Vicksburg, Mississippi, is a charming city located along the Mississippi River with an interesting history and a diverse range of attractions. It is the site of one of the defining battles of the Civil War—the Siege of Vicksburg—which is commemorated at the Vicksburg National Military Park. Perfect for a weekend trip, Vicksburg boasts a number of things to do, including museums, outdoor activities, and dining—all of which you can enjoy while staying appropriately socially distanced. Here’s how to spend 24 hours exploring this historic city.
DAY 1:
10am: Visit Vicksburg National Military Park
This 1,800-acre park commemorates the Civil War’s Siege of Vicksburg, where the Union Army laid siege to the city for 47 days, eventually forcing the surrender of the Confederate Army. The park includes 1,321 historic monuments and markers, miles of walking trails and historic trenches, antebellum homes, cannons, the restored gunboat USS Cairo, and the Vicksburg National Cemetery. Spend a few hours exploring the park yourself or take a guided tour with a licensed battlefield guide.
12pm: Lunch at Solly’s Hot Tamales
It wouldn’t be Mississippi without a stop for tamales. Grab lunch at Solly’s Hot Tamales, which has been dishing up its famous hot tamales since 1939. Cuban native Henry Solly first began selling his tamales from a pushcart, eventually opening a storefront to allow more people to enjoy his practically famous masa magic. He served tamales until his death in 1992, and now his friend Jewel and her daughter Deanna still make the tamales according to his original recipe.
1pm: Check out the Museums
Vicksburg has six fascinating museums all within a four-block loop in downtown. At the interactive Lower Mississippi River Museum, you can find out what life is like for those who live and work on the Mighty Mississippi. The Old Warren County Court House Museum features thousands of artifacts, including the sash worn by both George Washington and Jefferson Davis at their inaugurations, antique furniture, and the trophy antlers won by Robert E. Lee in an 1870 steamboat race. See the location where Coca-Cola was first bottled in 1894 at the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum, and explore railroad memorabilia, a diorama of the Siege of Vicksburg, 40 original war-themed paintings by Herb Mott, and much more at the Old Depot Museum. Make sure to save time to visit the new cultural museum at the Catfish Row Museum that has pop up exhibits that change throughout the year. Vicksburg’s newest museum is the Vicksburg Civil War Museum which has thousands of Civil War artifacts and is a must-see stop while visiting us!
4pm: Stroll the riverfront
Just a short stroll down the river from the museums, you’ll find the Vicksburg Riverfront Murals. These colorful murals covering the river floodwall depict local moments in history. While you’re in downtown, take some time to browse a variety of shops and boutiques in the area.
5pm: Happy hour at 10 South
This rooftop bar and grill is the perfect place to watch the sunset while overlooking the Mississippi River, Yazoo Diversion Canal, and Centennial Lake. As an “open-air” restaurant boasting a full bar, you’ll have access to both stunning views and regional classic cocktails like the Mississippi Sunset or the River Breeze. This is rewinding and imbibing at its social-distancing best.
6:30pm: Dinner at Cafe Anchuca
Located in a historic Greek Revival Mansion built in 1830, Cafe Anchuca is part of Anchuca Mansion & Inn. The restaurant offers upscale dining in a Southern-style garden room atmosphere. The restaurant is known for their dishes blending local ingredients with elegant techniques. Try the Shrimp & Grits with Creole Sauce Piquant or the Paneed Catfish featuring local farm-raised catfish served with Hoppin’ John and creamed spinach.
8pm: Check out the Nightlife
End your night by indulging in Vicksburg’s thriving gaming scene at one of the area’s casinos, including Ameristar, Casino Vicksburg, Waterview, or Riverwalk. If that’s not your style, check out Cottonwood Public House for craft beer and craft cocktails. The pub shares a space with Key City Brewing Company, so you can try local drafts like the Mr. Sippi pilsner and the Mississippi Queen blonde.
DAY 2:
8am: Breakfast at Bohemia Cafe & Bakery
Grab breakfast at this European-style bakery. Choose from daily specialty baked goods, as well as heartier options like omelets, biscuits, and crepes. Satisfy your sweet tooth (and start your day off just right) with cinnamon rolls, sweet kolaches, and beignets.
10am: Canoe the River
Book a tour with the Quapaw Canoe Company to canoe the Lower Mississippi River. You can choose fully guided day trips between two to four hours or five to eight hours. On the trip, paddlers are treated to views of towering bluffs, endless forests, expansive sandbars, and, of course, the sparkling river.
For more options on where to stay, shop, dine, and indulge during your time in Vicksburg, click here.
While you’re here, be sure to use #VisitVicksburg on all the pics you post to Instagram to show your love for the city known as the Key to the South!
