25 Best Things to Do in Mississippi

America's 20th state is known for its intriguing Civil War history, booming agribusiness economy, and its title as the birthplace of blues music. Mississippi boasts a unique culture that attracts visitors from all around the world. Visit Oxford, Jackson, Gulfport and other unique Mississippi destinations. Photo: Sean Pavone Photo/Fotolia

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.

During a tour of the capitol, visitors can see portraits of Mississippi state leadership in the Hall of Governors and view the legislature meeting rooms on the third floor. The capitol grounds feature a replica of the Liberty Bell as well as a Women of the Confederacy monument, which is dedicated to the wives, daughters, sisters, and mothers of soldiers who fought with the Confederacy. Tours of the capitol building are offered on weekdays. Things to Do in Jackson Contact: 400 High Street, Jackson, Mississippi 39201 Photo: Sean Pavone Photo/Fotolia

Vicksburg National Military Park serves as a memorial for the American Civil War’s Battle of Vicksburg. Fought in mid-1863, the Battle of Vicksburg took place on a 20-mile parcel of land that is lined with trenches to this day.

The 47-day siege that took place at Vicksburg ended up claiming close to 5,000 lives. Today, Vicksburg National Military Park features 1,325 historical markers and monuments, a 12.5-mile walking trail, 144 cannons, the restored gunboat U.S.S. Cairo, and Vicksburg National Cemetery, which contains the remains of nearly 20,000 people. Upwards of 12,000 of the people buried at the site are unidentified. Contact: 3201 Clay Street, Vicksburg, MS 39183, Phone: 601-636-2199 Photo: Zack Frank/Fotolia

The U.S.S. Cairo is a Civil War-era gunboat that sits at Vicksburg National Military Park. Commissioned in January 1862, the U.S.S. Cairo was one of seven ironclad gunboats that the Union used in attempts to regain control of the lower Mississippi River.

The Cairo was sunk in the Yazoo River after coming under enemy fire. It sat immersed in roughly 40 feet of water until 1965, when the remains of the gunboat were towed to a shipyard for restoration. Today, the U.S.S. Cairo sits along the tour road at the U.S.S. Cairo Museum. The museum contains all sorts of artifacts that were recovered from the ship years after it sunk. Contact: 3201 Clay Street, Vicksburg, Mississippi 39183, Phone: 601-636-0583 Photo: NPS Photo

The Tupelo Automobile Museum boasts an extensive collection of rare antique vehicles. The 120,000-square-foot museum houses over 100 classic and collectible automobiles. During a self-guided tour, visitors can see an 1886 Mercedes Benz, a Lincoln that was once owned by Elvis Presley, a rare Tucker vehicle, and a 1994 Dodge Viper that has never been driven.

In all, the museum's car collection is worth more than $6 million. In addition to historic vehicles, the museum also contains a wealth of information about car engineering and manufacturing throughout history. Admission ranges from free to $10, depending on age and military status. Contact: 1 Otis Boulevard, Tupelo, Mississippi 38804, Phone: 662-842-4242 Photo: Tupelo Automobile Museum

Longwood is an oriental-style villa that was designed by Philadelphia architect Samuel Sloan and built for Haller and Julia Nutt, an esteemed couple belonging to Natchez's planter elite. The groundbreaking for the octagonal structure occurred in 1860, but construction was halted in 1861 due to the Civil War.

At the time, the exterior of the villa was complete but only one level of the interior had been finished. The Nutt family lived in the basement until the turn of the century. Thanks to its unfinished upper levels, Longwood became known locally as “Nutt's Folly.” Longwood was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1971. Contact: 401 High Street, Natchez, Mississippi 39120, Phone: 601-445-5151 Photo: Longwood

The origins of the Rosalie Mansion stretch back to 1716, when the French built a fort on the cliffs above Natchez. They named the fort Rosalie to honor the Countess of Pontchartrain. In 1820 a Pennsylvania local named Peter Little purchased a portion of the land to build his home, which he named Rosalie in keeping with local tradition.

Peter married a young girl named Eliza, and together they started the Natchez's Children Home, an organization that helped care for orphaned children. Visitors can tour Rosalie 7 days a week. For private tours and holiday tour arrangements, guests can call ahead to make a reservation at Rosalie. Contact: 100 Orleans Street, Natchez, Mississippi 39120, Phone: 601-446-5676 Photo: Rosalie Mansion

The quiet Mississippi town of Tupelo is the birthplace of Elvis Presley, one of the most iconic musicians of all time. Presley was born in January 1935 in a two-room home that was built by his relatives. When Elvis was a child, his family struggled financially and they moved several times to find work during their 13-year stint in Mississippi.

Elvis Presley attended church in Tupelo, played shows there for locals, and made his first radio broadcast in the Mississippi town. Today visitors can choose from several Elvis-themed tours that provide a glimpse into Presley's childhood. Some stops on the “Grand Tour” include Elvis' childhood church, his home, and other places that he frequented. Read more Contact: 306 Elvis Presley Drive, Tupelo, Mississippi 38801, Phone: 662-841-1245 Photo: Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum

The Rock and Blues Museum seeks to preserve Mississippi's blues music history. Housed in the historic Clarksdale freight depot, the museum features 7,000 square feet of exhibit space. There are both permanent and traveling exhibits that detail the lives of famous blues stars like John Lee Hooker and Don Nix, and other iconic artists such as photographer Joseph A. Rosen and illustrator Tony Mostrom. There are photographic exhibits along with artifacts from famous blues events. The remains of musician Muddy Waters' cabin are housed in the gallery. The museum hosts educational programs for visitors of all ages. Contact: 1 Blues Alley, Clarksdale, Mississippi 38614, Phone: 662-627-6820 Photo: Rock and Blues Museum

The B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center is dedicated to the memory of Riley B. King, an international blues music icon. Born in 1925, King endured many struggles related to his family life. Early on, he moved to Memphis, where he became involved in the local music and radio scene. King's years of hard work culminated in him becoming an international blues star.

In particular, he was known for the respect he had for all people, regardless of race. The B.B. King Museum portrays some of the most interesting stories and events from King's life. Rare artifacts, award-winning films, and interactive computer programs are featured throughout the museum. Contact: 400 Second Street, Indianola, Mississippi 38751, Phone: 662-887-9539 Photo: B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center

The Beauvoir Estate in Biloxi, Mississippi, is the home of Jefferson Davis, the former President of the Confederate States of America. Davis served in several other political posts, including the U.S. House of Representatives and the United States Senate.

Beauvoir, which was bequeathed to Davis in 1878, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The plantation surrounding the property and the home were turned into a museum in the late 1990s. Hurricane Katrina inflicted severe damage on the home in 2005, but Beauvoir was restored shortly after the disaster struck. Contact: 2244 Beach Boulevard, Biloxi, Mississippi 39531, Phone: 228-388-4400 Photo: Beauvoir

Construction on Stanton Hall began in 1857. The stately Greek Revival-style home was built on a full city block in the heart of Natchez. When time came to furnish the residence, owner Frederick Stanton imported pieces from France, Philadelphia, and New York.

The home survived the Civil War and was purchased and restored by the Pilgrimage Garden Club in 1938. The residence was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1974 and today guests can take a 30-minute walking tour of the home. Afterward, tourists can enjoy a Southern-style meal at the Carriage House Restaurant next door. Contact: 401 High Street, Natchez, Mississippi 39120, Phone: 601-445-5151 Photo: Stanton Hall

In 1860, Corinth, Mississippi, was home to roughly 1,500 people. The bustling town sat at the point where the Memphis/Charleston and the Mobile/Ohio railroads crossed at the time. Corinth sits 22 miles southwest of Pittsburg Landing, where the Civil War Battle of Shiloh was fought in 1862.

At the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center, visitors can learn all about this landmark battle. The battle claimed roughly 3,000 lives, but tens of thousands of men went missing or escaped the battle with severe injuries. The Battle of Shiloh was known as the bloodiest battle in American history, but it was soon upstaged by the Battle of Gettysburg. Contact: 501 W Linden St, Corinth, MS 38834, Phone: 662-287-9273 Photo: NPS Photo

Lynn Meadows Discovery Center has a series of indoor and outdoor exhibits for kids of all ages. Inside, there are 15,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits, including the Super Colossal Climbing Structure, the Art Knows Anything Goes art center, the Bear Camp Bayou, the Dolan Avenue Depot, and the Little Pet Vet.

There are plenty of other exhibits inside that help children learn about math, science, the human body, and more. The Lynn Meadows Discovery Center is open all week long, although hours vary depending on the day. Admission is $10 for adults and children over the age of 1. Contact: 246 Dolan Avenue, Gulfport, Mississippi 39507, Phone: 228-897-6039 Photo: Lynn Meadows Discovery Center

You are reading "25 Best Things to Do in Mississippi Today" Back to Top or Weekend Getaways Vacations with Kids, Getaways near me & Tourism, Cheap things to do, Scenic places near me, What to do in, Weather, Trip finder

Erected in 1848, the Biloxi Lighthouse is known for being one of the first cast-iron lighthouses built in the Southern United States. It is Biloxi's central landmark and also a symbol of the city's strength and resilience in the face of opposition.

The lighthouse has survived many storms in recent years, including Hurricane Katrina, which enveloped the 64-foot-tall lighthouse in a wall of water. The lighthouse was closed for a handful of years following Katrina, but in 2010, after a $400,000 restoration effort, Biloxi Lighthouse opened its doors again to visitors. Today guests can join guided tours to learn all about this interesting structure. Contact: 1050 Beach Boulevard, Biloxi, Mississippi 39530, Phone: 228-374-3105 Photo: Robert Hainer/Fotolia

"Top Romantic Tourist Attractions in Mississippi" Back to Top or More Famous Landmarks, Fish Restaurants, Bars, Cafes, Food near me, Cheap Activities, Fall Honeymoon, Cities, Downtown Wedding Venues for couples

The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science is located inside Bluff State Park. The museum grounds feature 300 acres of open space, an open-air amphitheater, and 2.5 miles of hiking trails. Inside the museum, visitors will find more than 200 species of aquatic animals living in a 100,000-gallon tank.

There are also extensive displays detailing Mississippi's unique natural habitat. For school groups, the museum provides classroom space and child-friendly exhibits. The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science boasts a greenhouse, a large wall of fossil specimens, and a natural science discovery room for preschool-aged children. Contact: 1505 Eastover Drive, Jackson, Mississippi 39211, Phone: 601-432-2400

More things to do: Natchez National Historical Park, Auburn Museum and Historic Home Photo: Mississippi Museum of Natural Science

"Fun Things to Do in Mississippi this Weekend with Friends" Back to Top or Romantic Places to live, Tourism, December Last Minute Travel, Beach Vacations, Historic Towns, Photos and Map of Conference & Wedding Destinations near my location

Vacation Ideas: Places to visit in Rhode Island, Places to Visit in New Hampshire, Weekend Getaways from Boston, Romantic Weekend Getaways in New Jersey, Best Texas lakes near me, Romantic Weekend Getaways in Louisiana, Romantic Weekend Getaways in Iowa

The Mississippi Children's Museum (MCM) is a one-stop shop for family fun. The museum contains all kinds of fun and educational exhibits focused on the human body, the animal world, science, art, and Mississippi history. The MCM also hosts educational age-specific programs that are designed to help children with literacy, math, STEM concepts, and more.

The Mississippi Children's Museum also organizes field trips where kids can explore the museum as part of an organized tour or join a scavenger hunt to see the museum with friends. The MCM is open Tuesday to Saturday each week. Admission is free for children under the age of 1 and $10 for everyone else. Contact: 2145 Museum Boulevard, Jackson, Mississippi 39202, Phone: 877-793-KIDS Photo: Mississippi Children's Museum

" Mississippi Things to Do near Me Today" Back to Top or Best Restaurants near me, Family Weekend Trips, Images of Hotels, Discounts, Boutique Hotels, Excursions, Inn & Bed and Breakfasts, Must See Tourist Attractions

Free things to do near me: Places to Visit in Illinois, Romantic Weekend Getaways in Alabama, Maryland Things to Do, Things to Do in Houston, Romantic Weekend getaways in PA near me, Fun Things to Do in Michigan, Things to Do in Philadelphia, Best Things to Do in Utah

The Old Warren County Courthouse Museum is one of the best places to see relics from the Civil War era and beyond. Some of the items housed at the museum include original Confederate flags, a tie worn by Confederate President Jefferson Davis, elegant antique furniture, and a teddy bear given to a local child by President Theodore Roosevelt.

All of these incredible items are held in the Old Warren County Courthouse, which was built in 1858. The building is known as the oldest structure in Vicksburg and has hosted men like Ulysses S. Grant, Jefferson Davis, Booker T. Washington, Teddy Roosevelt, and William McKinley. The Old Court House Museum is open 7 days a week all year round. Contact: 1008 Cherry Street, Vicksburg, Mississippi 39183, Phone: 601-636-0741 Photo: Rex Wholster/Fotolia

"New cool stuff to do in Mississippi" Back to Top or Romantic Getaways, Wedding Ideas close to me this Weekend, Honeymoon, Anniversary Ideas, Getting Married & Romantic Places around me

Family vacation Spots near me, weather: Places to Visit in Maryland, Places to Visit in Georgia, Places to Visit in Hawaii, Places to Visit in Wisconsin, Things to do in Missouri, Things to Do in NYC, MN, Romantic weekend getaways in Vermont, Couples vacations, Best Places to Visit in Mexico, Things to Do in Destin Florida, Places to Visit in Kentucky, Places to Visit in Nebraska, East Coast vacations, Places to Visit in Wyoming

Rowan Oak served as home for William Faulkner for more than 40 years. The elegant estate sits on 29 acres of land just south of Oxford, Mississippi. Faulkner, a prolific writer, was fascinated with history, and Rowan Oak helped inspire many of his great pieces about Native Americans, runaway slaves, and old spinsters.

Faulkner lived at Rowan Oak for many of his working years. Built in 1844, the home and grounds at Rowan Oak are open daily from dawn to dusk. Visitors can stroll along the grounds for free, or pay a $5 fee to enter the stately home. Contact: 916 Old Taylor Road, Oxford, Mississippi 38655, Phone: 662-234-3284 Photo: Rowan Oak

"What is There to Do with Kids in Mississippi" Back to Top or Places to Eat, Beautiful Excursions, Bucket list, Fun & Cheap Weekend Getaways for couples this month, Dog Friendly, What's near me, Nearby Restaurants, Activities

The Rock & Blues Museum features 3,000 square feet of interactive and entertaining exhibits centered on rock and blues music. The museum includes music memorabilia from the 1920s to the 1970s. Exhibits in the Rock & Blues Museum depict the lives and accomplishments of popular performers and producers like Led Zeppelin, Jack Johnson, and Samuel McClain.

The museum regularly holds special events like concerts, parties, and festivals and there is a gift shop for visitors to purchase souvenirs. Admission to the museum is a $5 donation and the facility's opening hours vary depending on the time of the year. Contact: 113 E 2nd Street, Clarksdale, Mississippi 38614, Phone: 662-524-5144 Photo: The Rock & Blues Museum

You are reading "25 Best Things to Do in Mississippi with Kids" Back to Top or Places near me, Threeday weekend, Solo travel, elevation, National parks, Day trip, Travel inspiration

More: Things to do in Mississippi, Places to Visit in Mississippi, Wedding venues in Mississippi, Dog-friendly Gulf Coast beach vacations, Mississippi Waterparks, Things to Do in Hattiesburg MS, romantic getaways from Jackson, Things to Do in Jackson, Things to Do in Oxford, MS

The Mississippi Museum of Art boasts an extensive collection of sculptures, paintings, sketches, and other art pieces by artists from around the world. In 2007 the museum moved to a new location in downtown Jackson that provided additional floor space for new exhibits and collections.

The museum has a series of ongoing and rotating exhibits. As a key member of the community, the Mississippi Museum of Art hosts educational programs, classes for people of all ages, and art exhibits for up-and-coming artists. The facility also has a robust volunteer program that allows art lovers to get involved with special museum events as well as day-to-day operations. Contact: 380 South Lamar Street, Jackson, Mississippi 39201, Phone: 601-960-1515 Photo: Mississippi Museum of Art

Fun places to visit, events, facts, tours, all inclusive & photos of fun things to do near me last minute: Great Family vacations, Attractions near my location & Free Activities

Weekend getaways: Things to Do in Norfolk, Things to Do in St. Pete, Things to Do in San Jose, Things to Do in Wilmington, Day trips from Houston, Things to Do in Mackinac Island, DC for families with kids, Things to Do in Knoxville, Things to Do in Daytona Beach, Things to Do in Ft Lauderdale, Things to Do in Minneapolis, Family Things to Do in Houston, Things to Do in Austin, Day trips from Chicago, Things to Do in Topeka

The Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum is a massive facility filled with unique exhibits and authentic replicas. The museum currently has a boat building exhibit, a wooden boat exhibit, and several galleries that depict famous maritime events in history.

The Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum hosts an annual boat show where boat owners can enter their unique vessels for prizes. Schooner Pier, a local put-in spot for boats, is home to two large Biloxi schooner replicas that are owned by the museum. Lastly, the museum runs a store where visitors can purchase maritime memorabilia. Contact: 115 1st Street, Biloxi, Mississippi 39530, Phone: 228-435-6320 Photo: Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum

You are reading "What to Do in Mississippi this Weekend" Back to Top or More Unique Family Vacations, Pet friendly, Interesting Excursions, Food near me, Road trips & Cool places to visit

Trips: Things to Do in Portland, Things to Do in Fort Worth, Best beaches in New England, Things to Do in Hilo, Romantic weekend getaways in CT, Things to Do in New England, Vegas wedding venues, Georgia beaches, Things to Do in Carmel, Things to Do in Healdsburg CA, Things to Do in Madison, Things to Do in Dayton OH, Things to Do in Woodstock, Romantic Weekend Getaways in Utah

The Mississippi Agriculture Museum is managed by the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce. Centered on Mississippi's history as an agriculturally productive state, the museum features a range of interesting exhibits and collections.

The family-friendly museum holds special events like Forestry Days, Pumpkin Adventures, and Story Times on an ongoing basis. The Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and admission costs vary depending on age and status. The museum welcomes school groups and there are facilities for rent that can accommodate parties, wedding receptions, and other special events. Contact: 1150 Lakeland Drive, Jackson, Mississippi 39215, Phone: 601-432-4500 Photo: Mississippi Agricultural & Forestry Museum

"Best Attractions in Mississippi" Back to Top or Traveler trip finder, Air travel, Guide App channel, Live music, Art institutes, Fun places to go, Vacation spots near me

Vacation ideas: Things to Do in Durango, Things to Do in Carmel, Family Things to Do in Chicago, Things to Do in Hot Springs, Treehouse Hotels, Romantic weekend getaways in Montana, Things to Do in Chapel Hill

The Mynelle Gardens Arboretum and Botanical Center boasts an impressive collection of well-manicured gardens. A popular choice for weddings and parties, Mynelle Gardens is filled with meandering paths, peaceful streams, and a picturesque pond.

The Westbrook House, a stately home that sits among the gardens, was renovated in 2003. The gardens, the Westbrook House, and the main lawn inside the complex can be used for weddings. In general, admission to Mynelle Gardens costs $5 for adults and $3 for senior citizens and children between the ages of 4 and 12. Contact: 4736 Clinton Boulevard, Jackson, Mississippi 39204, Phone: 601-960-1894 Photo: Pakhnyushchyy/Fotolia

"Best Attractions in Mississippi" Back to Top or Contemporary art, Spa Treatment, Watch live, Trip ideas, Beach vacations, Essential Weekend getaways, Travel inspiration

Fun things to do near me now with friends, weather, beaches, cheap weekend Getaways: Jacuzzi, Things to Do in Arlington, Things to Do in Omaha, Things to Do in Cape Cod, Things to Do in Park City, Things to Do in Kirkland

The Hattiesburg Zoo is a fun destination for the entire family. The zoo is home to the Asbury Discovery Center, an exploratorium that allows visitors to get a close look at more than 30 of the animals that live at Hattiesburg Zoo. The discovery center is filled with whimsical furniture and interesting exhibits.

The Sloth Experience is another popular attraction at Hattiesburg Zoo. The 45-minute tour includes an up-close encounter with a sloth, an opportunity to feed sloths, and a behind-the-scenes look at the animal kitchen. Hattiesburg Zoo also boasts a high-rope adventure course that is popular with kids of all ages. In the summer months, the zoo hosts regular camps for children aged 5 to 12. Contact: 107 South 17th Avenue, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Phone: 601-545-4576 Photo: Hattiesburg Zoo

"Best Attractions in Mississippi" Back to Top or Travel tips, Hiking trails, Beach vacations, Golf courses, Arts center, Travel guide, Amusement parks, malls near me, nightlife, water park

Free vacation ideas, family getaways: Things to Do in St. George Utah, California vacation, Things to Do in Chandler, Best Art museums in the US near me, Things to Do in Harrisburg, Smoky Mountains, Weekend trips

The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (IMMS) is a one-stop shop for everything related to marine life in Mississippi. The facility conducts tours, promotes rescue efforts, holds summer camps, arranges dolphin encounters, and allows visitors to job–shadow institute employees. The IMMS also has a research arm that studies the marine environment along the Gulf Coast and in the Atlantic Ocean. Field trips, family tours, and birthday parties are some other popular activities that the IMMS uses to engage with the public. IMMS fans can show their support for the organization by “adopting” a sea turtle, buying a dolphin-themed license plate, or by volunteering/donating. Contact: 10801 Dolphin Lane, Gulfport, Mississippi 39503, Phone: 228-896-9182 Photo: The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies

"Best Underrated Romantic Things to See in Mississippi for Couples" Back to Top or Travel destinations, Family Travel, Summer Getaways, Travel Tips, More Unique Elopement Ideas & Sights, shopping center, nightclubs, breakfast

More places to see: Things to Do in Allentown, Things to Do on Pawley's Island, Things to Do in Plano, July, Things to Do in Del Mar, Things to Do in Calistoga CA, Tree House Hotels, More fun stuff to do near me