Five Amazing Day Trips: Mississippi

Known as the Birthplace of American Music, the southern state of Mississippi offers visitors a diverse range of activities across five unique travel regions. From small towns to major cities, there really is something for everyone in Mississippi. Outdoor enthusiasts flock to the many recreation areas, featuring miles of nature trails, forested woodlands, watersport and fishing spots, and places to watch the diverse local wildlife. Historic and cultural sites are dotted across the state and throughout three designated national heritage areas in the Gulf, Hills, and Pines regions. Expect to find passionate hometown spirit at an Ole Miss football game in the charming small town of Oxford. Vacation like a local on the Mississippi Gulf Coast with luxury resorts, family attractions, and an endless list of outdoor activities to enjoy. For some fresh air and a great road trip, drive or bike the Natchez Trace Parkway, stopping at the many points of interest along the way. Our day trip recommendations start in historic Jackson and highlight amazing destinations across the state.

Here are five great day trips across the Magnolia State:

Clarksdale (Museums & Attractions)

The famous “Crossroads” sign is located about 150 miles north of Jackson at the intersection of Highways 61 and 49 in the city of Clarksdale. This bucket list day trip for musicians and music enthusiasts begins at the Delta Blues Museum before exploring other points of interest in “The Land Where Blues Began.” Housed in the former Clarksdale Passenger Depot, the museum exhibits a permanent collection featuring Blues-related memorabilia and artifacts as well as rotating collections. One of the museum highlights and an amazing artifact is the rebuilt cabin and former home of Blues icon Muddy Waters. Clarksdale is packed with musical landmarks— it seems like everything has an interesting story, from the hotels and restaurants to the music venues and bars. Spend some time in the downtown Arts and Culture District and seek out a few of the boutique shops and famous music venues. No visit to Clarksdale would be complete without a visit to Red’s Lounge, Ground Zero Blues Club, Cathead Blues & Folk Art, and the Hambone Gallery.

Gulfport (The Outdoors)

Located 150 miles south of Jackson on the Gulf Coast, you’ll find the resort destination of Gulfport. The area is popular for outdoor activities, with beautiful white sand beaches, nature reserves, and wildlife refuges, all of which are perfect for observing local and migrating wildlife. This day trip visits the Pascagoula River Audubon Center, the gateway to the largest free-flowing river in the lower 48 states. The new 5,000-square-foot center connects people to nature with programs focused on the local ecosystems and the birds and wildlife that co-exist within the area. For another perspective to appreciate the beauty of the area, take a two-hour boat tour through old growth swamps and tidal marshes with McCoy’s River and Swamp Tours. After experiencing the peacefulness of the bayou, spend the rest of the day exploring other family fun activities, restaurants, and entertainment around the city of Gulfport.

Courtesy: Brent Moore/MS Flickr

Hattiesburg (Tours & Experiences)

Located about 90 miles southeast of Jackson, the historic city of Hattiesburg has a nice mix of things to do from historic sites to a well-established culinary and live music scene. This unique day trip explores the 1964 Freedom Summer Trail, a 16-stop audio tour that highlights the places and tells the stories of the Civil Rights Movement. Hattiesburg was the location of the largest Freedom Summer Project, a volunteer effort to register African American voters across the state of Mississippi. Start the tour at the Visitors Center (5 Convention Center Plaza) to get a driving map and download the audio tour. If you have time, visit the oldest neighborhood in Hattiesburg, located adjacent to downtown with 23 blocks of well-preserved buildings, including the largest concentration of Victorian homes in all of Mississippi.

Natchez (Tours & Experiences)

The oldest city on the Mississippi River, Natchez is located about 100 miles southwest of Jackson and claim to be the city with the most antebellum-period mansions in the United States. Experience southern charm with a visit to the well-preserved homes and gardens that were built when Natchez flourished as a major trading center for locally grown agricultural products. The homes are open for tours year-round, the days and hours change seasonally. Book your tickets through Natchez Pilgrimage Tours, the company offers daily home and garden tours, specialty tours, and individualized tour packages. For an extraordinary experience, visit Natchez during the month-long Spring Pilgrimage (March 13th – April 13th 2021) and Grand Fall Pilgrimage (Exact 2021 Dates TBD in September / October) events. With over a dozen historic homes and sites to see, take a break and enjoy southern fine dining and the shops, galleries and bookstores in the downtown historic district.

Courtesy: Visit Mississippi

Vicksburg (Parks & Recreation)

The charming and historic city of Vicksburg is located 45 miles west of Jackson and has long been considered a strategic position on the Mississippi River. This day trip explores the historic battlefields, monuments, and historic sites that that have been preserved within the Vicksburg National Military Park. The national park tells the story of the 18-month campaign that is considered a major turning point in the American Civil War. Start your day at the visitor center to receive information and a map to for the self-guided tour or arrange a personalized tour with a licensed tour guide. Follow the map through the park and stop at points of interest along the way— one of the highlights of this day trip will definitely be the salvaged USS Cairo Museum. After a long day on the battlefield, head to the historic downtown area and discover southern cooking and local boutiques along the bricked paved streets.