Background

Mississippi River Basin Model: A Concrete History of Flood Control

Explore a unique piece of engineering history: a massive, open-air concrete model of the Mississippi River Basin used for flood control research.

4.1

Explore a massive, derelict hydraulic model of the Mississippi River Basin, built in the mid-20th century to study flood control. Covering 200 acres, this unique landmark offers a glimpse into the engineering ingenuity of the past.

A brief summary to Mississippi River Basin Model

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking on uneven concrete surfaces and possibly overgrown paths.
  • Bring water and insect repellent, especially during warmer months.
  • Check the Friends of the Mississippi River Basin Model website for information on volunteer days or guided tours.
  • Be aware that the site is not fully maintained, so expect some overgrown areas and potentially slippery surfaces.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Driving

    The Mississippi River Basin Model is located within Buddy Butts Park at 6180 McRaven Rd, Jackson, MS 39209. From I-20, take the Clinton/Jackson exit onto US-80 E/MS-18 E. Continue on US-80 E/MS-18 E, then turn left onto McRaven Rd. The park entrance will be on your right. Parking is free within the park. Be aware that parking may be limited during peak times.

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Jackson, head to the nearest bus stop on Capitol Street. Take the Jackson Transit Authority bus route that heads toward McRaven Road. Check the schedule for the bus number and departure times. Once on the bus, ask the driver to notify you when you reach McRaven Road. After getting off the bus, walk approximately 0.5 miles west on McRaven Road to reach the Mississippi River Basin Model at 6180 McRaven Rd. A single ride on JTA is $1.25.

Unlock the Best of Mississippi River Basin Model

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Mississippi River Basin Model

The Mississippi River Basin Model, located in Buddy Butts Park in Jackson, Mississippi, is a sprawling concrete relic of mid-20th century engineering. Built between 1943 and 1966, the model is a large-scale hydraulic representation of the entire Mississippi River basin, encompassing 41% of the continental United States. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers constructed it to simulate flooded conditions and test the effects of potential flood-control measures after the devastating Great Mississippi Flood of 1927. The model spans 200 acres and features a network of streams stretching nearly eight miles. It was built using concrete panels molded to represent the topography of the river basin, including its hills, rivers, lakes, and valleys. The model's scale is 1:2000 horizontally and 1:100 vertically, meaning the Appalachian Mountains are raised 20 feet, and the Rocky Mountains 50 feet, above the Gulf of Mexico. This distortion allowed engineers to better simulate turbulence. Operational from 1949 to 1973, the model was used to simulate historic floods and test the effectiveness of reservoirs and other control measures. It is credited with preventing an estimated $65 million in flood damages in 1952 alone. Although the site drew over 5,000 visitors a year at its peak, the rise of computer modeling led to its obsolescence. Today, the Mississippi River Basin Model sits in disrepair, a testament to a bygone era of engineering. Overgrown with vegetation, it offers a unique, if somewhat eerie, experience for urban explorers and history enthusiasts. The Friends of the Mississippi River Basin Model, a local volunteer group, is working to restore the site and enhance educational opportunities. Visitors can still walk along the concrete pathways and observation platforms, imagining the large-scale experiments that once took place here.

Popular Experiences near Mississippi River Basin Model

Popular Hotels near Mississippi River Basin Model

Select Currency