Discover Scott County from different perspectives: the Lake Depot tells the story of the railroad and the development of the town of Lake, while Beaver Lake combines a historic background with small-boat fishing. Other highlights include a notable fire lookout tower, Forest’s business district, and the Shockaloe Trail. To plan your trip, it helps to start by choosing a focus: water and fishing, historic buildings, or a mix of cultural and outdoor interests.

Beaver Lake: The Lake and Railroad History

Beaver Lake is a 67-acre artificial lake dating back to the period of railroad logging. At the same time, Beaver Lake offers excellent small-boat fishing. Two different interests come together here: the history of its creation and a specific recreational activity. If you organize your trip by theme, you can consider the lake both for fishing and in connection with railroad history.

The Lake Depot and the Development of Lake

The Alabama & Vicksburg Railroad Depot, also known as the Lake Depot, was built around 1890 in Lake, Scott County. It is considered a symbol of the railroad responsible for the founding and development of the town of Lake. It is also the only known surviving example of a Queen Anne-style railroad depot in Mississippi. Its construction date, local history, and architectural classification make the depot a notable starting point if you are interested in the connection between railroads and architecture.

Fire Lookout Tower and Historic Townscape

The Moore Lookout Tower was built in 1940 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It is a rare, possibly unique, example of a fire lookout tower of this design. The intensive survey conducted in 1990 also concluded that it was the only known surviving example of this type of tower in Mississippi. The Lake Depot and the Moore Lookout Tower represent different historical themes: the depot reflects the railroad and the development of Lake, while the tower reflects the history of fire lookout towers.

The Forest Downtown Historic District encompasses Forest’s business district around the Scott County Courthouse square. The focus here is on a historic commercial center and its connection to the Courthouse square. This complements the perspective offered by the Lake Depot: while the depot relates the railroad to the founding and development of Lake, in Forest the focus is on the business district around the courthouse square.

The Shockaloe Trail and Other Reasons to Visit

The Shockaloe Trail is listed in the National Register of Trails. It is located in Bienville National Forest between Forest and Morton, north of U.S. Highway 80. Check access details before setting out. The precise location makes it easier to consider this trail as a separate part of your plans, rather than confusing it with one of the historic sites.

The Shockaloe Horse Trail has two base camps. Camping conditions may change; if you plan to camp, check the conditions in advance.

Discover more destinations: Morton, Forest, Warren, Coahoma County, Madison, Jackson County, Quitman County, Union County

For the broader travel overview: Mississippi.