Dunn's Falls Water Park

Dunn's Falls Water Park is currently a scenic recreational area within a setting that includes a wealth of history.

In the 1850s, an Irish worker named John Dunn bought a piece of land with a stream along Mississippi's Chunky River. Dunn constructed a dam that diverted the stream to flow over a constructed ledge, turning a water wheel built to power an adjacent cotton mill also built by Dunn. During the Civil War, the Confederate government took control of Dunn's buildings. Under Dunn's supervision the army used the three-story mill to manufacture blankets, hats and knives.

Years later the smooth floor surface was used as a dancefloor when the mill was used as a social center. During the mill's manufacturing years Dunn also mentored an apprentice in hatmaking, and this hatmaker would eventually go on to make a style of hats under the label of his last name, John B. Stetson.

Today the orignal mill building has been replaced by another similar three-story building transported from its original location in Cave Springs, Georgia. The building is open to park visitors and has some old tools and machinery displayed inside. The 65-foot waterfall continues to be the main attraction - a wooden staircase lets visitors go to the bottom to take in the full view of the falls. Visitors also can go swimming in the current of the Chunky River below, though there is no lifeguard and all swimming is at one's own risk.

The park has a playground, a pond, picnic benches, cooking grills, and a few flat short trails. Tent camping and rental cabins are other options.

Park hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost for entry and day use is $3.25 per person.

Complete information can be found at www.PatHarrisonTrailCamp.com.