5 Mississippi Tourist Attractions that Can’t Be Missed

There’s no doubt that Vicksburg offers its fair share of enticing attractions, but the rest of Mississippi has lots to offer the avid traveler.

Wondering how to create the perfect statewide Mississippi itinerary? We’ll walk you through a few Mississippi tourist attractions that can’t be missed.

Gulf Islands National Seashore

Stretching 160 miles from Mississippi to Florida, Gulf Islands National Seashore is the nation’s longest section of protected seashore. This creates a thoroughly unique environment featuring stunning barrier islands, maritime forests and other picturesque features, all of which can be viewed through an array of activities – snorkeling, swimming, hiking, camping and boating are just a few of your options.

Cruisin’ the Coast

Spice up any trip to Mississippi with a visit to the annual Cruisin’ the Coast car show and festival. What originated as a celebration of antique and hot rod vehicles has since grown into the biggest special event in the Magnolia State, featuring thousands of vehicles from all across the country. The event’s participants travel along a 30-mile beachside route and make a host of designated stops along the way, where visitors can view the vehicles, catch live music and chow down on tasty food. The weeklong event typically takes place in early October, so mark your calendar.

Natchez Trace Parkway

This scenic driving route spans a whopping 444 miles from Tennessee to Mississippi, where it follows a route once used by the nation’s natives. Along the way, you’ll discover a diverse selection of attractions, including everything from prehistoric mounds to striking waterfalls. Plus, Vicksburg is about 25 miles west of the Natchez Trace Parkway’s Lower Choctaw Boundary, which makes it simple to spend a day or two exploring the city’s casinos, historical landmarks and other points of interest.

Mississippi Museum of Natural Science

Operated by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks in Jackson, MS, the Museum of Natural Science is easily accessed within historic LeFleur’s Bluff State Park. This popular, family-friendly destination boasts a variety of exhibits showcasing the state’s unique habitats. View more than 200 living species within the museum’s 100,000-gallon aquarium, or embark on a brief expedition through 2.5 miles of nature trails to get up close and personal with the great outdoors.

Vicksburg National Military Park

No collection of must-see Mississippi attractions would be complete without the expansive Vicksburg National Military Park. It’s not only one of the state’s most renowned attractions, but one of the nation’s foremost – and largest – historical sites. Visitors can view more than 1,300 historical monuments that detail the pivotal Siege of Vicksburg. The park is simple to explore on foot, bicycle or car, though guided tours are also available.

Come to Mississippi

Conveniently located at the center of Mississippi’s eastern border, Vicksburg serves as the perfect starting point – or conclusion – for any excursion through the state’s most exciting attractions. Browse local hotels and our trip planner to begin planning your visit today.

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