Tunica: Casino Capital of the South
Want to break out of the boardroom?
The 168-acre Tunica RiverPark has an interactive history museum, a 1.9-mile hiking trail, a 48-ft. observation deck overlooking the Mississippi River, and a meeting room for seminars and private functions (capacity: 500). This is one of the few places along the Mississippi where groups can observe the river, which is why the glass-walled meeting room and observation deck are popular reception venues. After meeting, groups can embark on The Tunica Queen riverboat (capacity: 250) for a sightseeing, lunch or dinner cruise, or take a 30-minute airboat cruise. The Tunica Air Center at the Tunica Airport has a glass-walled conference room that overlooks the runway.
Want group dining?
Paula Deen Buffet at Harrah’s Casino is modeled after the Food Network star’s Savannah house; diners move between themed food stations and dine in residential-style rooms. The Hollywood Casino has the DiRoNA Award-winning Fairbanks Steakhouse (Casino Player Magazine’s Best Steakhouse). Jack Binion’s Steak House at the Horseshoe Casino & Hotel has received the DiRonNA Award and Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence. The Hollywood Café predates Tunica’s casinos and is famous for its fried pickles (which legend says it invented). In downtown Tunica, recommended restaurants include Café Marie, Blue & White Restaurant and the Catfish Warehouse.
Want group activities?
At Hollywood Casino, planners can arrange private slot tournaments, poker lessons or tournaments. The area around Tunica is renowned for its duck hunting; hunting trips may be arranged through Beaver Dam Hunting Services and Delta Duck Hunts. For realistic hunting situations without bloodshed, Willows Sporting Clays and Hunting Center has a series of sporting clays shooting stations. Attendees can take guided fishing tours of Tunica Lake. Casinos have live entertainment nightly and headliner acts on the weekends; check the Tunica Convention and Visitors Bureau site for schedules. Harrah’s, Horseshoe’s and Gold Strike casino resorts have full-service spas.
Want historic venues and attractions?
The Tunica Museum tells the history of Tunica County, from its Native American prehistory to the present day. Exhibits include an 1840s log cabin. Indoor meeting space and group tours are available. Downtown Tunica is a short drive from the casino district; Tunica Main Street offers guided tours of the historic district and its boutiques. No trip to Mississippi would be complete without learning about its legendary blues musicians, and the Blues Trail has several attractions near Tunica. Contact the Tunica Convention & Visitors Bureau to arrange group outings.
Want golf?
More than half the holes at the par-72 Links at Cottonwoods golf course border on water. Golf Digest named it one of the best casino golf courses in 2007. The River Bend Links is a Scottish-style par-72 golf course that is a popular tournament and corporate outing destination. Tunica National Golf & Tennis has a golf academy for individual or group instruction, meeting space and a par-72 championship course. Golf cart GPS systems give players instant access to yardage, weather reports and hole overviews. Indoor tennis also is available.
