Background

Catfish Museum and Welcome Center: Celebrating Belzoni's Aquatic Heritage

Discover the story of farm-raised catfish at the Catfish Museum and Welcome Center in Belzoni, the 'Catfish Capital of the World'.

3

The Catfish Museum and Welcome Center in Belzoni, Mississippi, celebrates the town's title as the 'Farm-Raised Catfish Capital of the World'. Housed in a renovated Illinois Central Railroad depot, the museum showcases the history, culture, and industry surrounding catfish farming in the Mississippi Delta.

A brief summary to Catfish Museum and Welcome Center

Local tips

  • Visit during the week, as the museum has limited hours and may be closed on weekends.
  • Check out the outdoor exhibits, including the 'King Cat' fountain and sculptures made from catfish farming equipment.
  • Explore other attractions in Belzoni, such as the Jaketown Museum and the Mississippi Blues Trail markers.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Driving

    The Catfish Museum and Welcome Center is located at 111 Magnolia Street in Belzoni. From Highway 7, turn onto East Jackson Street, then turn left onto Magnolia Street. The museum will be on your left. Parking is available on the street.

  • Walking

    From anywhere in downtown Belzoni, the museum is easily accessible on foot. Head towards the intersection of East Jackson Street and Magnolia Street. The museum is located at 111 Magnolia Street.

Unlock the Best of Catfish Museum and Welcome Center

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Catfish Museum and Welcome Center

Located in Belzoni, Mississippi, the Catfish Museum and Welcome Center offers visitors a deep dive into the world of farm-raised catfish. Belzoni earned the title of 'Farm-Raised Catfish Capital of the World' in 1976, and this museum pays homage to that distinction. The museum is located in a renovated Illinois Central Railroad depot. Inside, exhibits crafted by Mississippi artisans using various materials tell the story of the catfish industry. A video presentation details the process from fingerling to the frying pan. Outside, visitors are greeted by a flower sculpture made of spawning cans, hatchery tanks, and seining nets. The centerpiece is a miniature catfish pond featuring a 40-foot catfish fountain known as 'King Cat'. Belzoni also boasts the largest collection of outdoor sculpture per capita in the state. The museum also serves as a welcome center, providing information about Belzoni and the surrounding Humphreys County. Belzoni itself has a rich history, originally known as 'Greasy Row' due to the saloons along the Yazoo River. The town was officially chartered in 1895 and named after Italian archaeologist Giovanni Battista Belzoni. Belzoni played a role in the Civil Rights Movement, and the Mississippi Blues Trail has two markers in the city.

Popular Experiences near Catfish Museum and Welcome Center

Popular Hotels near Catfish Museum and Welcome Center

Select Currency