Grab your gear and let’s get ready for fun. First, we’re taking a walk through the woods, and then we’re off for a shepherd’s pie and maybe (probably) a pint. Plus there are desserts for the lads and lasses and good times for all. There’s only so much time in a day so let’s leg it!

The first stop is Buddy Butts Park Loop in Jackson, Mississippi. The name of this park may tempt the young ones to crack some silly jokes. It’s encouraged. This article endorses attempts at humor. 

You might be curious about the land you’re walking on. This is a park with some history, so let’s start with some interesting tidbits.

The Mississippi River Basin Model Waterways Experiment Station (Long Name!) covers 200 acres of the park and was a model used to predict and plan for floods. Construction began in 1943 and operated through 1973. It helped the region save many millions of dollars from potential damage.

US Army Corps of Engineers, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Much of the model was built by German and Italian POWS during WWII. As you wander around you’ll likely find the remnants of this Mississippi Landmark. Pretty remarkable.

This two-hour hike is fun for many reasons beyond its important past.

Matthew Musser/AllTrails

While it’s right off the road and only moderately challenging, you will pass through various landscapes.

priddyj User/AllTrails

Many consider these trails part of an overlooked gem.

Patrick Wright/AllTrails

Buddy Butts Park is popular for joggers, runners, and walkers.

Matthew Musser/AllTrails Be sure to move and explore. You’ll rest and reward the efforts soon enough.

Now that we’ve moved our bones, let’s take the 20-minute drive into the city!

SeanPavonePhoto/iStock / Getty Images Plus/GettyImages Jackson, Mississippi, USA skyline over the Capitol Building.

Fenian’s Pub has the treasure we seek.

Fenian’s Pub/Facebook

This is the real deal. Shepherd’s pie is the ultimate comfort food, and it doesn’t get better than this.

Fenian’s Pub/Facebook It’s heaven in the form of lamb stew pie with a creamy mashed potato crust. You can choose to upgrade to the Irish cheddar crust, and you should you inspired hiker!

The dessert menu is perfect.

Fenian’s Pub/Facebook There are daily specials to ask about too.

Of course, there are plenty of drink choices.

Fenian’s Pub/Facebook They all pair well with shepherd’s pie!

If you are curious about the Mississippi River Basin Model, this website is great. 

Be sure to check out Fenian’s Pub menu. They also have an active Facebook page.

 

Your clan will be glad you made good use of the daylight. Let us know when you indulge and how much fun you had.

US Army Corps of Engineers, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Much of the model was built by German and Italian POWS during WWII. As you wander around you’ll likely find the remnants of this Mississippi Landmark. Pretty remarkable.

Matthew Musser/AllTrails

priddyj User/AllTrails

Patrick Wright/AllTrails

Be sure to move and explore. You’ll rest and reward the efforts soon enough.

SeanPavonePhoto/iStock / Getty Images Plus/GettyImages

Jackson, Mississippi, USA skyline over the Capitol Building.

Fenian’s Pub/Facebook

It’s heaven in the form of lamb stew pie with a creamy mashed potato crust. You can choose to upgrade to the Irish cheddar crust, and you should you inspired hiker!

There are daily specials to ask about too.

They all pair well with shepherd’s pie!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Buddy Butts Park, 6180 McRaven Rd, Jackson, MS 39209, USAAddress: Fenian’s Pub, 901 E Fortification St, Jackson, MS 39202, USA