Among the Southern states, Mississippi is certainly one of the ones with more personality, where even today the traditions that made it famous continue to be kept alive. Its history, deeply linked to blues and rock’n’roll music (so much so that it has been given the title of birthplace of American music), its characteristic houses with pre-war architecture, its rural landscapes and the Mississippi River make it one of the states to visit if you want to understand and experience the typical “southern” culture.
Like all Top 10 lists, this one too is the result of a subjective choice (I had to, reluctantly, leave out many other attractions that are just as valid and interesting), however the intent of this “Best Things to do in Mississippi” is not to be exhaustive but to point out the main attractions for those who want to organize a road trip itinerary around the Southern States.
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Blues Highway
Mississippi not only has music flowing between the folds of its history, but also along its roads. The legendary Blues Highway, that connects Memphis to New Orleans, crosses the entire state. Taking a road trip along this road, technically Highway 61, means retracing the most important stages in the history of blues and also skirting an iconic river like the Mississippi for a large part of it.
From the legendary Crossroads in the town of Clarksdale, where legend has it that Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil, to the Ebony Club where the greatest figures in African-American music such as Ray Charles and B.B. King performed, not to mention the countless museums and clubs that have become true places of worship, you can discover all this and much more by reading our in-depth analysis entirely dedicated to the Blues Highway.
Natchez Trace Parkway
After a legendary road like Highway 61, we move on to another road that finds its strength in the beauty of the landscapes that characterize the route. More than 420 miles long, it connects the cities of Natchez (that we will speak about in detail later on) to Nashville in Tennessee.
The road is under the auspices of the National Park Service and runs along the route known as the Old Natchez Trace, which is an ancient connector road used by American Indians. As you can imagine there are many things to see along the Natchez Trace Parkway and I will talk about the most interesting:
- Emerald Mound (milepost 10.3): it is a huge mound of great archaeological importance that testifies to the customs of the people who inhabited this area of the United States before the arrival of the Europeans.
- Windsor Ruins (milepost 30): to see this very special attraction, you need to make a very short detour from the Natchez Trace Parkway but it will definitely be worth it. These are the ruins of one of the largest plantations in the state built in Neo-Greek architecture. What remains today are the imposing Corinthian columns that give the place a very unusual and alienating atmosphere. There are also ghost sightings, specifically that of a Union soldier who was killed on the property.
- Sunken Trace (milepost 41.5): it is one of the most photographed places on the Natchez Trace Parkway. It is an old path that was so frequently used that you can clearly see the signs of erosion of the ground. Our advice is to walk a part of it and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere by identifying yourself with those who in the past passed through here before going on your way.
- Rocky Springs (milepost 54.8): an abandoned town that now houses a camping area. The only original building is that of the Methodist church (also used today) with its well preserved cemetery, where you can see the tombstones of the first inhabitants of the city. If you take a short walk you can still see the remains of what used to be the post office and a cistern.
- Cypress Swamp (milepost 122.0): it’s a short walk (no more than 20 minutes) that will bring you to a characteristic swamp typical of the southern United States.
You can access the Natchez Trace Parkway for free from the dozens of access points along its route. That’s why the official maps you can find on the National Park Service website can be very helpful.
Natchez
Natchez is not only the town from which the Natchez Trace Parkway begins (or ends), but also offers many things to see for those who decide to spend some time there. Without a doubt, the main attraction are the beautifully preserved pre-war historic houses that give the city that typical southern state atmosphere we imagine.
The most particular of all is certainly Longwood, an imposing house with an original octagonal plan surmounted by a dome of exotic architecture. In the original project it should have contained 32 rooms, each with its own balcony. Due to the outbreak of the Civil War, only the second floor and the external facades were completed.
At Natchez National Historical Park, managed by the National Park Service, you can take tours inside Melrose Plantation, a perfectly preserved, typical plantation of the southern United States. The park also houses a curiosity: the home of William Johnson, the barber of the city who, despite having been an emancipated slave, in his lifetime came to own sixteen slaves who worked for him.
Other historic homes in the city that are worth photographing are definitely Rosalie Mansion and Stanton Hall. Lovers of Gothic atmospheres should not miss the chance to take a walk in the Historic Natchez Cemetery.
For the curious buildings series, you cannot miss a visit to what is perhaps one of the most unique restaurants in the United States: Mammy’s Cupboard. Over the years it has also been the subject of racial controversy because of the caricatured way in which it represented the role of the American maid, made famous by the character of Mami in the film Gone With the Wind.
Natchez is also known for producing rum, beer, and wine locally, so what better time to sample them than at a historic venue in town that continues to be as popular as King’s Tavern?
If you are looking for places to stay in Natchez, our advice can only be to stay in one of the historic homes that, as we have seen, are the pride of this city. For example:
Tupelo
This small Mississippi town is most famous for one fact: being the birthplace of music legend Elvis Presley. You can visit the small house where Elvis lived, the church that the singer attended during his youth and a museum focused mainly on the history of the early years of his life. The“Walk of Life” was built around his house. This is a path along which, year by year, the most important events in the life of Elvis have been reconstructed. Surely for those who love music stars and stripes, along with Graceland in Memphis, the Elvis Presley Birthplace is a place to be included in a road trip.
The other attraction worth visiting in the city is the Tupelo Automobile Museum, where more than 100 examples of vintage cars are on display, tracing the history of the automotive industry. Of course, two cars that belonged to Elvis are also part of the collection. History buffs may consider a visit to the small memorial (just a plaque and two vintage cannons) to the 1864 Battle of Tupelo fought during the American Civil War.
Vicksburg
Vicksburg is a small town that sits on the banks of the Mississippi River. Here, in 1863, there was one of the most important battles of the American Civil War. After the conclusion of the siege of Vicksburg, thanks to the defeat of the Confederate forces, the Union was able to secure permanent control of the Mississippi River and give a decisive turn to the war by permanently dividing what remained of the Confederate states.
As you can imagine, there are numerous attractions that recall these events. The main one is Vicksburg National Military Park: the great national park that celebrates the 47-day siege of the city. Here you can find 1400 sites including memorials and monuments. Just as an example, there is a memorial that remembers the fallen of every single American state and the Boy Scout Trail, which circumnavigates the park in its entirety, has a length of more than 12 miles.
In the park, there is also the U.S.S. Cairo Museum where you can see the first armored ship built in the United States that was able to fight along the course of rivers. Vicksburg National Cemetery is the resting place for the mortal remains of the 17,000 Union soldiers who lost their lives on the battlefield (more than 13,000 are unknown). Confederate soldiers are buried at Cedar Hill Cemetery (located in the city) where you can also find a very special tomb: that of Douglas, the camel of the Southern army.
Other attractions of the city are the Old Courthouse Museum, where you can also find many curious objects, including a teddy bear given by Theodore Roosevelt to a local boy during one of his visits. Built on the highest point in town, it was once the courthouse, and it was here that future Confederate States President Jefferson Davis began his political career.
The courtroom where hearings were held has been completely reconstructed. A large part of the museum is obviously dedicated to remembering the days of suffering during the siege of the city, and the expedients used by the inhabitants to survive are illustrated. Even the gift shop offers some unusual surprises, you can buy original bullets and artillery shavings dating back to the battle of Vicksburg.
The Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum is a recommended stop for fans of the famous soft drink. Inside the museum you can see all the developments and changes of Coca-Cola throughout the years. Vintage advertising posters, bottles and various gadgets are on display in the museum and will delight those who cannot spend a day without drinking a glass of the beloved drink with bubbles.
Walking along the Mississippi River, once you reach Levee Street, it is impossible not to notice the Riverfront Murals: they are very well executed, and some of them look like real paintings, retracing the history of the city and the most significant events related to it.
Like other Mississippi towns, Vicksburg is also home to a remarkable amount of homes from both the pre-war and later periods that are very well preserved. In addition to the McRaven Home, which is said to be the most haunted house in the state, some of the most notable where you can also stay overnight are listed below:
All accommodations in Vicksburg
Mississippi River
If you’re visiting the Mississippi, you obviously can’t skip a visit to the… Mississippi itself. One of the most famous rivers in the United States along which events have shaped the history of the nation. Certainly, being able to travel along it on board one of the characteristic steamboats accompanied by a jazz orchestra playing in the background can be a truly characteristic experience.
The most famous and popular Mississippi cruises, however, do not leave from the state bearing the same name, but from the cities of Memphis and New Orleans, because the number of tourists who reach these two cities is certainly higher. Staying in the state of Mississippi, the city where you can discover something more about this legendary river is the already mentioned Vicksburg, where you can visit the Lower Mississippi River Museum.
Rowan Oak
If you love the works of William Faulkner, you can’t miss a visit to what was his home for years, where he wrote many of his hits. Built in the Greek Revival style and surrounded by greenery, it is certainly very restful to walk in the grounds of the property surrounded by trees and silence.
If you decide to enter the house you will want to do so almost on tiptoe so as not to disturb the privacy of the writer, seeing how everything has been beautifully preserved, almost as if someone still lived there. For those who love William Faulkner it will surely be an exciting experience, knowing that the writer produced his greatest works while observing the same landscape that you will have in front of your eyes.
Ocean Springs and Biloxi
In addition to history, music and architecture, Mississippi also offers a coastline that, although not very extensive, is not to be underestimated, especially for those who want to add a “beach” experience to their vacation. Ocean Springs and Biloxi (with its characteristic lighthouse) are the best known and most frequented cities on the coast.
The most important natural attraction in the area is the Gulf Islands National Seashore, which has a remarkable length, since its boundaries start from Cat Island in Mississippi, to Santa Rosa Island, which is located in Florida. It includes the six “Barrier Islands” of the state. Very white beaches alternating with a thick maritime forest are its visiting card, without forgetting important historical testimonies such as Fort Massachusetts built during the war of 1812.
Mont Helena
A very rare case of plantation built on a raised ground, which is nothing more than an ancient ceremonial mound of Native Americans. The British colonial revival style in which it was designed and the particular “location” make it stand out against the surrounding landscape in a charming way and it is impossible not to notice it if you pass nearby, also considering the white color of its facades.
As you can easily imagine, it’s one of the most photographed views in Mississippi, and it’s almost a must to stop and take a look at the exterior if you don’t have time to stop for a full tour of the home.
All accommodations in Vicksburg
Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge
You can’t say you’ve been to a southern state without visiting a typical swamp where you can see the region’s typical wildlife (such as the ever-present crocodiles). If you haven’t had a chance to visit the Cypress Swamp along the Natchez Trace Parkway, this can be considered a good alternative.
The most unique time to visit this swamp is in the fall, with foliage further enhancing the natural scenery at these latitudes, as the waterways become covered in orange leaves on the surface, creating a remarkable sight.
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Bonus stop: Birthplace of Kermit the Frog – Jim Henson Exhibit
As is often the case when compiling a top 10, there is always an eleventh attraction that is reluctantly excluded. In this case it’s specifically for Muppet lovers. In fact, you are about to visit the birthplace of Kermit the Frog, or rather, a museum that pays homage to the roots of Jim Henson, the creator of the Muppets, who spent many years of his life in this area.
These are two rooms located inside the Leland Chamber of Commerce building where you can see an original puppet and various memorabilia dedicated to the world’s most famous frog, as well as other puppets.
