Mississippi, the Magnolia State, is located in the southern region of the United States. This beautiful state is rich in history, culture, music, and food. It’s no wonder that there are so many amazing things to do in Mississippi! From antebellum mansions to world-class museums and delicious Southern food, there is something for everyone. Whether you are a local Mississippian or planning your next road trip, I have compiled a list of 50 cool things to do in Mississippi that you simply can’t miss out on!
Table of Contents
1. Browse the Pocket Museum (Hattiesburg)
The quirky Hattiesburg Pocket Museum is dedicated to all things miniature and is a fun and unique art experience. Mississippi’s tiniest museum, spread over a downtown street, features dozens of wee bitty exhibits, including first responders, mice in peril, and Lego rock climbers. The website is brilliant for showing and sharing what’s new and trending.
Don’t be surprised when you see visitors searching every square inch of the ground, alley, and all the nooks and crannies, high and low. There are also many family-based projects and exhibits, including one for Fido. See if you can find the 13 resident cats keeping watch on this Hattiesburg hotspot!
2. Stay in a Darling Boutique Property (Pass Christian)
The shabby chic Hotel Pass Christian property is located in Coastal Mississippi’s Pass Christian address. Ten boutique hotel rooms are spacious and comfortably decorated with special touches like whimsical pillows, trendy light fixtures, leather fold-down sofas, and a wet bar. My favorite features are the deep tubs, separate walk-in showers, and huge covered balconies.
The hotel offers code-accessible rooms (easy check-in), has a spa, and overlooks the Mississippi Sound. Free parking and Wi-Fi are included. The property is within walking distance of the beach and a few restaurants.
3. Admire a Cotton Field (MS Delta)
I was in “high cotton,” literally and figuratively when I stopped beside the road to admire this beautiful cotton field near the Mississippi Delta. Cotton is one of the top exports and crops in the state (third in the US), generating more than $400 million per year. This staple has been grown on Mississippi soil since 1795.
Isn’t it gorgeous?
4. Visit the Ohr O’Keefe Museum of Art (Biloxi)
Get ready for an intriguing museum and one of the coolest buildings in the state as you enter the Ohr O’Keefe Museum of Art in Coastal Mississippi. This attraction houses works of art, namely ceramics, made by the self-proclaimed “Mad Potter of Biloxi,” George E. Ohr (1857-1918).
Besides the treasures inside the museum, the most impressive part is that world-renowned architect Frank Gehry designed the award-winning self-sufficient “deconstructivist” structure and campus. You’ll know as you drive past the museum on the main road that this place is somewhere extraordinary.
Fun Fact: Other famous buildings designed by Gehry include the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Guggenheim Museum, and Museum of Pop Culture, amongst others.
The Ohr Museum is closed on Sunday and Monday. Please note there is a ceramics studio with classes on the property.
5. Eat at Crystal Grill (Greenwood)
If you’re looking for authentic Southern cooking, the long-running Crystal Grill in Greenwood is the perfect place. They have been serving delicious food since 1947. They are known for their famous pies, also featured on The Food Network, like coconut creme, chocolate, and lemon ice box.
The Crystal Grill’s upscale atmosphere, yet relaxed vibe, sees all walks of life and caters to vegetarians and those with food allergies. My favorite meal is the Roasted Turkey with celery dressing and cranberry sauce. You’ll also want to try the squash casserole or Mac & cheese for the perfect side dish.
Need more delicious eats? For the best restaurants in the Greater Jackson area, check out this video based on a post on the blog.
6. Tailgate in The Grove (Oxford)
Saturdays in the fall are reserved for one thing in Mississippi–college football. Ole Miss (the University of Mississippi) is home to the holy grail of tailgating, and there’s no better time to visit than during a home football game. See the 10-acre space in the center of campus known as The Grove transforms into a field full of the most elaborate tailgates you have ever seen.
Two hours before kickoff, gather around the Walk of Champions to watch the Ole Miss Rebels football team walk from the Student Union, through the Grove, to Vaught Hemingway Stadium. It’s a tradition unlike any other in college football.
7. Visit the Incredible Square Books (Oxford)
You may not have lived until you see “four bookstores on five floors in three buildings,” all within a hundred feet of each other at The Square in Oxford, Mississippi. Continually ranked as one of the nation’s best independent bookstores, you can find anything and everything at Square Books, a book-lovers dream store. And signed firsts, at that!
Square Books’ second floor also has a cafe and hosts around 150 author events annually.
Check out the incredible selection of signed books and unique titles when you visit one of our favorite and the best reasons to visit Mississippi. And don’t miss Square Books, Jr., with books and toys for the littles, Rare Square, and Off Square Books steps away.
8. Sip Smooth Spirits at Cathead Distillery (Jackson)
Belly up to the bar in Jackson, Mississippi, and enjoy the smoothness of Cathead Vodka from the first legal distillery in Mississippi. In operation since 2010, Cathead Distillery is a widely recognized name in spirits in Mississippi and throughout the country.
Are you looking to sample something unique? Try the honeysuckle or pecan vodka; both are made with pure Louisiana cane sugar. Other popular brands at the distillery are Bristow Gin, Old Soul Bourbon, and Hoodoo Chicory Liqueur.
Fun Fact: Cathead Distillery was named a James Beard semi-finalist for Outstanding Spirits Producer in 2020.
9. Gamble in Tunica
Tunica is known as the “Las Vegas of the South,” and for a good reason! This little town is home to several world-class casinos, including Hollywood, Horseshoe, Sam’s Town, and Gold Strike. Whether you are a fan of slot machines or table games, Tunica has a lot going on. So, roll the dice and see if lady luck is on your side!
10. Retrace “The Help” Filming Locations (Greenwood)
Greenwood provided the backdrop for the DreamWorks Studios 2010 award-winning movie, “The Help, “starring Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, and Jessica Chastain. Mississippi native Kathryn Stockett wrote the bestselling novel, “The Help.”
See the movie’s filming locations by taking a self-guided driving tour and strolling the downtown streets of Church and Howard. Favorites include Celia Foote’s house, Hilly Holbrook’s house, and Avent & Clark Booksellers.
11. Wander the Mississippi Aquarium (Gulfport)
The Mississippi Aquarium is a state-of-the-art facility home to over 200 species of marine life. From colorful fish and bottlenose dolphins to playful North American river otters and alligators, you will surely be entertained inside and out at this world-class venue. This attraction also has an aviary, where the stars are scarlet and white ibis, starlings, white-cheeked turacos, ducks, and pigeons. Be on the lookout for the beautiful green-winged dove.
“The centerpiece of Aquatic Wonders, our three-story cylinder tank has a unique collection of tropical fish and coral. It can be viewed from all three floors of Aquatic Wonders.”
Don’t miss the chance to touch a stingray or see a shark up close! Be sure to include the newest Changing Tides building and exhibit, with 20 new habitats in three different biomes: kelp forest, rainforest, and coral reef.
12. Kayak on the Rez (Ridgeland)
Ross Barnett Reservoir, or The Rez, is a sprawling 33,000-acre lake boasting an impressive 105 miles of scenic shoreline. This stunning waterbody presents an exquisite setting for engaging activities, including boating, water skiing, kayaking, and fishing.
Angling enthusiasts can expect to encounter diverse fish species, such as paddlefish, black crappie, and bowfin. Furthermore, The Rez in Ridgeland offers well-appointed campsites, making it an esteemed destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking an immersive experience in nature.
13. Catch a Mississippi Braves Baseball Game (Pearl)
See the Mississippi Braves (class AA affiliate of the Atlanta Braves) play baseball at Trustmark Park. This ballpark is fun for the whole family. It offers excellent weekly promotions, like Military Monday, First Responders Wednesday, Bark in the Park, and Fan Fridays.
Grab a baseball game snack or treat at the Farm Bureau Grill or one of the various concession stands, or take home a Braves souvenir from the well-stocked shop.
14. Visit the Eudora Welty House (Jackson)
Eudora Welty is one of Mississippi’s most beloved authors; she won a Pulitzer Prize for her The Optimist’s Daughter. Her Jackson home of almost 80 years, in the prestigious Belhaven neighborhood) has been turned into a museum dedicated to her life and works. It is beautifully preserved and filled with personal artifacts, including Welty’s typewriter and photos.
Take a guided tour and learn more about this iconic author. You’ll want to stroll through the impeccable garden, too. Reservations are recommended.
15. Bring the Kids to the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center
Kids of all ages will enjoy spending the afternoon at the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center. Indoor and outdoor exhibits include a super colossal climbing structure, Little Pet Vet (grooming, kenneling, x-ray, etc.), The Port (learn about life on the Mississippi Gulf Coast), Sun, Earth, Universe (demonstrates how Nasa develops space missions, etc.), History Hotel (check in the hotel, have a tea party), and To Market, To Market (maybe the kid’s favorite activity-shop, stock, be cashier in this adorable Mississippi grocery store).
And that’s just a touch of what this fantastic museum offers.
Inside allows for 15,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits, while the outside features Storywalk on the Green, a water table, instruments, solar sunflowers, a tree house village, and a darling Little Free Library. My favorite of all the treasures at Lynn Meadows Discovery Center was the outdoor houses and buildings that show the insides of our homes, namely the plumbing, electrical wiring, construction, and everything related to installation.
Lynn Meadows features Sensory Sundays, and its entire museum and outdoor areas are all wheelchair accessible.
16. Feast at the Delta Meat Market (Cleveland)
Treat yourself to a restaurant that is as beautiful as it is delicious when you dine at Delta Meat Market inside the Cotton House Cleveland Hotel. From the house-smoked meats to imported cheeses served on a spectacular piece of McCarty’s pottery, James Beard Award-nominated Chef Cole Ellis’ charcuterie boards may be the best in the state. I go for the incredible Steak Frites.
17. Tour a Nobel Prize Winning Author’s Home (Oxford)
Rowan Oak was home to literary giant and American author William Faulkner and his family for over forty years. Retrace his steps in this quintessential Southern property, a National Historic Landmark. Aside from the picturesque four acres of hardwoods the home (circa 1844) sits on, you will also see treasures from Faulkner’s private and work life inside the house, including Pulitzer Prizes, manuscripts, and his typewriter, just as he left them.
If you’d like, you can visit Faulkner’s gravesite right off The Square, a popular place for his devoted fans.
18. Attend Mistletoe Marketplace (Jackson)
The highly anticipated annual Mistletoe Marketplace, a prominent event in the state, is a grand celebration that has been cherished for over 40 years. This magnificent holiday festivity, held at the Mississippi Trade Mart in early November, presents an expansive array of clothing, accessories, arts and crafts, children’s items, and delectable food from all across the nation.
Mistletoe Marketplace distinguishes itself as a meticulously curated, upscale shopping extravaganza, thoughtfully organized by the Junior League of Jackson, with the added enchantment of Santa Claus. General admission costs $15, with complimentary entry for children under 6. The Trade Mart and Mistletoe Marketplace prioritize accessibility, offering ADA-accommodated facilities, including parking.
19. Ride the Dentzel Carousel (Meridian)
Whimsical and playful will describe your step back in time as you climb upon one of the 28 hand-carved wooden and brass animals (lion, tiger, deer, giraffe, horses—two rows deep) on the Dentzel Carousel. The antique carousel, made in 1896 for the 1904 St. Louis Exposition, is housed in an enclosed building in Highland Park, Meridian.
The Dentzel Carousel is a National Historic Landmark and one of the world’s finest remaining.
20. Learn at the MS Ag and Forestry Museum (Jackson)
The Agriculture and Forestry Museum is one of Mississippi’s most impressive but lesser-known establishments. Spanning 39 acres with 44 exhibits, it is the state’s sole living history museum. Visitors can meander through a meticulously reconstructed 1920s cotton-era village, immersing themselves in the essence of days gone by.
The museum provides a captivating experience through historical artifacts, interactive exhibits, and knowledgeable costumed interpreters. Please refer to the official website for a comprehensive list of activities and upcoming events.
The Ag Museum is closed on Sundays and operates from 9 AM to 5 PM on other days.
21. Visit HGTV’s Home Town (Laurel)
Roll into the darling town of Laurel, where the inspiration and popular Home Town TV show is filmed. From shopping at the Laurel Mercantile Co. to driving around to see the houses that have been renovated and gone from shabby to chic at the hands of Erin and Ben Napier, the local hometown and Home Town stars. Caution: you may fall in love with this charming town.
22. See World-Famous McCarty’s Pottery (Merigold)
This family-owned and Ole Miss grads pottery shop has produced stunning handmade pieces since 1954. McCarty’s Pottery is unique and can be easily identified (on larger pieces) by their trademarked “river,” which looks like a black wavy line meant to represent the Mighty Mississippi River.
McCarty’s Pottery is usually signed by both potters, Lee and Pup, on the back or bottom of the piece, making them a favorite amongst collectors around the world. Tour and shop the McCarty’s Pottery studio and also explore the famous gardens while you are there. Pieces to look for include platters, casserole dishes, lamps, vases, and plenty of knick-knacks.
23. Visit a National Military Park (Vicksburg)
See the site of the “battle that changed the course of the Civil War” when you drive through Vicksburg’s National Military Park. The 16-mile loop takes you through hundreds of monuments, gravesites, and historical markers. Be sure to see and learn about the USS Cairo Museum, the first ironclad warship built for the Civil War.
I took my four-year-old granddaughter and even she enjoyed the drive through history. Admission to this park is $20 per vehicle (valid for seven days), or you may consider purchasing the $80 America the Beautiful pass which gets you into all members of the National Park Service and Federal Recreational Lands.
24. Indulge in the Best Cake of Your Life (New Albany)
Sugaree’s is an advertisement I have drooled over in Southern Living Magazine for years. It certainly lived up to its hype when we visited the adorable store in New Albany. Known for their scratch-made layered caramel or strawberry, red velvet, and pound cakes, Sugaree’s also has a gorgeous rainbow cake with bold, colorful layers that is a perfect gift for someone special or just indulging in.
25. Eat at Mammy’s, Also a Roadside Attraction (Natchez)
Natchez, Mississippi, is known for its antique shops and riverboat stops and for Mammy’s Cupboard, an incredible roadside attraction on US Highway 61. This iconic circa 1940 “Mammy” style structure may spark debate, but regardless, it is a darned tasty place to get a gourmet and home-cooked Southern meal you won’t soon forget.
The service and food are impressive, while the cakes and sky-high pies are out of this world.
26. Attend the Mississippi State Fair (Jackson)
Everybody loves a fair, and the Mississippi State Fair is a fun-filled 12-day-long extravaganza. Channel your inner child on the Ferris wheel, sky ride, and Scrambler, or practice milking a cow or enjoying the petting zoo attraction. There is live entertainment daily, as well as livestock showings and games.
You can’t attend a state fair and not eat yourself silly on the fair faves. Roasted corn, deep-fried Oreos, ribbon fries, cheese nuggets, and chicken-on-a-stick are the more popular eats at this festival.
27. Visit the GRAMMY Museum Mississippi (Cleveland)
Step into the 22 million dollar GRAMMY Museum Mississippi for a stroll down memory lane through iconic songs, artists, and songwriters. Exhibits include timelines of music news, performer’s clothing and music memorabilia, red carpet clothing, Mississippi Music Table, a video of exceptional Grammy performances through the years in a mini surround-sound theater, and more.
Step onto the stages for your own band experience (the Roland Room), and dance on a light-up dance floor that mimics the Saturday Night Fever disco explosion.
Sensory bags are available at the GRAMMY Museum, plus manual or motorized wheelchairs are available free of charge to paid museum guests. Adult tickets run $16, $12 for seniors over 65, and $8 for youth under 18 and college students with ID. Children under five are free.
28. Try Amazing Sweets at Meme’s (Clinton)
Located in the 1872 Potter House is Meme’s Brick Street Bakery in historic downtown Clinton. Prepare your eyes to pop out of your head and immediately want to buy one of everything because that is how yummy everything looks. The cupcake selection is tremendous, and the brownies look heavenly. My favorite is the petit fours, the best I’ve ever eaten.
29. Visit the Mississippi State Capitol (Jackson)
If you are anything like me, you like checking off each state’s State Capitol as a bucket list idea. The Mississippi State Capitol in Jackson is lovely and, for once, not under some major construction. It is actually the “new capitol,” or since 1903. For miles, you can see the gleaming golden eagle atop the Beaux Arts building.
The Mississippi State Capitol is open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, and closed on weekends. Free guided tours are offered at 9:30 and 11 AM and 1:00 and 2:30 PM.
30. Explore the Jim Henson Museum (Leland)
Known as the birthplace of the blues, the Mississippi Delta is also home to the Jim Henson Delta Boyhood Exhibit, which celebrates the life and work of the famous puppeteer. The darling little free “Birthplace of the Frog” museum features original Muppet characters, including Kermit the Frog. It is a fun and educational experience for the whole family. There is a play area for the kids, too.
31. Go Camping at Jellystone (Pelahatchie)
Perhaps the best “hidden gem” in Mississippi is the larger-than-life Jellystone Park campground property in Pelahatchie, 30 miles from Jackson. Jellystone offers a variety of RV sites and tent camping nestled in a gorgeous country and lakefront setting. They also have several cabins for rent, including Ranger Cabins, which are handicapped accessible.
The property boasts dozens of amenities and daily activities, with some being a jumping pillow, fishing, ball pit, gem mining, mini golf, and a sandy beach. During the summer, even non-campers can pay daily admission to enjoy the Splashpark, with slides, dump bucket, and swimming pool. Holiday weekends leading up to Halloween and Beary Christmas are full of excitement, decorations, and full-throttle celebrating. Your family will thank you for introducing them to this stellar property. Mine did.
Consider renting a golf cart; the best way to see the entire property.
Please note this property was formerly referred to as Yogi on the Lake.
32. Shop the Tanger Outlets (Southaven)
If you’re looking for retail therapy, the Tanger Outlets in Southaven (the Memphis metro area) are the perfect place. This outdoor shopping center has a wide range of stores (nearly 70), from designer fashion to home decor. Retail shops include Vera Bradley, Tory Burch, Vineyard Vines, and Columbia Factory Store.
Grab a bite at Rise Pies Handcrafted Pizza or a tasty treat at Krispy Kreme.
33. See 100+ Exotic Animals at the Zoo (Hattiesburg)
The Hattiesburg Zoo is a well-managed year-round facility that offers an array of educational and entertaining opportunities. This 12-acre family-friendly attraction invites visitors to explore its diverse animal kingdom and indulge in delightful experiences such as train rides, a high-ropes adventure course, a carousel, and a picnic area.
Throughout the year, the Hattiesburg Zoo hosts captivating seasonal events that are sure to leave a lasting impression. Notable species include flamingos, sloths, lemurs, panthers, tigers, wallabies, porcupines, elephants, and an additional 90 species. The zoo admission fee is remarkably affordable, ensuring accessibility for all.
34. Visit the Civil Rights Museum (Jackson)
Jackson was chosen to be the site of the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. This thought-provoking museum documents, educates, and exhibits the American Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi from 1945 to 1970. Learn about the lives and hardships of Medgar Evers and Vernon Dahmer, the climb to black empowerment, and dozens of other opportunities.
35. Brunch at Mississippi’s Oldest Restaurant (Meridian)
Weidmann’s, the oldest operating restaurant in Mississippi and renowned for its excellence, offers a refined yet classic menu within an elegant and inviting dining space. Discover the exquisite dining experience of Sunday brunch accompanied by live jazz music.
Indulge in delectable dishes, including Fried Green Tomatoes, Shrimp and Grits Ya-Ya, Eggs Benedict, Peanut Butter and Banana Stuffed French Toast, and Chicken & Waffles. Enhance your brunch with a Bloody Mary or Mimosa for an unparalleled culinary journey.
36. Check Out 600+ Historic Homes (Columbus)
The National Historic Register of Historic Places is filled with entries of grand antebellum plantation homes from Columbus, Mississippi. Over 600 are scattered around town, some beautiful enough to take your breath away. If these walls could talk, it would be amazing to hear the stories of what they have seen. Get your cameras ready; the scenery is A+. Whitehall, circa 1843, is my fave!
FYI: Many of these homes were makeshift hospitals during the Civil War.
37. Make a Splash at a Family-Friendly Water Park (Choctaw)
Right outside of Philadelphia, Mississippi, is the town of Choctaw. Here lies a hidden Mississippi gem, Geyser Falls Water Theme Park. Voted Southeast Mississippi’s #1 Family Attraction, Geyser Falls is an upscale water park that is fun for everyone. Whether you like water slides, riding waves in the wave pool, or relaxing on the beach, Geyser Falls has it all.
38. Attend the Canton Flea Market (Canton)
The Canton Flea Market is a highly anticipated shopping event on the second Thursday in May and October, running from around 7 AM to 4 PM. With over 1,000 vendors gathering from all corners of the country, Canton, Mississippi, transforms into a bustling hub of commerce, offering a diverse range of exquisite handmade items.
From clothing to home decor, furniture to bath products, pottery to artwork, and even delectable food and jewelry, the Canton Flea Market boasts an extensive array of exceptional goods. While the experience holds immense enjoyment, it can overwhelm first-time visitors.
39. Dine in a Beloved Chef’s Restaurant (Hattiesburg)
Hattiesburg Restaurateur Chef Robert St. John is a local legend. He is the creator and owner of many of the town’s most famous and visited eateries. The long list of his places includes Crescent City Grill, The Mahogany Bar, Loblolly Bakery, Tabella, Ed’s Burger Joint, and The Midtowner. While it is hard to pick a favorite, Midtown’s breakfast can’t be beat, and the creative burgers and shakes at Ed’s are pretty spectacular.
St. John also has spectacular cookbooks illustrated by Wyatt Waters. I’ve had several in my collection for years.
40. See A Big Name Concert at the Brandon Amphitheater (Brandon)
Brandon is home to the state’s most impressive concert venue, the Brandon Amphitheater. Come here to see big-name acts in a small-scale setting where every seat is good. Scheduled for 2023-24 are Lana Del Rey, Riley Green, the Outlaw Music Festival, and Needtobreathe.
The amphitheater has a clear bag policy.
Pro Tip: If you don’t think a show will sell out, go to the box office near showtime and buy your ticket without those exuberant additional fees.
41. Tour the World-Class MAX (Meridian)
The MAX (Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience) is a savvy collection of famous Mississippians’ gifts to the arts, sciences, and nature in one building. From galleries and legends to a Hall of Fame, Walk of Fame (stars on the sidewalks in downtown Meridian), and Recording Studio, you will have a blast at this interactive and informative attraction.
The Walk of Fame commemorates B.B. King, Jimmie Rodgers, Morgan Freeman, Hartley Peavey, Tennessee Williams, Muddy Waters, and Jim Henson, plus many more.
42. Tour Longwood Antebellum Mansion (Natchez)
Natchez is known for its stunning antebellum mansions, and Longwood Mansion is a must-see on any trip to Mississippi. This incredible octagonal mansion with spectacular onion domes is the largest of its kind in the United States. A tour offers visitors a glimpse into those who lived there before the Civil War. Tour tickets are $25 for adults.
43. Drink the State’s Best Mead
In Tupelo, Mississippi, Queen’s Reward is an acclaimed meadery boasting an exquisite tasting room and hospitable staff. Indulge in the pleasure of savoring honey-based wines, the oldest known alcoholic beverage, within a welcoming ambiance enhanced by live music and abundant entertainment.
I wholeheartedly endorse the Delta Gold (grape mead) and the Traditional Sweet, both esteemed small-batch wines native to Mississippi. Without a doubt, this is the best mead I have tried.
44. Tour the Home of Tennessee Williams (Columbus)
See the birthplace and home of America’s most prolific writer, Tennessee Williams, in Columbus, MS. The historic home is now a designated Literary Landmark and the town’s Welcome Center, making picking up literature about Columbus easy. Tennessee Williams’s best-known works include The Glass Menagerie, A Streetcar Named Desire, and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, all of which were Broadway shows.
45. Treat Yourself to a Luxury Stay at the Beau Rivage (Biloxi)
Belonging to the dynamic MGM Resorts International casino and hotel group, the Beau Rivage (just the Beau to locals) is one of Mississippi’s most impressive luxury hotels. You can get your gambling (slots and table games) fix and enjoy a beautiful waterfront room, spa treatments, a host of high-end restaurants, and a lovely shopping arcade.
I like to spend time in the picture-perfect outdoor swimming pool, treat myself to a signature spa treatment, shop, and dine at Stalla for classic Italian food.
46. See the Birthplace of Delta Blues
Dockery Farms (Sunflower County) is widely regarded as the birthplace of the Delta blues, immersing visitors in a profound exploration of life in the cotton fields of the rural Mississippi Delta. Charley Patton, Robert Johnson, and Howlin’ Wolf graced this historic site with their regular musical performances that helped shape the world of music.
47. Learn the History of Mississippi’s Gulf Coast (Biloxi)
A visit to the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum in Biloxi provides an intellectual look at how the Gulf Coast’s shrimp industry has evolved and created delicious seafood for the country, as well as the heritage of Biloxi. The story behind the shrimp peeling machine is fascinating. The beautiful three-story museum also has a treasure trove of boats on display and significant data about hurricanes (especially Katrina) and preservation.
48. Go to the Beach (Coastal Mississippi)
Enjoy a delightful beach day in beautiful Biloxi, with 62 miles of picturesque shoreline, one of Coastal Mississippi’s attractive cities. There are endless fun and relaxation opportunities and even convenient beachside parking. Building sand castles and reading a good book are in-demand activities.
Enhance your beach day by renting a boat, birdwatching, or scheduling a sightseeing cruise.
49. Drive the Natchez Trace (Natchez)
The Natchez Trace traverses the state of Mississippi, stretching from the Alabama state line to the city of Natchez. Extending 440 miles in its entirety from Nashville to Natchez, this historic driving destination holds the distinction of being one of America’s first National roads, dating back to the 1800s.
With a speed limit of 40 to 50 MPH, the Trace, as it’s most commonly called, offers a plethora of scenic overlooks and breathtaking waterfalls, allowing ample opportunities to pull over and appreciate the splendid sights along the route.
50. Visit Elvis’ Birthplace (Tupelo)
Experience the charm of the humble abode where the legendary King of Rock ‘n Roll, Elvis Presley, was born in Tupelo. This remarkable and internationally renowned museum offers an array of world-class exhibits, attracting visitors from around the globe each year. On the premises, you will find Elvis’ childhood church, his two-room house, a museum, a gift shop, captivating bronze statues, the awe-inspiring Fountain of Life, and Mississippi Music Markers.
Situated as a noteworthy stop on the Mississippi Blues Trail, the Elvis Presley Birthplace showcases the rich cultural heritage of this iconic artist.
Mississippi: A State Worth Road Tripping
Mississippi is a state that is rich in culture, history, and natural beauty, and there are so many cool things to do here that it’s hard to pick just 50. Whether you’re looking for delicious food, world-class museums, or stunning natural surroundings, Mississippi will not disappoint.