go to content go to search box go to global site navigation

Mississippi

Sights in Mississippi

  1. BB King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center

    Stopping in this tiny Delta town is well worth it to visit the incredible, modern BB King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center. Situated in between Greenville and Greenwood on Hwy 82, this center, filled with interactive displays, video exhibits, and an amazing array of blues and BB King artifacts, effectively communicates the history and legacy of the blues while shedding light on the soul of the Delta.

    reviewed

  2. Agriculture & Forestry Museum

    Also worth a stop, though completely different in its feel and scope, is the Agriculture & Forestry Museum. This rustic attraction is actually spread among several buildings designed to resemble a small Mississippi town, complete with a blacksmith's shop and general store. In the main exhibit hall, you can learn about catfish farming 'from the egg to the plate.'

    reviewed

  3. Rowan Oak

    Literary pilgrims head directly here, to the graceful 1840s home of William Faulkner, who authored so many brilliant and dense novels set in Mississippi, and whose work is celebrated in Oxford with an annual conference in July. Tours of Rowan Oak – where Faulkner lived from 1930 until he died in 1962 – are self-guided. The staff can also provide directions to Faulkner's grave, which is located in St Peter's Cemetery, northeast of the Square.

    reviewed

  4. Eudora Welty House

    Southern-literature buffs should make a reservation to tour the Welty. The Pulitzer Prize–winning author lived in this Tudor Revival house for more than 75 years. It's now a true historical preservation down to the most minute details.

    reviewed

  5. Smith Robertson Museum

    Housed in Mississippi's first public school for African American kids, is the alma mater of author Richard Wright. It offers insight and explanation into the pain and perseverance of the African American legacy in Mississippi.

    reviewed

  6. Old Capitol Museum

    The state's Greek Revival capitol building from 1839 to 1903 received a stellar renovation in 2009. It now houses an extremely well-done museum that covers Mississippi's history from prehistoric to modern times.

    reviewed

  7. Museum of Natural Science

    Tucked way back in Lefleur's Bluff State Park is the Museum of Natural Science. It houses exhibits on the natural beasts of Mississippi and has aquariums inside and a nice walking trail outside.

    reviewed

  8. Mississippi Museum of Art

    This is the one fantastic attraction in Jackson. The collection of Mississippi art – a permanent exhibit dubbed 'The Mississippi Story' – is nothing less than superb. A new downtown green space called the Art Garden, with a symphony stage and live music, was underway at the time of writing.

    reviewed

  9. University of Mississippi Museum

    This museum has fine arts, folk arts, a Confederate uniform and a plethora of science-related marvels, including a microscope and electromagnet from the 19th century.

    reviewed

  10. Hurricane Katrina Exhibit

    You can see how far Gulfport has come since the Storm at the Hurricane Katrina Exhibit, which is filled with photos and artwork from the hurricane’s aftermath.

    reviewed

  11. Advertisement

  12. Lamar Park

    For a serene stretch of the legs, head to Lamar Park just outside of town where you can get in a good jog or casual stroll by the manicured artificial lake.

    reviewed

  13. Square Books

    One of America's great independent bookstores is the epicenter of Oxford's lively literary scene and a frequent stop for traveling authors. There's a cafe and balcony upstairs, along with an immense section devoted to Faulkner.

    reviewed

  14. Mississippi Children's Museum

    Jackson's brand new children's museum, opened in December 2010, was quickly recognized as one of the country's best. Many of the exhibits have a sustainable or Mississippi slant, and all are aimed educating the youngsters – the digestive-tract jungle gym that ends in a toilet might have gone too far, though.

    reviewed