Jackson, Mississippi: Abandoned World's Largest Mississippi River Model

Spread along 14 now-overgrown acres, the outdoor Mississippi Basin Model was the largest hydraulic model ever built. Begun in 1943, completed in 1966, closed in 1993, abandoned soon thereafter.

Buddy Butts Park

Address:: 6180 McRaven Rd, Jackson, MS
Directions:: I-20 exit 36. Drive south on Springridge Rd for less than two miles. Turn left onto McRaven Rd. Drive about a half-mile. Turn left into Buddy Butts Park. Drive until the entry road ends at a T. You can either continue straight along a dirt driveway to the Model, or turn right; the Model parallels the left side of the road for some distance, and there are various places to park and paths that lead to it. Wear long pants, closed shoes, and do not trespass into the model. Also be very careful where you step!
Hours:: Park closes at dusk. Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Admission:: Free
RA Rates:: Worth a Detour

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Visitor Tips and News About Abandoned World's Largest Mississippi River Model

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Abandoned Mississippi River Model

Cool little detour if you're taking I-20. You can spend between 15 minutes to an hour here if you want to trace all the little tributaries. Neat piece of history! I would definitely recommend sturdy shoes and long pants; the ground can be muddy and the concrete itself is studded with metal bolts and the like.

[K Gibbs, 01/21/2024]

Mississippi River Basin Model

It looks like in 2016 a "Friends of the Mississippi Basin Model" formed and they have regular clean-ups to keep it looking better.

[Hannah Hudson, 09/02/2020]

Mississippi River model.

Abandoned World's Largest Mississippi River Model

Really amazing! Follow the signs to the go kart track. Take the dirt road to the left and drive through part of the model. The plumbing is mostly still there, with open collection sumps that could surprise you. Some of the concrete slabs are loose and make an awesome "boom" when you step off of them.

[Kevin Ewbank, 07/30/2015]