoying the soothing sound of falling water. Those who like to keep active even on vacation have plenty of choices. For example, Northeast Park includes tennis courts; softball and soccer fields; a newly built, all-inclusive playground; a walking track; and plenty of parking, all well-lit. For a full list of sporting venues, see VisitMeridian.com. Owners of dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles can tackle trails featuring everything from mud and sand to rocks and tree roots, plus a couple of dirt pits. That’s all available for a reasonable fee at Meridian OHV Park. For something a bit tamer, try the go-karts at Hype! located in Uptown Mall. If you prefer to watch someone else do the driving, head to Whynot Motorsports Park for slip-sliding dirt track action, including frequent special events. Or go to Battlefield Dragstrip in Collinsville, which hosts Friday-Saturday drag racing spring through fall. Whether you like a wild ride, a peaceful escape, or anything in between, Meridian can supply it. MAKE IT A WEEKEND Go straight to the expert: Visit Tony’s Southern Sportsman. Tony Creel can outfit you with any outdoor gear you need. Even better, he’ll share his vast hunting and fishing knowledge and set you up for a great weekend. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, you can ping a few indoors at The Range at 601. Duck into The Simmons-Wright Company a few miles east of Meridian in Kewanee for a nice lunch in the middle of a still-operating, old-time country store. Take in some slip-slidin’ Saturday-night fun on the dirt at Whynot Motorsports Park. Whether you want to fine-tune your aim or just have a little fun, try the sporting clays and skeet shooting at Binachi Shooting Sports. Dunn’s Falls: The 65-foot waterfall’s stream was once used as a power source. Historic Carroll-Richardson Gristmill is open for tours. The park is a natural wildlife refuge with a picnic area, barbecue grills, a gristmill pond, hiking, and swimming areas. Start a soul-soothing day with a pleasant, 20-minute drive to Dunn’s Falls, a lovely, Instagram-ready wildlife refuge and historic site. Spend the morning letting the sound of falling water wash your cares away. You can walk down from the cliff top to wade in the Chunky River. Pick up a takeout lunch at Dickey’s Barbecue Pit and picnic at Bonita Lakes Park. Don’t forget dessert; you’ll walk it off on the nature trails or the walking/jogging track around the lakeshore. 1 - DAY STAY