Quick Summary:

  • Question: When was Oxford, Mississippi incorporated, and what historical challenges has it faced?
  • Answer: Since it was incorporated in 1837, Oxford, Mississippi, has survived almost two centuries of turbulent history, including being burned to the ground during the Civil War and enduring turmoil during the Civil Rights Movement.
  • Question: How has Oxford been represented in the arts?
  • Answer: Oxford has been described, romanticized, and immortalized by writers, poets, and painters, including William Faulkner and John Grisham.
  • Question: What is Oxford known for today?
  • Answer: Today, Oxford is known as a great cultural destination, the home of the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), and is rich in culture, history, fabulous food, beautiful architecture, and expansive green spaces.
  • Question: What activities can visitors enjoy in Oxford?
  • Answer: Visitors can stroll around the Town Square to experience the spirit of the city or take a bike to the Holly Springs National Forest.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. The University of Mississippi Museum ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Museums & Culture
The University of Mississippi Museum | Things to Do in Oxford, Mississippi
© The University of Mississippi Museum

2. Rowan Oak ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rowan Oak | Things to Do in Oxford, Mississippi
© Rowan Oak

3. Vaught-Hemingway Stadium

Vaught-Hemingway Stadium | Things to Do in Oxford, Mississippi
© Courtesy of paulvelgos - Fotolia.com

4. Oxford Community Market

Category: Shopping
Oxford Community Market | Things to Do in Oxford, Mississippi
© Oxford Community Market

5. Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts

Category: Attractions
Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts | Things to Do in Oxford, Mississippi
© Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts

6. L.Q.C. Lamar House Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
L.Q.C. Lamar House Museum | Things to Do in Oxford, Mississippi
© L.Q.C. Lamar House Museum

7. Thacker Mountain Rail-Trail

Category: Activities
Thacker Mountain Rail-Trail | Things to Do in Oxford, Mississippi
© Courtesy of Friends of Thacker Mountain Trails

8. Big Bad Breakfast

Category: Food & Drink
Big Bad Breakfast | Things to Do in Oxford, Mississippi
© Big Bad Breakfast

9. Oxford Treehouse Gallery

Category: Museums & Culture
Oxford Treehouse Gallery | Things to Do in Oxford, Mississippi
© Oxford Treehouse Gallery

10. Proud Larry's

Proud Larry's | Things to Do in Oxford, Mississippi
© Proud Larry's

11. Ya Ya's Frozen Yoghurt

Ya Ya's Frozen Yoghurt | Things to Do in Oxford, Mississippi
© Ya Ya's Frozen Yoghurt

12. College Hill Presbyterian Church

College Hill Presbyterian Church | Things to Do in Oxford, Mississippi
© College Hill Presbyterian Church

13. Southside Gallery

Category: Museums & Culture
Southside Gallery | Things to Do in Oxford, Mississippi
© Southside Gallery

14. Lamar Park

Category: Activities
Lamar Park | Things to Do in Oxford, Mississippi
© Courtesy of oxfordms.net

15. Lyric Theater

Category: Entertainment
Lyric Theater | Things to Do in Oxford, Mississippi
© KOTO/stock.adobe.com

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