Make the most of your trip to Mississippi
Mississippi is one of America’s oldest states and has played a role throughout history from the Civil War through the Civil Rights Movement. Home to rich culture and history that can’t be found anywhere else in the country.
Most of the state’s cities are small rural communities that glow with southern charm and stunning architecture. The state is also home to larger metropolises where visitors can explore museums and historical landmarks.
St. Mary Basilica Natchez
Also known as St. Mary’s Basilica. St. Mary Natchez Catholic Basilica church is one of the most beautiful architectural constructions in Mississippi. The construction of this place of worship was begun in 1842 as the Cathedral of the newly established Diocese of Natchez. The St. Mary congregation welcomes visitors from near and distant places.
Its beautiful interior features the Gothic Revival style characteristic of southern churches. If you want a glimpse of the style of European church interiors, visit St. Mary Basilica. It is elegantly beautiful in so many ways with all the great stained-glass windows surrounded by detailed alters.
Hattiesburg Zoo
Hattiesburg Zoo is a 12-acre Zoo. Featuring over 100 species of animals. Including tigers, zebras, primates, birds, sloths, reptiles, flamingos, fennec fox, and more! Zoo facilities also include High Ropes Adventure Course, Splash Pad, Mining Expedition, Touch Africa Petting Zoo, and Sloth Experience.
Australian Wallaby Walkabout petting zoo style attraction features furry friends such as wallabies, a KuneKune pig, and emus. Bug Hub playground features a giant anthill to slide down, a spider’s rope web made for climbing, and an oversized snail shell.
Buccaneer State Park
Buccaneer State Park is a year-round vacation spot. Rich in coastal beauty and recreational opportunities. Today Buccaneer is best known for its exciting wave pool, which provides an exciting setting for summer rafting and body surfing.
As a winter retreat where the mild temperatures allow outdoor recreation year-round. This State Park offers Buccaneer Bay a 4.5-acre waterpark. A large full-service campground. Take advantage of the Pirate’s Alley Nature Trail and playground, or Jackson’s Ridge Disc Golf. The park offers an activity center, camp store and the Castaway Cove pool.
Vicksburg National Military Park
In memoriam of the American Civil War Battle of Vicksburg. Vicksburg National Military Park located in the city of the same name is a popular attraction. The USS Cairo, restored ship which is on display at Vicksburg National Military Park, as well as thousands of recovered artifacts.
The park contains several reconstructed forts and trenches to help visitors imagine the 47-day battle that took place on the site. Features historical monuments, 20 miles of trenches, canons, and a restored gunboat.
Mississippi Museum of Natural Science
The state’s largest museum, the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science was founded in 1933. Today the museum features a variety of habitat exhibits, aquariums, and nature trails. For visitors to explore the flora and fauna of Mississippi.
One of the most impressive is the 100,000-gallon aquarium, which houses more than 200 native species, as well as a swamp habitat that sits inside a huge greenhouse. Other exhibits include a large fossil collection and an extensive look at native white-tailed deer.
Museum’s entire collection amounts to more than a million specimens. Includes fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds, invertebrates, mammals, plants, and fossils.
Gulf Islands National Seashore
Gulf Islands National Seashore offers recreation opportunities. Preserves natural and historic resources along the Gulf of Mexico barrier islands of Mississippi. Protected regions include mainland areas and parts of seven islands. The Mississippi seashore features natural beaches, historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries.
There are hiking trails, camping and picnicking areas, old forts, as well as other recreational opportunities, including kayaking and snorkeling. Davis Bayou Area is the only part of the National Seashore in Mississippi that is accessible by automobile. There are several visitor centers within the Gulf Islands National Seashore that offer a variety of things to do.
INFINITY Science Center
INFINITY Science Center is a science museum. Encompasses a mix of exhibit space and hands-on experiential programming. Where guests can explore Earth and space through exhibits. Tours through natural habitats and historic sites. Visitors to the 35,000-square-foot science center enter a world of discovery.
Explore 35,000 square feet of exhibit space. Earth Gallery features a Hurricane Prediction Lab, Carnivorous Plants Conservatory, 3D Immersive Theater and Deep Ocean Explorer. Space Gallery with Fred Haise Gallery, Apollo 4 Capsule.
Outdoors take a stroll along INFINITY’s Biome Boardwalk. INFINITY’s 3D Immersive Theater boasts a state-of-the-art laser 3D projection system and surround sound.
Beauvoir
Built in 1848, this Biloxi landmark was the post-war home of a notable figure in American history. Today, Beauvoir is one of the top places to go in Mississippi for history buffs. The historic home serves as a presidential library and museum for the only president of the Confederate States of America.
The museum, house tour, and library cover a wide range of topics. The house tour is nostalgic of antebellum Southern life, devoted to the minutiae of the house, and artifacts from that time. In contrast, the museum and library provide an array of artifacts including Civil War memorabilia, flags, munitions, and uniforms.
Elvis Presley Birthplace
The Elvis Presley Birthplace is a historic museum site in Tupelo, Mississippi. Dedicated to the preservation of the birthplace of American musician Elvis Presley. The museum site includes the birthplace home of Elvis Presley. A museum, a chapel, and the Assembly of God Church building where the Presley family worshipped.
The little white house with the porch swing is his original home, on its original site. Restored to its original state, just as it would have been on the day of Elvis’s birth on January 8, 1935.
Biloxi Lighthouse
The Biloxi Lighthouse erected in 1848 and was one of the first cast-iron lighthouses in the South. It is the city’s signature landmark and has become a post-Katrina symbol of the city’s resolve and resilience.
When visiting this lighthouse, climb to the top and savor stunning views of the ocean and surrounding coastline. Biloxi Lighthouse is definitely one of the popular tourist attractions in Mississippi.
Things to Do in Mississippi
While some might overlook Mississippi. Visitors to this unique state will find that there is much mystery to uncover in this state that has become an American legend.
Family activities are plentiful in Mississippi. Whether it’s enjoying the beaches on the Gulf Coast or exploring the Mississippi River.