The Grove

Imagine an emerald-green 10-acre lawn shaded by a thick canopy of ancient oaks in the very heart of the University of Mississippi campus. This is "The Grove"—an iconic spot in Oxford, which is rightfully considered the heart of student life and Southern hospitality in the USA.

The area is home to more than 160 trees of fifty different species, creating a unique atmosphere of tranquility on ordinary days. The Grove is not just a park, but a living legend where academic traditions intertwine with grand sporting celebrations. It is known nationwide as the ultimate tailgating destination, transforming into an ocean of bright tents and smiles on match days.

For tourists, The Grove is fascinating as a unique cultural phenomenon. Here, you can feel the spirit of an old American university and see how carefully students and alumni treat their history and traditions, keeping this shaded corner untouched for more than a hundred years.

To plan your visit to The Grove or to check for information on current campus events, you can use the following contact details.

If you find yourself here on a typical day, the best thing to do is take a relaxed stroll or have a picnic on the grass. You can watch students playing frisbee between lectures or simply enjoy the silence under the shade of the trees. Be sure to walk through the "Walk of Champions"—a majestic arch erected in honor of the legendary 1962 football team. It is one of the most popular spots for commemorative photos.

But The Grove truly comes alive during Ole Miss Rebels home games. On these days, an incredible spectacle unfolds: thousands of fans set up lavish tents decorated with chandeliers and exquisite decor. You will see true feasts with silver trays and huge screens for broadcasts. Even if you aren't a sports fan, the scale and atmosphere of this celebration will not leave you indifferent.

Beyond sports, The Grove serves as a venue for cultural events. It hosts free concerts, graduation ceremonies, and outdoor summer movie screenings as part of the Summer Sunset Series. The location also attracts celebrities—at various times, Katy Perry and Matthew McConaughey have been spotted here, further confirming its status as a must-visit location.

The legendary lawn is located in the heart of the University of Mississippi campus. If you are arriving by car from the center of Oxford, follow University Avenue, which will lead you straight to the main gates. It is important to remember that parking directly within the recreation area is prohibited, so it is best to leave your car in nearby university parking lots.

For those who prefer public transportation, buses run from the city to the campus. You can also always use taxis or popular services like Uber and Lyft, which will quickly deliver you to your destination. Entry to the grounds is often made through the famous "Walk of Champions" arch.

On football game days, traffic around the campus is significantly restricted due to the massive influx of fans. If your goal is to see the famous tailgating, we recommend leaving early, as finding a parking spot can take a considerable amount of time.

The history of this picturesque spot began at the turn of the 20th century. From 1892 to 1906, the university’s seventh chancellor, Robert Fulton, actively worked on expanding and landscaping the campus. It is thanks to his efforts that more than 160 trees were planted, creating a shaded oasis. Interestingly, in the 1928 yearbook, the area was referred to as "The Glade", and it wasn’t until 1935 that the name we know today—"The Grove"—was officially established.

The traditions of this place are inextricably linked to American football. Although the university team's first game took place in 1893, the culture of tailgating only began to take shape here in the 1950s. Back then, fans simply parked their cars on the grass and held modest picnics using ordinary card tables.

A turning point came in 1991 when torrential rains turned the lawn into a literal swamp. To save the trees and soil, the university banned car parking on the grounds in 1992. Students took the initiative and raised $25,000 for an irrigation system. It was this ban on vehicles that led to the emergence of the modern holiday format with elaborate tents that we see today.

The Grove gained particular popularity in the early 2000s, coinciding with the success of quarterback Eli Manning. Since then, the area has transformed from a quiet student lawn into an outdoor "metropolis," attracting nationwide attention during the football season.

The time needed to visit The Grove depends directly on when you choose to come. On a typical weekday, 30–60 minutes is quite enough for a leisurely stroll under the canopy of ancient oaks, viewing the monuments, and taking a couple of photos.

However, if your visit coincides with a home football game day, prepare to spend much more time here. To fully immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere, chat with locals, and see the famous tents, it is worth setting aside 3 to 6 hours. This time will fly by amidst the bustle and general merriment.

The Grove is an open area of the university campus, so access is free 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can come here at any time, whether it's early morning for a quiet walk or late evening.

Despite being open around the clock, it is recommended to check the official university website before your visit. On days of major sporting events, concerts, or graduation ceremonies, access to certain parts of the lawn may be restricted or subject to a special schedule.

A stroll through the university grounds is just the beginning of your introduction to the region's culture and history. The area surrounding the campus offers many interesting locations, from literary landmarks to cozy culinary spots.