16 Best Things to Do in Mississippi

Mississippi is considered the birthplace of blues music, and a critical site during the Civil War. But if you are to explore it now, you should know that there are plenty of fun activities and beautiful attractions you would definitely enjoy.

Here are the best things to do in Mississippi:

1. Relive History at Vicksburg National Military Park

Learn about the stories of one of the most pivotal campaigns (Vicksburg Campaign) in the Civil War. The Vicksburg National Military Park preserves the site of the American Civil War Battle and has now become a place for people to enjoy.

Relive and commemorate history as you explore this historic site.

2. Visit the Beauvoir Estate

The Beauvoir estate is known for being the post-war home of former President of the Confederate States of America, Jefferson Davis. The home is filled with rich artifacts, and visiting it definitely makes for an entertaining and educational trip.

3. Visit the Gulf Islands Waterpark

Nothing beats a fun waterpark complete with slides, rides, and pools to cool down on a hot summer day. The Gulf Islands Waterpark promises fun and loads of good times. They even have water attractions and special events such as the Celebrity Meet & Greets with Stars from Nickelodeon and Disney channel.

4. See the Beauty of the All-American Rose Garden

Don’t you think walking in a beautiful pathway of roses is one of the best things to do in Mississippi? If that’s your cup of tea, you should visit the All-American Rose Garden. It has the most colorful, fragrant and impressive collection of about 750 varieties of roses in the state.

You can bring your leashed dog on the campus grounds. But remember that they are not allowed to enter any of the buildings.

5. Enjoy the Beautiful and Unique Artwork at the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art

The creative spirit of this place will rub off on you once you see the architecture, history, landscape, as well as the art. Make sure to check out the ceramics studio, museum store, exhibitions, and tours.

There are also classes and workshops you can take if you want to follow the footsteps of Mississippi master potter George Ohr.

6. Witness a Legislative Session at the Mississippi State Capitol

Shoot two birds with one stone. If you visit the Mississippi State Capitol, you’ll get the chance to examine its beautiful interior and listen to an ongoing legislative session.

About the Tours:

• There are guided tours conducted free of charge by staff and volunteers (Monday – Friday at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and​ 2:30 p.m)
• Self-guided tours are also allowed anytime between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m

7. Visit Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Biloxi

Do you have rock star dreams of music and luxury? Then, make sure to drop by at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

Everything you’ve ever wanted is within your reach, from gaming and events and luxurious accommodation to dining and entertainment.

8. Stay in the Restored 1861 Warship at USS Cairo Museum

The USS Cairo Museum is a must-go-to of history buffs. The USS Cairo was one of the first American ironclad warships built for the U.S. Civil War. In fact, Cairo was the lead ship of the City-class gunboats.

9. Chill at Gulf Islands National Seashore

Throw all your stress away and visit the Gulf Islands National Seashore where you’ll be greeted by the magnificent white beaches and sparkling waters. Many people need a therapeutic trip to the beach every now and then. So, come check out the shaded picnic areas, trails, campgrounds, and even the historic forts.

10. Forest Bathe at Clark Creek Natural Area

This natural preservation area showcases a beautiful natural display of about 50 waterfalls, with some boasting up to 30-foot drops. If you are a visitor, then you’d know that the forest is as magnificent as the waterfalls. You’ll see a mixed hardwood and pine forest. There are also a few pyramid magnolia, silverbell, serviceberry, and witch-hazel trees among many others.

11. Honor the Blues at Delta Blues Museum

Welcome to the land where blues began! Keep the rhythm alive and see how this museum has preserved as well as encouraged visitors’ interest in the story of blues.

Address:1 Blues Alley Clarksdale, MS 38614
Contact Information: 662-627-6820

12. Make Knowledge Your Ultimate Weapon at INFINITY Science Center

The INFINITY Science Center is a good place to take your kids if you want to provide them with a fun and fascinating learning experience. It features rides, exhibits, as well as tours of a NASA rocket testing facility.

You’ll learn about space, engineering, technology, as well as Earth Science made incredible by innovative programming.

Admission Rates:
$18: for Adults (Ages 14-54) –
$15 for Seniors/Military (Age 55+) –
$11 for Children (Ages 4-13) –
FREE for Children 3 and under

They are also offering a special group rate of $9 for groups 20 or more.

13. Walk the Cypress Swamp Trail

Here’s the truth about swamps… they’re incredibly beautiful! Swamps have a misleading reputation. They’re actually teeming with life. From East Texas to Louisiana, through Florida, the Southern swamps are fascinating. So, why not go on an outdoor adventure and hike the Cypress Swamp Trail? You’ll also see the sceneries of the Water Tupelo, Cypress Trees, and the Black Lake.

Trail Details:

• Type: Natural Surface | Loop
• Length: 0.5 miles
• Difficulty and Elevation: Easy

14. Escape the Hustle and Bustle of the City at Mynelle Gardens

This botanical garden’s lush landscaping and shaded walking paths will provide you with a beautiful experience. Many visitors say that you could easily spend hours wandering around the unbelievably beautiful grounds.

15. See the Windsor Ruins

The four-story Windsor Ruins sits on a 2,600-acre plantation and features massive columns with iron Corinthian capitals. It was considered the largest antebellum Greek Revival mansion ever built in Mississippi. It even took over two years to complete the beautiful mansion.

Unfortunately, this was lost to a great fire when a guest allegedly left a cigar unattended, destroying the home severely.

16. Enjoy Classic American Eats at Johnnie’s Drive-In

Locals and tourists alike enjoy going to Johnnie’s Drive-In because of the good food and interesting Elvis memorabilia all over the place. You might be curious as to why they have all the Elvis memorabilia. It’s because this is the place where young Elvis used to eat when he attended the nearby Lawhon Elementary School. He would usually come in for a cheeseburger.

What to try:

• Country Fried Steak
• Cold Plate
• Bar-B-Que Plate
• Gravy Biscuit
• Apple/Pecan Pies
• Corndog
• Tater Tots

Are you now convinced that Mississippi is more than just the birthplace of blues music?