What Not To Miss In Mississippi

Did you know that the word ‘Mississippi’ simply means ‘Big River’ in the Ojibwe language?

Whilst it was the lifeblood to early residents, the state of Mississippi should not solely be defined by the river that gave it its name.

Stretching from the warm waters of the Gulf Coast up to its northern border with Tennessee, the Magnolia State offers a rhythm and colour all of its own. We explore what not to miss in Mississippi…

• Welcome to Mississippi
• Northern Mississippi
• Mid-Mississippi
• Riverside Mississippi
• Coastal Mississippi
• Don’t Miss Mississippi

Welcome to Mississippi

Whether you are history buff, music lover, or simply someone who enjoys a good plate of fresh seafood gumbo, Mississippi offers a little something for everyone.

Known as the birthplace of the blues, Mississippi is celebrated for its vital role in shaping all American music. The state gave rise to music legends such as B.B. King, Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker, as well as famously being the birthplace of Elvis Presley.

Mississippi has also played a pivotal role in America’s, sometimes chequered, history. Within the state’s boundaries you can visit the sites of civil war battles, large mansion homes initially built on the profits of the slave trade, as well as museums highlighting the state’s significant role in the struggle for equality.

Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to embrace in Mississippi. The lush river delta region transcends into pine woodlands beyond the sandy shores of the Gulf Coast, each ecosystem providing habitats for an abundance of wildlife from aquatic birds to some of America’s larger land mammals.

Mississippi’s culinary traditions draw on numerous cultures with BBQ and seafood front and centre. Make sure you try fresh gumbo and Delta tamales with flavours created in local kitchens. Of course, everyone should try a Mississippi mud pie, but don’t miss out on pressed po’boys or fried dill pickles either.

Northern Mississippi

A trip across the northern reaches of Mississippi offers a blend of literary landmarks, soulful music and small-town charm.

Connecting the picturesque towns of New Albany and Houston is the 44-mile Tanglefoot Trail, a converted disused railway line popular with hikers and cyclists. Once you’ve done your exercise for the day, you can sit back with a book by William Faulkner, the Nobel prize-winning author who was born nearby.

Tupelo

When it comes to famous birthplaces however, Tupelo claims the biggest. Just a short drive from New Albany, this unassuming town saw the birth of Elvis Presley in 1935. You can visit the modest two-room house where Elvis was brought up, which is significantly smaller than his later home at Graceland in Memphis not too far away! The neighbouring museum provides a fascinating glimpse into his humble beginnings, and in the surrounding park you can take a selfie with the ‘Elvis at 13’ and ‘Becoming’ statues.

For some authentic Mississippi dining in Tupelo, try the sweet tea fried chicken and southern cornbread at Kermit’s Soul Kitchen.

Oxford & Clarksdale

West of Tupelo is Oxford, which like its namesake in England is a university town. Home to the University of Mississippi, affectionately known as ‘Ole Miss’, Oxford has a historic downtown square at its heart, with boutique shops and high-quality restaurants surrounding it. The iconic ‘Square Books’ is a literary treasure trove, and hotel’s such as The Graduate are all facing Oxford’s Square. Fans of William Faulkner can continue their pilgrimage by visiting Rowan Oak, the author’s preserved home.

West again, on the banks of wonderfully named Big Sunflower River (which ultimately flows into the Mississippi), sits Clarksdale, a town considered to be the epicentre of the Delta Blues. Music legends like Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters performed here, their legacy preserved in the Delta Blues Museum. To fully appreciate the music however, make sure to catch a live performance at the Ground Zero Blues Club, co-owned by actor Morgan Freeman.

Mid-Mississippi

Mississippi’s music heritage continues in the central town of Indianola, where the B.B. King Museum offers an immersive journey through the life and legacy of perhaps the most famous all blues icons. Born in 1925 on a cotton plantation, Riley B. King worked as a sharecropper and tractor driver. In the 1950’s he got his break in Memphis, in the 1960’s used his music in the fight for Civil Rights, and around the turn of the 21st Century bought a Rolls Royce. Beyond the museum the town exudes a welcoming southern charm, with cosy eateries and boutique shops making it a delightful stop on your Mississippi holiday.

Just a short drive from Indianola, in the colourful town of Cleveland, is the Grammy Museum which provides an engaging look at Mississippi’s influence on global music. Cleveland’s downtown area is lively, with shops and restaurants complimenting a burgeoning arts scene that adds to the town’s colourful image.

The Mississippi state capital is Jackson, a bustling hub that combines cultural history with modern urban living. If you are only in Jackson for a short time, then the must-visit attraction is the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. This poignant and powerful exhibition chronicles the state’s pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement, with heartfelt personal stories of historic persecution and resilience. To refresh after the museum, perhaps take a walk around LeFleur’s Bluff State Park, an oasis in the city.

Red Bluff & Dunn’s Falls

For a more challenging hike, head to Red Bluff, near the town of Foxworth. Known as ‘Mississippi’s Little Grand Canyon’, a 1.5 mile trail offer fabulous views of 200 foot high colourful cliffs, composed of vibrant vibrant layers of red clay, sand and soil, carved by the erosive power of the Pearl River below.

Equally impressive is Dunn’s Falls, a serene retreat near the town of Meridian. This beautiful waterfall was created by a historic man-made dam, and the lush surroundings are perfect for leisurely walk, a picnic, or even a swim in the pool. The site also includes a grist mill from the 1850s that offers a glimpse into the region’s industrial past.   

Riverside Mississippi

The shores of the Mississippi River run along the state’s western border and are steeped in history and culture. This iconic waterway has dramatically shaped the landscape and written the stories of the towns that line its banks.

Vicksburg

“Vicksburg is the key!” proclaimed President Abraham Lincoln, and he was right. When General Grant’s Union’s forces took the town from the Confederate army in 1963, after a gruelling 47-day siege, they affectively control the whole of the Mississippi River. Those who perished in the battle are remembered at Vicksburg National Military Park, which you can explore independently or on a guided tour operated by the National Park Service. Amongst the 100’s of monuments and statues in the park is the restored USS Cairo, an ironclad navy gunboat that once patrolled the Mississippi River.

The town of Vicksburg offers other historical treasures, including The Old Court House Museum which details the story of the town, and the the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum where it is claimed the world-famous beverage was first bottle in 1984. During your stay be sure to head down to the riverside restaurants and enjoy some alfresco dining, Mississippi style.

Natchez

70 miles south along the Mississippi River lies Natchez, a city known for its historic houses, including Longwood, a unique, but never quite finished octagonal property, and Stanton Hall, a palatial Greek Revival-style mansion. Guided tours are available, on which you can learn a about the lives of the original inhabitants, how they gained their wealth, and how the homes were designed and built. In the evening, head up to Bluff Park to watch the sunset over the mighty Mississippi.

Natchez Trace Parkway

The Natchez Trace Parkway begins just outside of the town. This 444-mile historic route stretches from Natchez all the way to Nashville, Tennessee. Originally a Native American trail, it later became a vital path for early settlers, and then traders and soldiers. Today the parkway is a scenic driving route that provides plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting and other outdoor activities. You can also explore some of the well-marked ancient burial sites and trading posts that are dotted along the route.

On the parkway is the town of Port Gibson, in which similar architecture to that in Natchez can be found. Many of its buildings survived the Civil War, including some historic churches, not found elsewhere in America. The Windsor Ruins are a haunting reminder of a once-grand plantation home.

Coastal Mississippi

With the Mississippi River reaching the sea in Louisiana, people often forget that Mississippi has a coastline. However, the Mississippi Gulf Coast has some wonderful beaches, seaside towns and natural offshore islands.

Bay St. Louis & Gulfport

Known for its artistic spirit, the Historic Old Town district of Bay St. Louis has art galleries and boutique shops to peruse, and independent cafés in which to enjoy a flat white. The town celebrates its creative side with regular art themed guided walks and live music events.

The beaches here are perfect for swimming and sunbathing, and the bay’s calm and protected waters great for paddleboarding or kayaking, with views of the 2.1 mile Bay St. Louis Bridge to Pass Christian. Full and half-day fishing charters also leave from the harbour.

The largest city on the Mississippi Coast is Gulfport, with a downtown area hosting a great choice of shops, restaurants and local micro-breweries. Its proximity to the beach means that during the holidays in particular, the streets are a hive of activity. The Mississippi Aquarium, located across from Jones Park, is popular with families. It features 12 different fresh and salt water habitats, home to species that can be found in the Mississippi River, as well those from far-away coral reefs. The aquarium has an active research and conservation arm that visitors can participate in.

Biloxi

Further east lies Biloxi, a city renowned for both its 26-mile beach and for being a great night out! Its casinos are open 24 hours, though if you don’t wish to gamble there are live shows and fine-dining too.

For a deeper connection to the area’s history, Biloxi’s Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum highlights the region’s seafaring heritage, and the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art celebrates the unique ceramics of George Ohr, the self-proclaimed “Mad Potter of Biloxi.” Open for tours first thing in the morning, the 19th Century Biloxi Lighthouse offers lovely views along the coast.

The Gulf Islands National Seashore is a pristine stretch of protected coastline that extends into Mississippi’s coastal waters. The barrier islands, such as Ship Island, Cat Island and Horn Island, offer secluded beaches, nature trails, and historic landmarks, including Fort Massachusetts, built following the War of 1812 between the United Kingdom and United States. The clear waters are ideal for snorkelling, kayaking, and spotting dolphins. The islands are only accessible by boat, with private charters and a ferry to Ship Island, departing from Gulfport.

Don’t Miss Mississippi

A holiday to America’s Deep South wouldn’t be complete without spending time in Mississippi. Music, food, history or nature, the state has something to offer everyone.

Whether you are visiting the birthplaces of the music giants such as Elvis and B.B. King, discovering the history of the American Civil War or the fight for civil rights, or just want to enjoy a po’boy on the beach, don’t miss Mississippi.