Road Trip to Vicksburg: The Key to the South

While planning your trip, be sure to keep Mississippi’s quintessential river city in mind as a stop on your road trip.

ith a commanding view of the Mississippi River, Vicksburg has served as the region’s center of commerce and culture for nearly 200 years. To this day the river remains a vital component of the region’s economy. In fact, the Port of Vicksburg is the nation’s 13th busiest inland port. Time to collect your “Keys to the South” in Vicksburg on your next road trip.

With summer around the corner, families are gearing up for school vacation. What better way than to plan your Southern Road Trip?

The Key to History and Culture

Vicksburg was established in 1811 and incorporated in 1825. The location was selected because of its strategic position high above the unpredictable whims of Old Man River. The city rapidly grew to become a center of commerce and wealth as railroads brought goods from throughout the region to be loaded on steamboats for shipment to markets around the world.

The importance of the Siege of Vicksburg can be experienced at the Vicksburg National Military Park which stands in commemoration of those who served and the thousands who lost their lives in the defining battle of America’s defining war. The monuments in the 1,800-acre park and throughout the city represent the work of many of America’s leading artists of the early 1900s. It includes 1,325 historic monuments and markers, 20 miles of reconstructed trenches and earthworks, a 16-mile tour road, the Shirley House (circa 1840), 144 emplaced cannons, and the only remaining Union ironclad gunboat, the USS Cairo. The Vicksburg National Cemetery located within the park is the nation’s second-largest military cemetery behind Arlington National Cemetery. National Park Service licensed guides are available for tours of the park and of the city.

The Vicksburg Riverfront Murals along Levee Street provide life-sized depictions of the city’s 200-year history. You may even catch a glimpse of one of the luxury riverboats that are once again traveling the mighty Mississippi. The cupola of the Old Court House Museum (circa 1858) is visible from throughout the city. The iconic Greek revival structure houses the largest collection of Civil War memorabilia in the South.

Two museums located on the downtown riverfront feature exhibits that detail the development of transportation in the region, both by river and by land. The Old Depot Museum housed in the Levee Street Depot (circa 1907) features 250 ship models with exhibits of towboats and riverboats, Civil War gunboats, and U.S. Navy vessels named for people and places in Mississippi. The 250-square foot diorama with 2,300 miniature soldiers provides an overview of the 47-day siege. One of our most popular attractions, the Jesse Brent Lower Mississippi River Museum and Riverfront Interpretive Site, invites visitors to examine the benefits and risks of living near the river. The museum features an orientation theater and an assortment of interactive and educational displays for all ages. Through static and interactive displays, you can explore the river’s past and the science behind water movement. Tours on board the Motor Vessel Mississippi IV give visitors a feel for life on board the boat through interactive displays, a variety of historical items, and a boat simulator in the pilothouse. The exhibit details the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ efforts to control flooding throughout the Mississippi River basin and its future plans.

The Biedenharn Coca-Cola® Museum is in the building that housed the Biedenharn Candy Co. In 1894, Joseph A. Biedenharn was the first to develop a process to bottle Coke® allowing him to make deliveries outside the city. The museum features bottling works, Coca-Cola® memorabilia, and a 1900 soda fountain featuring hand-dipped ice cream and Coke® floats. The Southern Heritage Air Museum, located just across the Mississippi River at the Vicksburg-Tallulah Regional Airport, is home to a collection of vintage aircraft and focuses on the history of aviation and its impact on the local region. The museum is a partner with the National World War II Museum in New Orleans.

You also can’t leave out Vicksburg’s two newest museums—the Vicksburg Civil War Museum and Catfish Row Museum. The Vicksburg Civil War Museum features a diverse collection of artifacts from that era. The Catfish Row Museum, featuring a series of ever-changing exhibits, is a cultural heritage experience that highlights the unique and diverse aspects of Vicksburg. The lives of some of Vicksburg’s earliest and wealthiest residents can be relived at stately tour homes that range in age from circa 1822 to the turn of the 20th Century. Many of Vicksburg’s tour homes also operate as bed and breakfast inns. Be sure to get your Vicksburg Passport stamped at a historic home or museum to receive your free #VisitVicksburg T-shirt.

The Key to Shopping and Dining

Historic Downtown Vicksburg is the perfect destination to spend an afternoon strolling along the beautiful brick streets, visiting with the friendly shop owners, and grabbing a bite at any of the quaint restaurants. Washington Street is brimming with clothing boutiques, specialty shops, antique stores, and art galleries. You can also find many specialty shops, boutiques, and stores throughout the city to fill any shopping fix.

Vicksburg has always been known for its restaurants. You will find the flavors of the South, both old and new, at eateries throughout the city.

The Key to Art and Entertainment

While the city is steeped in history and rich with architecture, it is alive with the arts and entertainment of today. Galleries along historic Washington Street feature the works of artists from throughout the region. The Attic Gallery is Mississippi’s oldest independent art gallery featuring Southern folk art, contemporary fine art, and many “blues” related items. HC Porter Gallery features original paintings, original serigraphs, and fine art prints and photographs by nationally recognized Mississippi artist H.C. Porter, and other contemporary Southern artists.

Live music can be found at venues throughout the city. No matter what your musical tastes may be you’ll find what you are craving in Vicksburg. Country, jazz, rock ‘n roll, or if you are in search of the illusive Blues music of the Mississippi Delta, look no further. Six Mississippi Blues Trail Markers highlight Vicksburg’s Blues legends.

It is no secret that the riverboats of the past were alive with legendary gamblers playing for legendary stakes. You may want to try your luck at one of our four waterfront casinos. Enjoy the excitement of 24-hour gaming, great live entertainment, lavish buffets, and signature restaurants.

The Key to Outdoor Adventure

Hunting and fishing are part of the life of the region. Vicksburg’s proximity to thousands of publicly owned land makes it the perfect destination for hunting and fishing getaways. Outfitters are available for both hunting and fishing. Tara Wildlife, a 9,000-acre privately owned facility, provides world-class outdoor opportunities for hunters, fishermen, and nature viewers. If you’d rather spend your time on the water, several picturesque lakes excellent for fishing, casual boating, and birding can be found within an easy drive from the Vicksburg city limits. Find the best catches with help from Blue Cat Guide Service. You can also find canoes and kayaks available for rent at the Quapaw Canoe Company outpost.

In addition to effortless access to the great outdoors, Vicksburg offers visitors the opportunity to tour the region in several unique ways. Walking tours are an excellent choice if you’re expecting to remain inside the city, while cyclists will be pleased to know that the Mississippi River Trail slices through Vicksburg’s downtown district. Bring your own bike, or rent one from local mobile bicycle rental company, Battlefield Bicycle.

The Key to the South

Whether you come to Vicksburg for a few hours or for a few days you will always enjoy hospitality at its finest, sensational Southern cuisine, and family-friendly attractions. Whether you want to stay at one of our many hotels or enjoy the charm of a bed and breakfast inn, Vicksburg has a place perfect for you. A current list of accommodations can be found at the Vicksburg CVB by visiting one of our three visitor center locations. Families can enjoy the amenities of our many parks and recreation amenities.

It’s all in Vicksburg – The Key to the South.