Big Plans

Toyota partners to restore and renovate a hidden gem.

- Melanie Ward

Tombigbee State Park is located just south of Tupelo and has long been a great spot for respite and recreation. Whether it’s fishing Lake Lee, swimming and lounging on the manmade beach, or camping with family and friends, it’s truly a Mississippi treasure.

Opened in 1935, it is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places—a designation that makes restorations and maintenance more costly. Any repairs and work done must meet the standards set by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, the overseeing organization that is tasked with protecting the park’s historical value. Because of these restrictions, oftentimes the budget cannot accommodate the needs. Luckily for Mississippi, in 2015, Toyota Mississippi made a five-year, $250,000 commitment to the park.