- The Vicksburg National Military Park: Step back in time and experience the site of one of the most significant battles of the Civil War. Located in Vicksburg, the park offers a glimpse into the past with guided tours, interpretive exhibits, and original fortifications. You can also explore the 1,800 acres of the battlefield, hike the trails, and learn about the soldiers who fought and died for their country.
- The Natchez Trace Parkway: Take a leisurely drive along this picturesque parkway that spans 444 miles from Natchez to Nashville. Along the way, you can stop and admire the scenic views, hike the trails, go bird-watching, or even camp. With plenty of recreational activities to choose from, the Natchez Trace Parkway is a must-see for nature lovers and history buffs.
- The Gulf Islands National Seashore: Located in Gulfport, this peaceful park offers 160 miles of unspoiled beaches, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy a range of water activities such as fishing, kayaking, and snorkeling. There are also hiking trails and picnic areas for those who prefer to stay on land. Don’t miss the chance to experience the natural beauty of the Gulf Coast.
- The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science: Get ready for a hands-on experience and immerse yourself in the natural history of Mississippi. The museum features interactive exhibits, live animals, and outdoor trails that allow visitors to explore the state’s diverse ecosystems. From fossils to wildlife, there’s something for everyone to learn and discover.
- The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum: Step into history and learn about the brave individuals who fought for equality and justice in Mississippi. Through multimedia exhibits and personal accounts, visitors can gain insight into the struggles and triumphs of the civil rights movement. This museum is a must-see for anyone who wants to understand the impact of this pivotal moment in American history.
- Mississippi State Capitol: Take a tour of the historic Mississippi State Capitol and see where the state’s laws are made. Located in Jackson, the building features stunning architecture, beautiful artwork, and a rich history that dates back to the late 1800s. You’ll get to learn about Mississippi’s past and present, and see firsthand how democracy works.
- The Mississippi Museum of Art: Discover a world of art and culture at the Mississippi Museum of Art. Located in Jackson, the museum boasts a diverse collection of art from around the globe, including paintings, sculptures, and mixed media. With changing exhibits and special events, there’s always something new to see and experience.
- The Old Capitol Museum: Immerse yourself in the history of Mississippi at the Old Capitol Museum. Located in Jackson, the building was once the seat of government and witnessed many important events in the state’s history. Today, it houses exhibits and artifacts that tell the story of Mississippi’s past, from politics to culture. It’s a fascinating place to visit for anyone interested in the state’s history.
- The Biloxi Lighthouse: Get a glimpse into Mississippi’s maritime history with a visit to the Biloxi Lighthouse. Located in Biloxi, this historic site offers tours that take you up the spiral staircase to the top of the lighthouse. From there, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Gulf Coast and learn about the lighthouse’s role in keeping sailors safe for over 150 years. Don’t miss the chance to climb to the top and see the beauty of Biloxi from a new perspective.
- The Elmore-Longstreet Museum: This museum is housed in a building that once served as a Confederate hospital, which means it’s had more blood spilled in it than a tea party with the Queen. Visitors can check out all sorts of artifacts related to James Longstreet, a big cheese in the Confederate army, as well as get clued up on the Civil War and the history of Holly Springs.
- The Medgar Evers House Museum: This museum is situated in the former digs of Medgar Evers, a bloke who fought for civil rights and justice, only to be bumped off in 1963. You can see all sorts of photos, bits and bobs, and papers related to his work as a boss of the Mississippi NAACP, as well as appreciate his legacy and sacrifice.
- The Delta Blues Museum: Located smack bang in the Mississippi Delta, this museum showcases the rich history of blues music and its cultural significance in the region. Visitors can tune in to exhibits on famous blues musos like Muddy Waters and B.B. King, as well as discover the history of the blues and its role in American music. It’s so cool, it’ll make your heart sing like a cat on a hot tin roof.
- The Grand Village of the Natchez Indians: This site is a bunch of ceremonial mounds and recreated homes that were once home to the Natchez people, who were pretty advanced dudes in the pre-Columbian era. Visitors can learn about their culture and traditions through exhibits and tours, and if they’re lucky, they might even spot a few ghosts of the past.
- The Winterville Mounds: These ancient mounds were built by the indigenous people of the Mississippi Delta more than 1,000 years ago and are some of the most impressive examples of pre-Columbian architecture in the region. Visitors can explore the site and learn about the culture and way of life of the people who built them. Just don’t disturb any spirits or you’ll have more curses than a witch at Halloween.
- De Soto National Forest: This huge forest covers over half a million acres in southern Mississippi and is home to a variety of critters, including deer, turkeys, and gators. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and other outdoor shenanigans in the forest, as well as discover historic sites like the Old Spanish Trail, which goes through the forest like a hot knife through butter.
- Rowan Oak: This historic house was once the pad of Nobel Prize-winning writer William Faulkner and is now a museum devoted to his life and work. Visitors can see original furniture, family heirlooms, and other artifacts related to Faulkner’s life and career, as well as explore the groovy gardens and grounds surrounding the place. It’s the perfect spot to chill out and get some Faulknerian inspiration.
- The Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum: This museum offers visitors a chance to learn about the rich agri heritage of Mississippi, including exhibits on cotton farming, timber production, and livestock raising. Visitors can see historic buildings, farm gear, and other artifacts related to the state’s agri and forestry industries, as well as have some fun with hands-on activities and interactive exhibits. It’s like a petting zoo for grown-ups!