Mississippi is the perfect place to get a taste of southern charm. With delicious food, awesome museums, and wonderful outdoor attractions, you’ll find plenty to amuse and entertain you. In fact, you might want to create a Mississippi bucket list to help you stay organized and keep track of your favorite ideas for things to do during your visit.
Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield Site
A significant victory for Major General Nathan Bedford Forrest, the Confederate win at Brice’s Cross Roads actually turned out to be quite costly for the Confederates in the long run. Visit this NPS site to learn how and why.
Gulf Islands National Seashore
Gorgeous white beaches, emerald waters, and beautiful historical landscapes make up the popular Gulf Islands National Seashore. See this amazing beauty for yourself by visiting this national park site.
Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument
On June 12, 1963, Medgar Evers was assassinated in his home – the first murder of a nationally significant leader of the Civil Rights Movement. After his death, Medgar’s wife Myrlie continued the Civil Rights work that she and her husband were so passionate about. Learn about their work at the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument.
Natchez National Historical Park
An excellent place to learn about the Natchez people, Natchez National Historical Park covers everything from European settlement to the Civil Rights struggle. Peek into the past and learn something new when you visit this Mississippi attraction.
Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail and Parkway
The Old Natchez Trace was once used by settlers, traders, soldiers, and many others to travel from one place to another. Today, visitors can drive the parkway built alongside the old trail, or hike portions of the trail itself to put themselves in the shoes of those travelers from a time gone by.
Shiloh National Military Park
At Shiloh during the Civil War, nearly 110,000 American troops fought in a bloody battle that ended in 23,746 casualties. Explore the Shiloh National Military Park and visitor center to learn more about the struggle experienced here.
Tupelo National Battlefield
Another Civil War Battlefield, Tupelo National Battlefield saw action in July of 1864 when Union forces marched into town. The Confederate soldiers could not overpower the organized Union troops. Learn more about this battle and its effect on the war at this NPS site.
Vicksburg National Military Park
The battle at Vicksburg was an incredibly important one. In fact, President Lincoln declared that “Vicksburg is the key” to victory. The battle at Vicksburg National Military Park would determine the outcome of the Civil War. Learn more about this time at Vicksburg National Military Park.
Cruise Along the Mississippi Great River Road
A beautiful scenic road that runs alongside the Mississippi, the Mississippi Great River Road offers the perfect drive for those wanting to explore the hidden corners of Mississippi. Not only will you get some incredible views of the river, but you’ll also pass through small towns and drive by a number of attractions and historic sites.
Blast Off to INFINITY Science Center
INFINITY Science Center is NASA’s official visitor center for the Stennis Space Center. See an F-1 rocket engine, explore the surface of Mars, and check out a model of the ISS’s Destiny module.
Stroll the All-American Rose Garden
The campus of the University of Southern Mississippi is picturesque, and the All-American Rose Garden on campus is one of its prettiest parts. This garden features 32 beds of roses, each one boasting a different type of flower. It’s beautiful and fragrant, and the perfect place for an afternoon stroll.
Climb the Biloxi Lighthouse
Constructed in 1848, the Biloxi Lighthouse has been a Mississippi landmark for a very long time. Tour the lighthouse to learn about the history of the building and climb to the top for fantastic views of the ocean and coastline.
Tour the Eudora Welty House and Garden
Eudora Welty was a Mississippi-born Pulitzer Prize winner. She is best known for her novel, The Optimist’s Daughter, but was a prolific writer. See some of her works and learn about her life when you visit the Eudora Welty House and Garden.
Sample Some Barbecue
No visit to Mississippi is complete without some great barbecue. We recommend Goldie’s Trail Bar-B-Que or Abe’s BBQ, but there are lots of delicious options.
Wander the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art
A tribute to the well-known, creative potter George E. Ohr, the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art is a place of inspiration. There are plenty of amazing works inside, of course, but the buildings are also works in and of themselves.
Explore the Mississippi Petrified Forest
The Mississippi Petrified Forest likely formed a full 36 million years ago and is the only petrified forest on the eastern side of the country. Besides hiking the forest itself, visitors are also encouraged to visit the onsite museum where they can view dinosaur footprints, a cast of a prehistoric camel, and more.
Have a Blast at the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center
The Lynn Meadows Discovery Center is a great stop for families. This fun, hands-on museum features all kinds of awesome exhibits. You can try your hand at catching shrimp, become a train engineer, climb an enormous play structure, and much more.
Listen to Music at the Ground Zero Blues Club
The Ground Zero Blues Club is an excellent place to listen to American Delta music and steep yourself in Mississippi culture. This club makes a point of featuring local musicians who focus on playing traditional Mississippi blues, and the shows are incredible.
Step Back in Time at Jefferson Davis’ Beauvoir
The final home for Confederate President Jefferson Davis, Beauvoir, is a well-preserved historic home where you can learn about this period in history. Learn more about Davis, view his library, and visit the Confederate soldier cemetery nearby.
Enjoy a Meal at Brent’s Drugs
Brent’s Drugs is an old-school soda fountain with good food, nostalgic decor, and a staff that’ll make you feel right at home. It also has some of the best milkshakes in the state, making it the place to go during hot Mississippi summers.
Shop the Mississippi Crafts Center
The perfect place to shop for a Mississippi souvenir, the Mississippi Crafts Center allows shoppers to view hundreds of homemade pieces from a huge number of local artisans. This center is focused on displaying works that are unique to the state and region, and they strive to educate people on these crafts.
See the Elvis Presley Birthplace
If you’re a fan of The King, be sure to check out the Elvis Presley birthplace. You can learn about his childhood and even view some of his earliest creative endeavors.
Celebrate Mississippi Music at the Delta Blues Museum
Created in the small towns of Mississippi, blues is one of the only uniquely American art forms, and blues music can still be heard all across the state. Learn the history of blues music and celebrate its beauty at the Delta Blues Museum.
Socialize with Ghosts at the Windsor Ruins
A spooky past makes the Windsor Ruins one of the creepiest places in all of Mississippi. The first person to call the mansion home died from an infection just days after moving in. The house was then used as a Union hospital during the Civil War, but was burned down by a lit cigar, leaving only 23 columns standing.
Today, the spot is popular with ghost hunters, many of whom have claimed to see the ghost of a Union soldier.
Visit Rowan Oak
Rowan Oak is the home of celebrated author William Faulkner. Guided tours of this historic Greek-revival style house are available for those who want to step back in time and learn more about Faulkner. This is the perfect stop for book lovers and history buffs alike.
Go Hiking at Tishomingo State Park
Tishomingo State Park is one of the best places to visit for outdoor fun in Mississippi. Not only is the park full of amazing hiking opportunities, but you’ll also find plenty of history here, including a historic swinging bridge that is fun to walk across.
Pay Tribute at the War Memorial Building
The War Memorial Building was built to honor the Mississippi men and women who died in battle defending the US. The building acknowledges each battle fought by those from Mississippi, from 1768 through the Vietnam War. Pay them tribute with a visit to the building.
Take a Dip at Geyser Falls Water Park
Beat the intense Southern summer heat with a trip to Geyser Falls Water Park. Join the fun and enjoy all the water slides and other attractions at this local water park.
Discover New Things at the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum
We all know Mississippi and the surrounding states are well known for their rich farming history. Learn about this history at the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum. You’ll likely leave this museum with a new appreciation for farmers.
As you can see, a visit to Mississippi isn’t likely to be boring. Of course, you are going to want a comfortable place to rest your head after each long day of exploring. A Mississippi RV rental is a great way to rest well while you’re on the road.
Renting an RV gives you the freedom to explore the entire state, hopping from one place to the next quickly and easily, taking the comforts of home with you wherever you go.
