2023 Event Schedule
"Fishing" for more information? Please contact the Visitor Education Center (VEC) ~ (662) 563-8068.
These events are free with the price of admission. Admission is $2.50 for adults ages 18-59, and $2.00 for youth ages 3-17 and adults over the age of 60. For additional information, or to pre-register for the event, call the VEC to speak with a staff member.
*NEW* Virtual Geocaching Adventure: Available each day.
Fly Fishing Lures - Temporary Exhibit
Feb 21 - June 30
This temporary exhibit was created and donated by local fishing enthusiast, Lee Upchurch.
Spring Break Programs: Mystery Week
March 14 - 17
2:00 p.m. each day
- Fishing for Clues
- Fish will eat other fish! On March 14, we will discuss and identify some carnivorous fish! Staff will feed the "carnivores of the aquarium" after this session.
- Mysterious Mammals
- Many mammals prey on fish or are scavengers for "left-over" fish. On March 15, we will follow some clues to identifying some unique mammals.
- Reptilian Thieves
- Reptiles are egg-laying, cold blooded vertebrates covered with scales or plates. On March 16, youth will learn more about some snakes, turtles, and other reptiles that will consume fish!
- Birds of Prey
- The diet of many bird species consists mainly of fish. On March 17, we will discuss seven birds that are predators for fish.
Each program will allow youth to see and touch real and replica specimens relating to each animal! Program is free with admission price.
Smithsonian Exhibit: Pollination Investigation
March 1 - July 31
Pollination exhibit will explore the different methods of pollination from wind to honey bees!
Youth Art Contest Deadline
May 10
Students across Mississippi are invited to get outdoors and participate in the 2022 North Mississippi Fish Hatchery Youth Art Contest. Each student must submit a portfolio including entry form and artwork to the Visitor Education Center (VEC) by May 10, 2022.
The contest is sponsored by the Foundation for Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. Winners in four age categories will have their work published in the Mississippi Outdoors magazine and will receive a complimentary copy of the magazine displaying their work. Winners will also receive gift cards and have their work posted on the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks’ website.
Youth Fishing Rodeo
May 20 - Registration begins at 7:00 a.m.
(Admission not required for this event.) This free event is for youth 15 and under. For more information, please call the VEC at 662-563-8068.
Summer Gyotaku Programs
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. each day
June 17
July 1
July 15
July 29
August 19
Gyotaku is the traditional Japanese method of printing fish. Using rubber fish stamps and ink, adults and youth will be able to create fish prints of species found in Mississippi: freshwater drum, green sunfish, largemouth bass, common carp, and bluegill. This is a fun program that combines science with art. (Younger participants, ages 7 and under, will create fish art from their handprints.) Participants should wear appropriate clothing for these activities.
Choctaw Program
June 24
2:00 p.m.
Allen Winters, a professional artist, engraver, and traditional Choctaw flute maker, will present a program at the MDWFP’s Visitor Education Center on Saturday, June 24 at 2:00 p.m. The fourth great-grandson of Choctaw Chief Mushulatubi, Winters will discuss the Choctaw culture and demonstrate his flutes. Winters has worked for the tribe in the Choctaw Cultural Preservation Program and is a pottery teacher for Choctaw Tribal Schools. Participants to the program will be able to engage in a question and answer session with Winters at the end of the program.
The program is free with the price of admission.
History of Enid Lake
July
(Please check back for more details.)
Choctaw Artifacts - Temporary Exhibit
July 1 - Sept 30
Choctaw artifacts will include arrowheads, darts, woven pine needle baskets, beadwork, flutes, and more!
Tree ID Seminar
October 21
2:00 p.m.
Brady Self, the Northwest Mississippi Forestry Specialist with MSU Extension will present a Tree Identification program at the Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) Visitor Education Center (VEC).
The tree identification course is for anyone interested in learning how to identify trees occurring in north Mississippi. The program will consist of a presentation and a hands-on field tour of the trees located around the North Mississippi Fish Hatchery and Visitor Education Center.
Halloween at the Hatchery
October 28
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
This program will include "ghostly gyotaku," face painting, fish crafts, and more!!! Youth appearing in costume will receive a free bag of fish food! Staff will feed the carnivores of the aquarium at 2:30 p.m. (Please check back for more details.)
Fossils - Temporary Exhibit
October 1 - December 31
Fossil exhibit will be comprised of fossilized mollusks found in North Mississippi.
