25 Must-See Places In Mississippi You’ll Never Forget

Mississippi is full of surprises that will have you packing your bags and hitting the road. If you thought this state was all about blues music and mouthwatering Southern food (and yes, it is), there’s so much more waiting to be discovered. Keep reading to uncover 25 unforgettable spots that’ll make you fall in love with Mississippi all over again—no matter how many times you’ve crossed the state line.

Vicksburg National Military Park

Time travel to the Civil War days at Vicksburg National Military Park, where cannons still line the hills and stories whisper through the trees. You can hike through battlefield trails, explore eerie trenches, and stand where fierce clashes shaped a nation’s future.

Natchez Trace Parkway

What began as a Native American footpath became one of America’s most historic scenic drives. Stretching from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee, the Natchez Trace Parkway winds past mysterious burial mounds and abandoned inns called “stands.”

Mississippi Gulf Coast

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina left its mark—but the Mississippi Gulf Coast rebuilt with flair. Now, it’s home to over 60 miles of man-made beaches, the longest in the world. Unlike other coasts, this one’s a patchwork of quiet fishing villages and glitzy boardwalks.

The Mississippi Blues Trail

There are over 200 markers along this living tribute to the Delta blues, but none quite like the one in Dockery Farms, the birthplace of blues legend Charley Patton. Each sign is a breadcrumb leading you to places like Clarksdale’s Ground Zero Blues Club, where modern artists still keep the rhythm alive.

Elvis Presley Birthplace

Long before Graceland, there was a modest two-room shack in Tupelo, Mississippi. Born here in 1935, Elvis Aaron Presley was so poor his parents couldn’t afford a doctor for his birth. Today, visitors can stroll through the Elvis Presley Museum and the Assembly of God Church, where he first sang gospel.

Jackson Zoo

Home to over 250 animals, Jackson Zoo mixes education with adventure in the heart of Mississippi’s capital. While the playful chimpanzees and prowling big cats grab attention, it’s the African Savannah exhibit that truly wows—with zebras and ostriches roaming like they own the place.

Mississippi Petrified Forest

Roughly 36 million years ago, towering conifers fell and slowly turned to stone—now, they lie preserved in Mississippi’s only petrified forest. Located in Flora, this ancient site feels otherworldly, especially along the self-guided trail lined with fossilized logs as thick as truck tires.

Bok Homa Casino

Bok Homa Casino is a hidden hotspot with over 700 slot machines, a smoke-free poker room, and a steady lineup of live entertainment. “Bok Homa” means “red creek” in Choctaw, and its rustic setting near Sandersville adds to its down-to-earth vibe.

Cathedral Of St. Peter The Apostle

Consecrated in 1900, this Jackson landmark survived a fire, a flood, and multiple renovations. Its Neo-Gothic architecture transports visitors straight to old-world Europe. Even if you’re not religious, one step inside and you’re caught in the awe.

Deer Island

Just half a mile off Biloxi’s shoreline floats Deer Island—a protected nature reserve teeming with mystery. Despite being so close to civilization, it houses rare species like the endangered gopher tortoise and beautiful bottle-nosed dolphins.

Sharkey County Wildlife Management Area

Outdoor lovers, meet your wild side. This over 15,000-acre preserve in the Mississippi Delta is a haven for waterfowl, whitetail deer, and even the occasional alligator. It’s especially popular during duck hunting season, but hikers and photographers love it for its swampy beauty.

Grammy Museum

In Cleveland, the Grammy Museum offers an insight into the Mississippi Delta’s musical roots. The museum showcases memorabilia from blues legends like Robert Johnson and B.B. King. Hence, visitors can explore the role Mississippi played in shaping the genre.

Longwood

The South’s most famous unfinished mansion, Longwood in Natchez, is a beautiful enigma wrapped in octagonal splendor. Its upper floors remain eerily skeletal, with exposed beams and open rafters. Walk through its time-capsule halls, and you’ll feel like history has hit the pause button.

Mississippi Civil Rights Museum

The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum uses interactive exhibits, motion sensors, and immersive storytelling to document the state’s pivotal role in the American civil rights movement. Stand beneath the glowing “This Little Light of Mine” sculpture, surrounded by voices of activists who changed the world.

Tunica Resorts

Just south of Memphis lies Tunica, Mississippi’s very own Vegas strip—minus the desert heat. With six casino resorts and headline entertainment, Tunica delivers big thrills on a blackjack-sized budget. And if you’re into slots with a side of Southern sass? This is your jackpot.

Hattiesburg

Hattiesburg is home to the University of Southern Mississippi and offers a blend of Southern charm with modern amenities. The city is a hub for outdoor activities, especially with nearby parks like the De Soto National Forest, making it a great spot for nature lovers. 

Tupelo National Battlefield

In July 1864, Union and Confederate forces clashed in what would become the Battle of Tupelo, fighting to protect Union supply lines and stall Confederate General Forrest. Today, the battlefield is a peaceful green space dotted with interpretive signs and memorials.

The Infinity Science Center

NASA fans, you’re in for a treat. The Infinity Science Center in Pearlington is the official visitor center for Stennis Space Center, NASA’s rocket-testing HQ. Don’t miss the Massive F-1 rocket engine displayed outside—it’s the kind that powered Apollo missions to the moon.

The Ohr-O’Keefe Museum Of Art

Designed by starchitect Frank Gehry, this museum in Biloxi is a sculptural masterpiece in itself. Inside, you’ll discover the wild, whimsical ceramics of George E. Ohr—aka the “Mad Potter of Biloxi”—whose wavy, colorful pottery was way ahead of its time.

Cedar Hill Cemetery

Locally known as the “City of the Dead,” Cedar Hill in Vicksburg is one of the oldest continuously operating cemeteries in the U.S. Its Soldiers’ Rest section holds over 5,000 Confederate graves, making it one of the largest of its kind

The University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)

Founded in 1848, Ole Miss is a symbol of Southern legacy. Its campus in Oxford is picture-perfect, with historic brick buildings and the famous Lyceum. But it’s not all history. Today, it’s a hub of innovation, SEC football madness, and literary pride.

The Delta Blues Museum

The Delta Blues Museum celebrates the birthplace of the blues with gritty reverence. Exhibits include Muddy Waters’ childhood cabin, rare instruments, vintage photos, and personal artifacts from blues greats like John Lee and Big Mama Thornton.

Starkville

Starkville is best known as the home of Mississippi State University. The university gives the town youthful energy and a strong sports culture, particularly around Bulldogs football and baseball. The city also celebrates its Southern heritage through annual events, local festivals, and the scenic beauty surrounding the area. 

The Mississippi State Capitol

The current Capitol in Jackson, completed in 1903, isn’t just where laws are made—it’s a palace of grandeur. It features 180-foot domes, 8 types of marble, and stained glass windows by Louis Millet. Plus, tours will take you past the House and Senate chambers and show off the Tiffany-style rotunda chandelier.

Bogue Chitto State Park

Bogue Chitto State Park is an adventure-packed paradise hidden in the rolling hills of southwestern Mississippi. Spanning over 1,700 acres, this nature lover’s playground features 11 small lakes. There’s even a frightfully cool gorge system known as “Fricke’s Cave.