Things to Do in Mississippi

• What is the Mississippi State Capitol known for?
  • The Mississippi State Capitol in Jackson serves as the center for government affairs in Mississippi. The stately building, with its elegant facade and dome-shaped roof, was built in 1903. Two state capitol buildings preceded the current capitol.
• What can visitors see during a tour of the State Capitol?
  • During a tour of the State Capitol, visitors can see portraits of Mississippi state leadership in the Hall of Governors and view the legislature meeting rooms on the third floor.
• What features can be found on the Capitol grounds?
  • The capitol grounds feature a replica of the Liberty Bell and a Women of the Confederacy monument, which is dedicated to the wives, daughters, sisters, and mothers of soldiers who fought with the Confederacy.
• When are tours of the Capitol building offered?
  • Tours of the capitol building are offered on weekdays only.
• What is the address of the Mississippi State Capitol?
  • 400 High Street, Jackson, MS 39201

• What is Vicksburg National Military Park?
  • Vicksburg National Military Park serves as a memorial for the American Civil War’s Battle of Vicksburg. Fought in mid-1863, the battle took place on a 20-mile parcel of land that still features trenches from the conflict.
• How many lives were lost during the Battle of Vicksburg?
  • The 47-day siege at Vicksburg ended with the loss of nearly 5,000 lives, making it one of the most significant battles of the American Civil War.
• What attractions can visitors see at Vicksburg National Military Park?
  • Today, the park features 1,325 historical markers and monuments, a 12.5-mile walking trail, 144 cannons, the restored gunboat U.S.S. Cairo, and the Vicksburg National Cemetery.
• How many people are buried at Vicksburg National Cemetery?
  • The cemetery contains the remains of nearly 20,000 people, of whom over 12,000 are unidentified.
• What is the address and contact information for Vicksburg National Military Park?
  • 3201 Clay Street, Vicksburg, MS 39183
    Phone: 601-636-2199

• What is the U.S.S. Cairo?
  • The U.S.S. Cairo is a Civil War-era gunboat located at Vicksburg National Military Park. It was commissioned in January 1862 and was one of seven ironclad gunboats the Union used to regain control of the lower Mississippi River.
• What happened to the U.S.S. Cairo?
  • The U.S.S. Cairo was sunk in the Yazoo River after coming under enemy fire. It remained submerged in approximately 40 feet of water until 1965, when the remains were retrieved and towed to a shipyard for restoration.
• Where can visitors see the U.S.S. Cairo today?
  • Today, the U.S.S. Cairo sits along the tour road at the U.S.S. Cairo Museum. The museum features numerous artifacts recovered from the ship years after it sank.
• What is the address and contact information for the U.S.S. Cairo Museum?
  • 3201 Clay Street, Vicksburg, MS 39183
    Phone: 601-636-0583

Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:

• What is the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center?
  • The Lynn Meadows Discovery Center features a variety of indoor and outdoor exhibits designed for kids of all ages. It offers an engaging, educational experience through hands-on activities.
• What exhibits are available inside the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center?
  • Inside, there are 15,000 square feet of exhibits, including the Super Colossal Climbing Structure, Art Knows Anything Goes art center, Bear Camp Bayou, Dolan Avenue Depot, and the Little Pet Vet.
• What can children learn at the Discovery Center?
  • Children can explore exhibits that help them learn about math, science, the human body, and more, using interactive and hands-on activities that make learning fun.
• When is the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center open?
  • The Lynn Meadows Discovery Center is open all week long, but hours vary by day, so it's best to check ahead before visiting.
• What is the address and contact information for the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center?
  • 246 Dolan Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39507
    Phone: 228-897-6039

• What is Longwood?
  • Longwood is an oriental-style villa designed by Philadelphia architect Samuel Sloan. It was built for Haller and Julia Nutt, a prominent couple from Natchez's planter elite.
• When was Longwood constructed?
  • The groundbreaking occurred in 1860, but construction was halted in 1861 due to the Civil War. At the time, the exterior was complete, but only one interior level had been finished.
• Where did the Nutt family live after construction stopped?
  • After construction was halted, the Nutt family lived in the basement of Longwood until the turn of the century.
• Why is Longwood sometimes called "Nutt's Folly"?
  • Longwood became known locally as "Nutt's Folly" because of its unfinished upper levels, which remained incomplete after the war.
• What is Longwood's historical significance?
  • Longwood was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1971 due to its architectural and historical significance.
• What is the address and contact information for Longwood?
  • 401 High Street, Natchez, MS 39120
    Phone: 601-445-5151

• What is the history of Rosalie Mansion?
  • The origins of the Rosalie Mansion date back to 1716, when the French built a fort on the cliffs above Natchez. The fort was named Rosalie in honor of the Countess of Pontchartrain.
• Who built the Rosalie Mansion?
  • In 1820, a Pennsylvania native named Peter Little purchased a portion of the land to build his home, which he named Rosalie in keeping with local tradition.
• What philanthropic work is associated with Rosalie Mansion?
  • Peter Little and his wife, Eliza, started the Natchez Children's Home, an organization dedicated to caring for orphaned children in the community.
• When can visitors tour Rosalie Mansion?
  • Visitors can tour Rosalie Mansion seven days a week. For private tours or holiday arrangements, guests are encouraged to call ahead to make a reservation.

Address: Rosalie Mansion, 100 Orleans Street, Natchez, MS 39120, Phone: 601-446-5676

Unique Museums:

• Where was Elvis Presley born?
  • The quiet Mississippi town of Tupelo is the birthplace of Elvis Presley, one of the most iconic musicians of all time. He was born in January 1935 in a two-room home built by his relatives.
• What was Elvis Presley's early life like in Mississippi?
  • During his childhood, the Presley family struggled financially and moved several times in search of work. They spent 13 years living in Mississippi before relocating to Memphis.
• What connections did Elvis Presley have to Tupelo?
  • Elvis attended church in Tupelo, played local shows, and made his first radio broadcast in the town, establishing early ties to the local community.
• Where can visitors learn more about Elvis Presley in Tupelo?
  • Visitors can explore several Elvis-themed tours at the Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum. The "Grand Tour" includes stops at his childhood church, his home, and other locations he frequented as a child.
• What is the address and contact information for the Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum?
  • 306 Elvis Presley Drive, Tupelo, MS 38801
    Phone: 662-841-1245

• What is the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum?
  • The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum documents the historic Civil Rights Movement that profoundly influenced the direction of the nation. It highlights the stories of individuals who contributed to the Mississippi Freedom Struggle between 1860 and 1910.
• What exhibits can visitors expect at the museum?
  • The museum houses a carefully curated collection of photos, documents, and artifacts that illustrate the history and impact of the Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi.
• What historical period does the museum cover?
  • The exhibits cover the history of the thousands of enslaved Africans brought to America between 1619 and 1865, their struggles, and their eventual emancipation.
• Why is the museum significant to Mississippi's history?
  • The museum tells the story of how the state of Mississippi was built on the blood, sweat, and tears of these individuals and their fight for freedom and equality.
• Why should visitors prioritize this museum?
  • Every visitor to Mississippi is encouraged to visit the museum to gain a deeper understanding of the state's role in the Civil Rights Movement and the sacrifices made to achieve racial equality.
• What is the address and contact information for the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum?
  • 222 North Street #2205, Jackson, MS 39201
    Phone: 601-576-6800

• What is the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center?
  • The B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center is dedicated to the memory of Riley B. King, an international blues music icon. The museum highlights his life, music, and impact on the world.
• When and where was B.B. King born?
  • B.B. King was born in 1925 in the Mississippi Delta, where he faced many struggles related to his family life before moving to Memphis to pursue music.
• How did B.B. King begin his music career?
  • King moved to Memphis, where he became involved in the local music and radio scene. His dedication and passion eventually led to his rise as an international blues star.
• What was B.B. King's philosophy on human relationships?
  • B.B. King was known for the respect he showed for all people, regardless of race or background. His music often reflected messages of unity and empathy.
• What can visitors expect to see at the B.B. King Museum?
  • The museum features rare artifacts, award-winning films, and interactive computer programs that bring King's story to life. Visitors can explore the most interesting events from King's life and career.

Address: B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center, 400 Second Street, Indianola, MS 38751, Phone: 662-887-9539

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

• What is the Beauvoir Estate?
  • The Beauvoir Estate in Biloxi, Mississippi, is the historic home of Jefferson Davis, the former President of the Confederate States of America.
• What political roles did Jefferson Davis hold?
  • In addition to his presidency, Davis also served in the U.S. House of Representatives and the United States Senate, making significant contributions to American political history.
• When did Jefferson Davis acquire the Beauvoir Estate?
  • The Beauvoir Estate was bequeathed to Davis in 1878, and he lived there until his death in 1889.
• Is Beauvoir recognized as a historic site?
  • Yes, the estate is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as a significant historical site in Mississippi.
• When was the Beauvoir Estate turned into a museum?
  • The plantation and home were converted into a museum in the late 1990s to educate visitors about Davis's life and the region's history.
• How did Hurricane Katrina impact the Beauvoir Estate?
  • Hurricane Katrina caused severe damage to the estate in 2005, but the property was restored soon after the disaster.

Address: Beauvoir, 2244 Beach Boulevard, Biloxi, MS 39531, Phone: 228-388-4400