Scott Family Amazeum | Bentonville

Information

Landmark: Scott Family Amazeum
City: Bentonville
Country: USA Arkansas
Continent: North America

Scott Family Amazeum, Bentonville, USA Arkansas, North America

Paul B. Johnson State Park is a recreational area located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA.

Visual Characteristics

The park features a 140-acre lake, Paul B. Johnson Lake, surrounded by mixed pine and hardwood forests. The terrain is generally rolling with sandy soil. The lake's water color varies but is typically a brown-tinted freshwater due to tannins from decaying vegetation. Several small islands are present within the lake. The park's infrastructure includes a dam and spillway constructed of concrete and earth.

Location & Access Logistics

Paul B. Johnson State Park is situated approximately 15 miles southwest of Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Access is via State Highway 42. From Hattiesburg, take Highway 42 West for approximately 12 miles. Turn left onto Park Road, which leads directly into the park. Ample parking is available at designated lots near the lake, boat launch, and picnic areas. No public transport services operate directly to the park.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The park was established in the 1960s, with the construction of the Paul B. Johnson Dam and Lake commencing in 1963 and completed in 1965. The dam was built by the Pearl River Valley Water Supply District to create a reservoir for water supply and recreation. The surrounding forest is characteristic of the Pine Belt region of Mississippi, dominated by loblolly pine and various oak species, supporting a diverse understory of shrubs and herbaceous plants.

Key Highlights & Activities

Activities include boating and fishing on Paul B. Johnson Lake. A boat launch ramp is available. Swimming is permitted in designated areas. Hiking trails traverse the forested areas of the park. Picnic sites with grills are provided. Camping facilities are available, including RV and tent sites. Birdwatching is a common activity due to the forested environment.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at various locations within the park, including near the lake and picnic areas. Shaded picnic shelters are present. Cell phone signal (4G) is generally available within the park, though it may be intermittent in more remote sections. No food vendors are permanently located within the park; visitors typically bring their own provisions.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for outdoor activities is during the spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) when temperatures are mild. Summer (June-August) can be hot and humid. For photography, early morning and late afternoon offer softer light. Fishing is often productive in the cooler months. There are no specific tide requirements as the lake is freshwater.

Facts & Legends

The park is named after Paul B. Johnson Sr., a former Governor of Mississippi. A local anecdote suggests that during the dam's construction, workers encountered unusually large cypress trees, some estimated to be over 500 years old, which were subsequently cleared to form the lakebed.