Mississippi, often celebrated for its rich cultural tapestry and historical significance, offers a plethora of activities ranging from serene natural landscapes to vibrant cultural sites. Whether you’re a fan of the arts, history, or outdoor adventures, the Magnolia State has something to captivate every visitor.
From the tranquil beaches of Biloxi to the historic streets of Jackson, Mississippi invites you to experience its unique charm and hospitality. In this blog, we will share 22 things to do in Mississippi, ensuring your journey through the state is filled with memorable moments.
Table of Contents
Mentioned below are the 22 best things to do in Mississippi.
1. Check out the Mississippi State Capitol in Jackson.
The Mississippi State Capitol in Jackson is more than just a building; it’s where the state’s laws are created. This location boasts a stunning structure with a large dome that is visible from a distance.
Numerous paintings and statues reflect Mississippi’s history. Everyone has the opportunity to visit locations where politicians conduct their work and make important decisions.
2. Cruise along the Mississippi River.
The Mississippi Petrified Forest dates back to a time when the earth was very young. Here, witness trees transformed into stone after millions of years. This destination is truly unique in the entire country.
Walking through the forest, you’ll come across logs that resemble wood but are as tough as rocks! Several petrified logs date back over 36 million years.
3. Party all night at Biloxi Beach.
On the Gulf of Mexico, Biloxi Beach is a lovely place to swim, play in the sand, and generally have a good time. The beach extends for miles, providing plenty of space for all visitors.
Look for restaurants serving freshly caught seafood. This spot is perfect for enjoying the sunset and relaxing. Biloxi has earned the title of “Seafood Capital of the World” due to its broad fishing and seafood processing traditions.
4. Visit the Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum.
Music lovers are recommended to visit the Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum in Tupelo. This small home is where the legendary musician was born and spent his early childhood.
The nearby museum is brimming with Elvis memories, narrating the journey of a young man from humble beginnings to worldwide fame.
5. Explore Vicksburg National Military Park.
One of the biggest engagements of the Civil War is celebrated on the vast terrain of Vicksburg National Military Park. Visitors can visit the restored USS Cairo gunboat, monuments, and cannons.
The park is more than just a historical site; it’s also an incredible natural area with long trails.
6. Try seasonal delights at the Delta Meat Market in Cleveland.
Cleveland’s Delta Meat Market is a culinary masterpiece in the center of the Mississippi Delta. This market and restaurant offer superb local cuisine, including farm-fresh produce and organic meats and cheeses.
Having local cuisine offers the area’s rich agricultural history.
7. Visit the Rosalie Mansion.
The Natchez Rosalie Mansion shows the lavish lifestyle of the colonial South. This historic mansion, with a view of the Mississippi River, is renowned for its impressive architecture and well-maintained interiors.
Guests have the opportunity to explore the mansion, view its historical furnishings, and discover the stories of its former residents. The Rosalie Mansion played a significant role in Natchez’s history by serving as the headquarters for the Union Army during the Civil War.
8. Follow “The Help” filming spots in Greenwood.
Greenwood, Mississippi, was a key filming spot for the movie The Help, which was adapted from the popular book.
Visitors have the opportunity to explore different locations in the city that appeared in the movie, such as historic residences and downtown districts.
9. Find out about the USS Cairo Museum.
The USS Cairo Museum at Vicksburg National Military Park showcases the remains of a Union ironclad gunboat sunk during the Civil War. Raised from the bottom of the Yazoo River in 1964, Cairo is one of the few surviving vessels of its kind.
The museum displays artifacts recovered from the ship, offering insights into naval warfare and life aboard a gunboat.
10. Visit the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center.
The Lynn Meadows Discovery Center in Gulfport is a paradise for curious kids and their families. This interactive children’s museum is packed with exhibits that encourage play, exploration, and learning.
It’s designed to spark creativity and curiosity in young minds, from climbing structures to imaginative play areas.
11. Go to the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center.
Located in Indianola, the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center honors the life and music of the legendary blues musician B.B. King.
The museum features interactive exhibits, artifacts, and personal stories that trace King’s journey from his humble beginnings to international stardom.
12. Witness the Majesty of Longwood.
Longwood in Natchez stands as an architectural wonder, reflecting the incomplete goals of the pre-Civil War era in the South. This octagonal mansion, featuring a Byzantine onion dome, has been left incomplete since the Civil War, providing visitors with an unusual glimpse into the past.
The lower levels are decorated to reflect the style of the 1860s, while the upper levels remain unfinished, showcasing the paused construction.
13. Try your luck at Tunica.
Tunica, often known as the “South’s Casino Capital,” competes with Las Vegas in terms of high-stakes gaming excitement. Featuring a variety of casinos with slot machines and table games, guests can test their luck while experiencing elite entertainment and dining options.
Once considered one of the poorest counties in the United States, Tunica transformed in the early 1990s with the rise of casinos. Today, it has become a growing entertainment hub that brings millions of visitors annually.
14. Visit the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum.
Jackson is home to the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, which reflects the history of civil rights activism in the Magnolia State and beyond. Through which historical events have influenced America.
15. Drive the Natchez Trace.
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a scenic drive that stretches 444 miles from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee. This historic route offers beautiful landscapes, hiking trails, and important historical sites.
The Natchez Trace is one of the oldest travel corridors in North America, used for thousands of years by Native Americans, European settlers, and early American explorers.
16. Kayak on the Rez in Ridgeland.
Kayaking on the Ross Barnett Reservoir, affectionately known as “The Rez,” in Ridgeland offers a peaceful escape into nature. With miles of open water and scenic shorelines, it’s a favorite spot for paddling, fishing, and simply enjoying the great outdoors.
The Rez is Mississippi’s largest drinking water resource, covering about 33,000 acres and providing a habitat for a wide variety of wildlife.
17. Catch a Mississippi Braves baseball game in Pearl.
Attend a Mississippi Braves game to take part in the nation’s favorite game. Being the Double-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, the team presents exciting baseball games and a welcoming environment at Trustmark Park.
The Mississippi Braves have been playing in Pearl since 2005. The stadium boasts a unique grass-berm seating area, which provides fans with a special way to enjoy the game.
18. In Cleveland, visit the GRAMMY Museum.
The GRAMMY Museum Mississippi in Cleveland celebrates the long legacy and cultural impact of music.
Featuring interactive exhibits, the museum explores the history of Grammy Award winners and provides insights into the creative and recording processes.
19. Enjoy a walk around Gulfport’s Mississippi Aquarium.
With its variety of aquatic habitats, ranging from the brackish coastal waters to the deep blue sea, the Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport offers a gateway to the incredible biodiversity of the Gulf and beyond.
Guests can interact closely with marine animals such as dolphins, rays, and sharks. The aquarium rescues and releases marine animals along the Mississippi Gulf Coast and is committed to conservation.
20. Pass by Beauvoir while in Biloxi.
Beauvoir in Biloxi was the last home of Jefferson Davis, the President of the Confederate States of America. This historic estate offers tours of Davis’s home, the Presidential Library, and the Confederate cemetery.
Beauvoir, which means “beautiful view” in French, is named for its stunning views of the Mississippi Sound. It served as Davis’s retirement estate.
21. In Tishomingo State Park, enjoy an excursion.
Tishomingo State Park, located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, is a haven for nature lovers.
With its rocky outcroppings, waterfalls, and ancient cypress trees, the park offers a variety of trails for hikers of all skill levels. Exploring Tishomingo gives visitors a chance to experience Mississippi’s unique natural beauty.
The park is named after Chief Tishomingo, the leader of the Chickasaw nation, and is home to rock formations and fossils that date back over 300 million years.
22. Visit Jackson’s Mistletoe Marketplace.
Mistletoe Marketplace in Jackson is a premier holiday shopping event, bringing together hundreds of merchants in one place for a festive shopping experience.
This annual event, organized by the Junior League of Jackson, features gifts, decorations, food, and more.
FAQs
Jackson, Mississippi, stands out for its deep-rooted cultural heritage and significant civil rights history, complemented by a vibrant arts scene and diverse culinary experiences.
The national dish of Mississippi is often considered to be catfish, typically fried, reflecting the state’s rich tradition in aquaculture and its prominence in Southern cuisine.
The richest part of Mississippi is often considered to be Madison, a suburb of Jackson.
1. Neshoba County Fair.
2. Cruising the Coast.
3. Delta Hot Tamale Festival.
4. Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival.
