Mississippi is often underestimated for what it can offer visitors, being most famous for its Mississippi riverboat casinos, but the state is also jam-packed with things to do and see, more than enough to fill an entire holiday.
Mississippi is an interesting and eclectic mix of history and culture, and there is certainly something for everyone, no matter what you like.
Table of Contents
Beauvoir
Beauvoir is a Mississippi State Landmark and one of the most visited places in the state. Built in 1848, it has been a historic site for decades and is a magnet for history buffs. It was once home to Confederate President Jefferson Davis.
You can visit and take a walk around the area yourself or sign up for a guided tour. You will learn about the history of the building and who lived there, and its significance to the Biloxi area and Mississippi as a whole.
Rodney Ghost Town
The US is littered with ghost towns from the East to the West coast. This is due to the immense amount of immigration that happened over a couple of hundred years. Mississippi is no different and is home to the Rodney Ghost Town.
Considering it is free, it is a very cheap attraction to visit. You will find a town that is stuck in the past, with hints that it was destined for bigger and better things. It is the definition of a time capsule and is an amazing window into the past.
Elvis’s Birthplace and Museum
The King of Rock and Roll was born in Mississippi, with his birthplace now a popular tourist destination and museum. The very modest abode found in Tupelo is a homage to the King, with multiple displays for you to enjoy.
You can also visit the church where Presley found his voice and honed his craft, and a tour guide will teach you everything you need to know about the young Elvis and some interesting facts about his family life.
Biloxi Beach
You may find that Mississippi has a small stretch of coast down south; you can find Biloxi Beach there. The white sand and blue water are perfect for a quiet afternoon by the sea, with multiple restaurants and bars lining the coast just behind you.
There are many other attractions at the beach and places to rent a jet ski. You can take a walk along the water, relax, have some lunch, or watch the sun go down after a busy day.
Natchez Trace Parkway
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile long parkway that runs from Natchez in Mississippi, all the way to Nashville, Tennessee. It is a great mix of dirt roads, forested areas and takes you along numerous rivers and streams.
While it is clearly not something you can do in a day, it is a fantastic adventure along a roadway that many tourists, and locals, have never experienced.
Cooking Classes
Southern cooking is a cuisine all on its own. The cajun and French influences are mixed with soul food and some of the freshest ingredients. You can’t learn authentic Southern cooking from a video or book; you need lessons.
You are able to find cooking classes and restaurants that teach cooking, all across the state, and spending an afternoon with a Southern cuisine expert will teach you more than you think.
Vicksburg
Vicksburg National Military Park is another attraction for the history-lovers out there. The park is home to the USS Cairo, 144 canons ranging in ages, and dozens of historical and military monuments.
Before or after you visit the military side of the park, there is a 12.5-mile trail you can hike, giving you beautiful views of the surroundings and giving you a taste of what Mississippi nature has to offer.
Mississippi Civil Rights Museum
Mississippi was the hub for many civil rights movements during the 40s and 50s. The Civil Rights Museum was built to ensure all the stories from the time are told and shared, and the leaders and voices of the time are remembered.
The museum is packed with galleries and exhibits that are filled to the brim with historic pieces and stories from the period, documenting what would become one of the biggest protests and movements the state and country have ever seen.
Mammy’s Cupboard
Mammy’s Cupboard is a quaint yet incredibly popular stop in the state. The large structure is shaped like a grandmother wearing a dress, and inside, you can find a charming restaurant serving up delicious homemade meals.
You can have a slice of meringue pie, or a cold glass of fresh lemonade, or pick up a loaf of bread. The menu is also filled with classic Southern cuisine and some dishes that Mississippi is famous for.
Geyser Falls Water Park
If you are looking for a bit of an adrenaline rush, the Geyser Falls Water Park is perfect for a fun, family day out. There is an enormous wave pool to take a dip in and dozens of water slides suitable for all ages.
The park also has sandy beaches and palm trees for you to relax under and have a meal after an exhilarating morning or afternoon on the waterslides.