Quality of Life
Arts - Entertainment - Recreation
It's true that the recreational and cultural offerings of Memphis are just minutes away from DeSoto County. But there's plenty to do to stretch the body, mind, and spirit closer to home. A few of the options are listed.
Desoto Civic Center
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For information about events at the Civic Center, or for ticket information, call 662.280.9120 This brand-new multipurpose civic center was completed in September 2000. The 10,000 seat arena is home to the Mississippi RiverKings, a minor league hockey team. 20,000 square feet of meeting space make this facility ideal for all types of events. A 400-seat community theater is attached to the Civic Center. |
Theater Groups & Arts Councils
The Kudzu Players
The Kudzu Players were founded in 1982 as the Northwest Mississippi Theater Guild and originally produced one show every year. The number of productions now reaches as many as five every year, and since 1987, the Kudzu Players have won a number of national competitions. To join the all-volunteer group or find out about performances, call (662) 429-4439.
DeSoto Arts Council
The mission of the DeSoto Arts Council is to stimulate increased participation in the arts, integrate art into people’s everyday lives, advance community support of the arts, and use the arts to affect community unity and change in DeSoto County, Mississippi.
The DeSoto Arts Council serves as an umbrella planning and service organization, coordinating the arts for DeSoto County. It is chartered as a 501(c) 3 nonprofit corporation. Ongoing DeSoto Arts Council programs include:
- Community arts grants and mini-grants
- Web site featuring an Online calendar of community arts events
- Online artists’ directory
- E-newsletter
- Art show and sale
- Arts workshops, lectures and demonstrations
- DeSoto Artist Series
- Kids programs
- Comprehensive arts and cultural planning
- Membership events
Olive Branch Arts Council
The Olive Branch Arts Council's mission is to promote an appreciation of the arts in the Olive Branch community. This membership-driven organization sponsors events such as concerts and art camps to promote arts appreciation. The group also brings artists into the area for exhibits and demonstrations.
Libraries
DeSoto County is a member of the First Regional Library, a five county library cooperative with 13 branches in Northern Mississippi. The regional headquarters is located inside the branch in Hernando, MS.
The system has experienced tremendous growth in the past ten years. Today, it ranks highest in circulation among all library systems in the state. The circulation total for FY 2005 was 1,429,151.
Sports
DeSoto County offers recreational facilities for numerous athletic programs. From T-ball to junior football to cheerleading to horseback riding, youth of all ages can enjoy the outdoors.
Each of the four municipalities has its own youth sports league. For more information click on the links below.
Hernando
Horn Lake
Olive Branch
Southaven
Golf
If chasing a small white ball over hill and dale is your idea of a good day's work, DeSoto County is your kind of place. Whether you want a quiet game for two or a corporate tourney for hundreds, the greens of four public courses and two private country clubs are just waiting for you and your golfing companions.

Cherokee Valley Golf Club
Hernando Hills Country Club
North Creek
Olive Branch Country Club
Plantation Golf Club
Wedgewood Golfers Club
Other Attractions
If your idea of a relaxing vacation does not include sports,
Mississippi Department of Tourism
