A Look around IukaCreated by Merry Johnson

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Not only is this park famous for its mineral water springs, it is also an important aspect of Iuka. This is the “hang out” for elementary school children and teenagers alike. The park is full of memories for me. I remember playing there nearly every evening in the summers throughout my early childhood. Today, I still love visiting the park.

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Despite Iuka’s small size, it is the county seat, meaning that it has possession of the coveted county courthouse. I became familiar with the courthouse at a young age when I joined 4-H. Every week, sometimes up to three days a week, we met in the basement to have our club meetings. I practically grew up in the courthouse.

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In 1888, this courthouse was built in downtown Iuka. It was used as the county courthouse from 1889 to 1971. It is a beautiful, well-preserved building that is now a museum. The Old Courthouse Museum attracts many tourists and historians to Iuka.

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The drive-in theatre is a living part of Iuka history. It is one of the two drive-in theatres still operating in the state of Mississippi. During the warmer months, the theatre shows popular movies on Friday, Saturday, and Monday. It is definitely an interesting experience that I would highly recommend.

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As many rural towns nestled in the Southern Bible Belt, Iuka literally features a church on every other corner. One of the major local churches is the Iuka Baptist Church. It takes up a solid chunk of downtown Iuka. I always remember this church fondly, because as a child, I attended their vacation Bible school every year.

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The library is one of the town’s most beautiful buildings. For a small town, it is fairly large and has a solid collection of books, videos, and DVD’s. I have always enjoyed visiting the library and participating in the summer reading program when I was younger. During high school, I even worked as a library assistant for about three years.

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Driving through Iuka, one would be sure to see the Iuka Middle School. Located in downtown Iuka, the middle school claims at least five buildings and a football field. Anytime I pass the middle school, I remember playing on the basketball team and think about all the fun times my team and I had.

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Iuka also claims the county high school as its own. Although known as the Iuka High School until 1991, this school collects students from many of the surrounding towns and communities. TCHS is one of the best high schools in the state. It has superior teachers and facilities. Of course, as a former TCHS Brave, I might be slightly biased.

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Just outside the city limits of Iuka is Woodall Mountain Estates. It was built around Woodall Lake with a beautiful view of Woodall Mountain, the highest point in Mississippi. I have called this subdivision home for the past twelve years. It is a peaceful, picturesque place to live, and I have enjoyed growing up there.

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Although empty eleven months a year, every October, the fairgrounds are transformed by the fair. Although I love the county fair, the fairgrounds are important to me for other reasons as well. The 4-H Summer Camp, shooting sports practices, land judging, award banquets, and a collection of other activities are held there.