Mississippi boasts tonnes to do, from the thriving nightlife and urban excitement of the city to the plentiful historic attractions, landmarks, and cultural sites in small towns throughout the state. You can experience adventures like touring an ironclad warship, discovering science with the kids with immersive exhibits, and learning about the musical achievements of Mississippians. Whether you're on your yearly family holiday, you're a couple on a romantic holiday just for 2, or you're a solo traveller on a historic sojourn through the South, check out these great ways to find holiday fun off the beaten track when you explore these 10 must-visit small towns in Mississippi.
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Cleveland
Immerse yourself in local Mississippi culture
- History
The city of Cleveland, Mississippi, offers a wealth of cultural and heritage sites that will allow you to learn all about the region. The Grammy Museum Mississippi will offer interactive exhibits, artefacts, and memorabilia dedicated to the famed awards show, while the Martin and Sue King Railway Museum features a detailed model train display as well as exhibits about the history of the railway industry. A visit to the Mississippi Delta Chinese Heritage Museum will teach you all about the role of Chinese immigrants in the history of the US
Mapphoto by Hamhari Brown (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified
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Oxford
Walk the Ole Miss campus
- Food
- History
- Nightlife
- Shoppers
The small town of Oxford is the county seat of Lafayette County and is a big college town, being the home of the University of Mississippi. Near the Ole Miss campus, you can find a thriving nightlife with many trendy bars and clubs, as well as great shopping and dining. The Grove is a parkland that’s famed for its campus tailgating, while the University of Mississippi Museum is a notable venue for seeing artefacts and antiquities from all over the world. If you're a fan of literary history, you'll want to visit Rowan Oak, the home of famed author William Faulkner, which is open to the public.
Mapphoto by Fredlyfish4 (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified
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Bay St. Louis
Get pampered in this luxurious community
- Adventure
- Families
- History
Bay St. Louis is the county seat of Hancock County and is situated on the shores of its namesake bay that opens up into the Mississippi Sound. The Bay offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, biking, and swimming. It's also the home of a casino and resort where you can be pampered in the lap of luxury. While you're here, visit the Alice Moseley Folk Art and Antique Museum, located in a famous and historic former train depot and featuring costumes, artefacts, and information related to local folk art.
Mapphoto by Frank Kovalchek (CC BY 2.0) modified
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New Albany
Travel the Tanglefoot Trail
- Adventure
- Families
The city of New Albany serves as a gateway to the Tanglefoot Trail, a long hiking and biking destination that draws outdoor enthusiasts from hundreds of miles around. It's more than just an outdoor adventuring destination, however. Here, you'll find tonnes of opportunities for enjoyment away from the hustle, bustle, and noise of your daily life. The city is full of antique shops, local fine-dining establishments, and many interesting activities and points of interest. It's located along the Mississippi River, so you can walk along the shores of the storied river or visit a local landmark bakery for pastries that you'll enjoy with your locally sourced coffee.
Mapphoto by Timberwolf62 (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified
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Corinth
Visit the famed Gateway City
- History
In Corinth, you'll find a wealth of historic sites and the cultural hub of Mississippi. The town is famed as the Gateway City because it's located in the far northwest corner of the state, making it a pass-through destination point to those entering the state. This means it's also full of cultural and heritage sites. The Corinth Interpretive Centre is a battle museum dedicated to commemorating the Civil War. The Crossroads Museum focuses on regional history, and it's located in an old train station. You'll also find plenty of shopping and dining in the walkable city centre area.
Mapphoto by Ron Cogswell (CC BY 2.0) modified
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Ocean Springs
Access culture and the big city
- Adventure
- Couples
- Nightlife
- Photo
Ocean Springs in Jackson County is just 2 miles away from the city of Biloxi. That means it's ideal for access to the nightlife, fine dining, shopping, and other urban attractions you crave from the city setting, while also offering its own cultural and historic attractions. Runners are drawn to the Biloxi Bay Bridge. If you're looking for breathtaking panoramic views over the water, take a ride across Front Beach Drive. The Walter Anderson Museum of Art displays exhibits from a vast collection of the famed American artist.
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Vicksburg
See the national military park and learn about local history
- History
Vicksburg is perhaps best known for its association with military history, particularly the massive Vicksburg National Military Park, which includes the USS Cairo gunboat and the Vicksburg National Cemetery. The city is also home to plenty of other historic and heritage sites, including the Old Court House, with its integrated museum and artefact collection dedicated to the American Civil War, and the Lower Mississippi River Museum, which features exhibits, interactive displays, and even a living aquarium with the aquatic life of the river.
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Natchez
Learn about indigenous culture and see iconic ceremonial mounds
- History
- Photo
Natchez, like many of the towns across Mississippi, is known for its many museums and historic sites. In particular, this town is home to tonnes of iconic mansions dating back to before the Civil War. Two of these include the octagonal Longwood Mansion and the Melrose Estate. The latter of these forms a part of the Natchez Historical Park. The Natchez Trace Parkway today is a scenic drive where you can get breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and outstanding photo opportunities. The Grand Village of the Natchez Indians offers a look at the life of the original indigenous residents, including ceremonial mounds.
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Port Gibson
Tour the history and culture of this county seat
- Families
- History
Port Gibson is the county seat of Claiborne County and the home of a wealth of iconic locations to enjoy on your Mississippi holiday. Just a few of the sights, landmarks, and points of interest in this small town include the Windsor Ruins, the Grand Gulf Military Park, the First Presbyterian Church of Port Gibson with its stunning architecture, and the A.K. Shaifer House. If you can't decide what you want to do on your trip, there are even tours available that will highlight all of the various cultural and historic locations.
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Ridgeland
Find city fun and commune with nature
- Couples
- Families
- Food
- Nightlife
- Shoppers
The city of Ridgeland offers not only a wealth of small-town attractions, but also a thriving nightlife with bars and clubs, an array of fine-dining restaurants with local fare, and all the name-brand and independent shopping you could ever want. Ridgeland is also the home of the Natchez Trace Multi-Use Trail for hiking, biking, and nature walks, and the Reservoir Overlook, where you can get a panoramic view of the gorgeous green countryside and just sit to commune with nature.
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