friendship oak

On the campus at USM Gulf Coast; formerly Gulf Park College. Many alums visit the tree and take home an acorn to grow their own Friendship Oak. Beautiful Place.

No, this isn't an exciting attraction, but it is one that causes one to contemplate nature and her many mysteries. This gorgeous oak has been standing for over 500 years- This tree has sheltered Indians, pirates, settlers and college students. One can only imagine how much has taken place within its lifetime. How it escaped the wrath of Katrina is anyone's guess, but we are so lucky that it did. Legend has it that those who gather under its inviting branches will be friends for life. The tree is clearly marked on the campus of Southern Mississippi Gulf Park campus. We plan to return on a sunny day to take pictures.

Good to know that this tree wasn't destroyed by Katrina. It's a beautiful tree in a pretty part of town. Worth stopping to see.

Legend says that if you take a picture under the tree with your friends, you will be friends for life. My group of friends have been friends for a while so I assume it will stay that way.There are a lot of branches and acorns which means it can be somewhat treacherous to get to your picture--however you should brave on and take the picture.I will update my review if there is any concern that the the Friendship Tree doesn't wok and I'm no longer friends with anyone from my group.

This is a must see for anyone who goes to the Mississippi gulf coast. This old tree is great for anyone who wants to see beauty at it's finest the view of the Gulf of Mexico is nice too and the history of the friendship oak is for everyone and it's free and you can do any time you want a great place to take photos too.

The Friendship Oak on the Long Beach campus of the University of Southern Mississippi is reported to be over 500 years old. Its majestic branches reach both skyward and down to the ground. The legend is that if you sit on the branches with a friend, you will be friends forever. Try it when you are in Long Beach, Mississippi. For a university campus, there is - amazingly - free visitor parking nearby.

Located on the campus of the University of Southern Mississippi's Gulf Coast branch, the tree is about 500 years old and is huge. Lots of folks like to have their photo taken underneath its branches.

The friendship oak is the biggest and most awe inspiring tree i have ever seen! You can't imagine it, you just have to go see it.

No other word can be used to describe this tree. It is truly amazing and demands so much respect. I was in awe of it and pondered a moment to fathom all this tree has probably see/gone through.

Just a stone's throw from our hotel, we stopped for just a few minutes to revel in the awesomeness of this beautiful Oak tree and take a few pictures. I remember it from 30 years ago having a platform around it that we could sit around but suspect this was blown away during one of the hurricanes. Only thing disappointing is that the building is built right up against the oak and takes away from the scenery.

I have never seen a tree like this before. I am so glad it survived Hurricane Katrina and many other storms.

Free and really big. It is on the campus and easy to find. The tree has lived through storms and has stood the test of time. Worth visiting!!

I love going by the campus to see this miraculous tree which has so much history. It has managed to survive through many devestating hurricane's .It is four and a half centuries old.It is said to have been growing when Christopher Columbus sailed for the Americas.If only the friendship oak could talk,imagine the lessons it could teach?In 1968 when I attended school there, it was said that if you stood under the tree with a friend your friendship would last forever.I can tell you they are still having reunions for gulf park college and many women meet there to join friends and celebrate. All visit The Friendship Oak ,some pocketing a few acorns for remembrances of friendships past and present.I'm sure many more students on the University of Southern Miss,at Gulf Park will continue to revisit their campus and frienship Oak.

It's a nice tree. If you are driving along Hwy 90 and want to stop and get out to stretch your legs, this is a nice place to do so. It's a big, sprawling tree. If you want to see a big, sprawling tree allegedly 500 years old, this is the tree for you.

I love coastal live oaks and this specimen is grand. But it is very hard to imagine this as a destination, attraction, or something to plan to do. If you are in Long Beach for some reason, and have nothing REAL to do, then see this tree.