2024 Event Schedule
"Fishing" for more information? Please contact the Visitor Education Center (VEC) ~ (662) 563-8068.
These events are free with the price of admission. Admission is $2.50 for adults ages 18-59, and $2.00 for youth ages 3-17 and adults over the age of 60. For additional information, or to pre-register for the event, call the VEC to speak with a staff member.
Spring Break Programs: Mystery Week
March 12 - 15
2:00 p.m. each day
- Mysterious Mammals
- Many mammals prey on fish or are scavengers for "left-over" fish. On March 12, we will follow some clues to identifying some unique mammals.
- Fishing for Clues
- Fish will eat other fish! On March 13, we will discuss and identify some carnivorous fish! Staff will feed the "carnivores of the aquarium" after this session.
- Reptiles are egg-laying, cold blooded vertebrates covered with scales or plates. On March 14, youth will learn more about some snakes, turtles, and other reptiles that will consume fish!
- Birds of Prey
- The diet of many bird species consists mainly of fish. On March 15, we will discuss seven birds that are predators for fish.
Each program will allow youth to see and touch real and replica specimens relating to each animal! Program is free with admission price.
Smithsonian Exhibit: Pollination Investigation
Now a permanent exhibit!
Pollination exhibit will explore the different methods of pollination from wind to honeybees!
*NEW* Virtual Geocaching Adventure
Beginning April 2: Available Each Day!
Youth Art Contest Deadline
May 10
Students across Mississippi are invited to get outdoors and participate in the 2024 Bob Tyler Fish Hatchery Youth Art Contest. Each student must submit a portfolio including entry form and artwork to the Visitor Education Center (VEC) by May 10, 2024.
The contest is sponsored by the Foundation for Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. Winners in four age categories will have their work published in the Mississippi Outdoors magazine and will receive a complimentary copy of the magazine displaying their work. Winners will also receive gift cards and have their work posted on the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks’ website.
Youth Fishing Rodeo
May 18 - Registration begins at 7:00 a.m.
(Admission not required for this event.) This free event is for youth 15 and under. For more information, please call the VEC at 662-563-8068.
Summer Gyotaku Programs
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. each day
June 1
June 29
July 6
July 27
August 10
Gyotaku is the traditional Japanese method of printing fish. Using rubber fish stamps and ink, adults and youth will be able to create fish prints of species found in Mississippi: freshwater drum, green sunfish, largemouth bass, common carp, and bluegill. This is a fun program that combines science with art. (Younger participants, ages 7 and under, will create fish art from their handprints.) Participants should wear appropriate clothing for these activities.
Fossil Exhibit
Now a permanent exhibit!
Fossil exhibit is comprised of fossilized mollusks found in North Mississippi.
History of Enid Lake
June 8
(Please check back for more details.)
Choctaw Program
July 13
(Please check back for more details.)
Allen Winters, a professional artist, engraver, and traditional Choctaw flute maker, will present a program at the MDWFP’s Visitor Education Center. The fourth great-grandson of Choctaw Chief Mushulatubi, Winters will discuss the Choctaw culture and demonstrate his flutes. Winters has worked for the tribe in the Choctaw Cultural Preservation Program and is a pottery teacher for Choctaw Tribal Schools. Participants to the program will be able to engage in a question and answer session with Winters at the end of the program.
The program is free with the price of admission.
"Hidden Rivers" Event
July 27
(Please check back for more details.)
State Fish Art & Essay Contest
August 1
Check back soon for more details. Event sponsored by "Wildlife Forever." First place winners will qualify for national competition in their respective categories.
Tree ID Seminar
October 5
2:00 p.m.
Brady Self, the Northwest Mississippi Forestry Specialist with MSU Extension will present a Tree Identification program at the Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) Visitor Education Center (VEC).
The tree identification course is for anyone interested in learning how to identify trees occurring in north Mississippi. The program will consist of a presentation and a hands-on field tour of the trees located around the North Mississippi Fish Hatchery and Visitor Education Center.
Halloween at the Hatchery
October 26
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
This program will include "ghostly gyotaku," face painting, fish skeleton scavenger hunt, fish crafts, and more!!! Youth appearing in costume will receive a free bag of fish food! Staff will feed the carnivores of the aquarium at 2:30 p.m. (Please check back for more details.)
