Mississippi’s soul shines brightly through its history, music, and southern charm. If you’re heading to the Magnolia State, some things are an absolute must; Civil War battlefields, blues heritage landmarks and riverboats all give you a deep dive into the state’s rich cultural history. Prepare yourself for a journey filled with history, art, music, and a little bit of that Southern magic!
Vicksburg National Military Park
This stunning park is where history buffs can stand on the hallowed grounds of one of the Civil War’s most infamous battles. Walk among the cannons, explore the preserved trenches, and pay your respects at the impressive memorials. The Vicksburg Siege moves you in a way that’s both haunting and humbling.
Mississippi Civil Rights Museum (Jackson)
If you want to get to the heart of the Civil Rights Movement, this museum has all the goods. You get to experience interactive exhibits, heartfelt testimonies, and moving historical insights that tell the powerful story of Mississippi’s role in the fight for equality. Prepare to be inspired and have the tissues handy!
BB King Museum
If you’re a dedicated blues fan, you’re in the right place. Mississippi is the birthplace of the blues, and no one owns that legacy more than B.B. King. Located in his hometown, this museum chronicles his rise from a sharecropper’s son to a global music icon. You’ll love and appreciate him even more than you already do!
Natchez Trace Parkway
Forget busy highways with honking horns and road rage, this picturesque route has been traveled for centuries by Native Americans, traders, and settlers. Check out numerous historical markers, nature trails, and stunning vistas; it’s the perfect way to experience Mississippi’s history while enjoying a stress-free road trip. Never will you experience such a recreational drive as this.
The Delta Blues Trail
Calling all music lovers! This trail winds through the heart of the Mississippi Delta, stopping at legendary juke joints, birthplaces of blues greats, and some of the most iconic music venues. It’s an epic music-lovers journey that lets you experience the rhythm and soul of America’s most influential musical genre.
Rowan Oak (Oxford)
Literary fans, take a step inside the glorious home of literary genius and Nobel prize-winning William Faulkner and feel the creative energy that inspired some of America’s greatest novels. This beautifully preserved house offers fans a sneak peek into the writer’s life, complete with all original furnishings and even notes scrawled on the walls.
Eudora Welty House
For book lovers, this historic home-turned-museum is a dream come true. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Eudora Welty lived and wrote here for decades, and her house remains just as she left it. Eerie or fascinating? It’s up to you to decide. It’s an intimate look into the mind of one of the South’s most celebrated storytellers.
Natchez Steamboat Landing
What’s Mississippi without a nostalgic steamboat trip? Step back in time at this historic riverfront where steamboats once ruled Mississippi. The landing offers beautiful views, fascinating stories of trade and travel, and a taste of the old-world charm (and controversy!) that made Natchez Indians key players in river commerce.
Elvis Presley Birthplace
Before Graceland, there was Tupelo, and it’s the place where rock and roll truly began! This humble two-room house is where the legendary Elvis Presley was born, and it’s filled with memorabilia that tells the story of his early life. Fans of The King will be in awe of this up-close and personal insight into his roots.
Mississippi Museum of Art
The largest community-supported art museum in the state offers contemporary masterpieces and historic Southern works, a true celebration of artistic expression. Both permanent and traveling exhibitions show the rich diversity of Mississippi’s art scene across two acres of land, from deep heritage through to mental illness. It’s a must-visit for culture lovers.
Historic Oxford Square
Oxford’s picturesque downtown square bursts with bookstores, historic landmarks, and a lively atmosphere. You can grab a bite at a local café and explore the town’s deep literary roots. This is the perfect spot to soak in Southern hospitality at its finest. Expect to find a few hidden gems while you’re strolling the flower-lined streets.
Tunica Casino Strip
When it’s time to take a break from history, Tunica’s casino strip brings you back to the modern day with gaming, live entertainment, and fine dining. It doesn’t matter if you’re just testing your luck or enjoying the lively atmosphere, it’s a fun way to mix things up on your Mississippi journey.
Gulfport Waterfront District
What better way to end your journey than with some fresh sea air? Gulfport’s upbeat waterfront district promises shopping, dining, and beautiful coastal views. Take a break from culture with a stroll along the beach or with some local seafood. It’s the perfect way to wind down and wrap up your Mississippi trip.
The Mississippi Blues Trail
The self-guided Mississippi Blues Trail takes you to over 200 blue markers, each an important location tied to the history of blues music. Follow the markers through cities like Jackson, Cleveland, and Clarksdale and learn historical facts about one of America’s most influential musical genres. You’ll visit the birthplaces of legends like B.B. King, Muddy Waters, and Robert Johnson.
Hurricane Katrina Memorial
Located in Biloxi, the new Hurricane Katrina Memorial on the Mississippi Gulf Coast offers a poignant reminder of the storm’s impact and allows visitors to pay their respects to the lives lost. This beautifully designed monument consists of a 30-foot wave sculpture and the names of its victims. While it may seem somber, it is a fitting tribute to end your trip with.
