Vernon Dahmer Leisure Park

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Vernon Dahmer Leisure Park, located in the state of Mississippi, offers a variety of attractions and activities that make it a worthwhile destination to visit.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Situated in the city of Hattiesburg, this park is named after Vernon Dahmer Sr., a local civil rights leader who tragically lost his life in a racially motivated attack in 1966.

One of the main reasons to visit Vernon Dahmer Leisure Park is its historical significance. The park serves as a tribute to Vernon Dahmer Sr. and his contributions to the civil rights movement. Visitors can explore the Vernon Dahmer Exhibit, which provides insights into his life, activism, and the struggle for equality during that time period.

Another point of interest within the park is the Vernon Dahmer Memorial, which stands as a powerful symbol of remembrance and pays respects to his legacy. This beautiful monument stands tall and serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made in the fight for justice and equality.

In addition to its historical significance, Vernon Dahmer Leisure Park offers various recreational facilities for visitors to enjoy. The park features picnic areas, walking trails, and playgrounds, making it an ideal spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts. The serene atmosphere and well-maintained green spaces provide a perfect setting for relaxation and leisure activities.

Moreover, the park often hosts community events, festivals, and educational programs, which offer opportunities for visitors to engage with the local community and learn more about the cultural heritage of the region.

As for the best time of year to visit Vernon Dahmer Leisure Park, it is recommended to plan a trip during the spring or fall seasons. Mississippi's climate can be hot and humid during the summer, so visiting during these mild seasons would ensure a more comfortable experience.

To ensure accuracy, it is advisable to verify the information provided here across multiple independent sources, such as official park websites, tourist information websites, and travel guides specifically covering the Hattiesburg area and Vernon Dahmer Leisure Park.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
View more

Featured Parks