Discover these must-see and -do experiences that can only be found in the Magnolia State.
The Birthplace Of Kermit The Frog Museum in Leland highlights the magic of Muppets® creator Jim Henson’s childhood.
Trace Elvis Presley’s trajectory from birth to stardom in Tupelo, where the Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum highights the “King of Rock ’n’ Roll’s” earliest years. You can even visit Tupelo Hardware Co., the 90-year-old store where Gladys Presley bought Elvis his first guitar.
From sports betting to blackjack and everything in between, Mississippi’s gaming resorts offer ample opportunities to get lucky. The Coast is home to an array of resorts, from the Beau Rivage’s poolside cabanas and upscale restaurants to the Palace Casino Resort’s luxury amenities, Harrah’s friendly environment and Island View’s picturesque views. Pearl River Resort in Choctaw offers two casinos in one location. In Tunica, win big at Horseshoe Tunica, Hollywood Casino Tunica or Gold Strike.
Tailgating is legendary at SEC rivals Ole Miss and Mississippi State. The two schools also have sports happening year-round to cater to every interest.
A bike ride down this picturesque parkway is a peaceful way to see sites including the Natchez Trace Parkway Visitors Center in Tupelo, a nature exhibit in Kosciusko, the Ridgeland Multi-Use Trail, the “Sunken Trace” portion of the Old Trace near Port Gibson, and the ancient Emerald Mound just north of the Trace’s end in Natchez. If all that pedaling makes you hungry, stop for lunch at the Council House Café at the log-cabin village known as French Camp.
Beauvoir, the 1852-built home of President Jefferson Davis in Biloxi, now holds his presidential library as well as a Civil War museum.
Although spared during the Civil War, Windsor Mansion, the largest Greek Revival mansion ever built in the state, burned in 1890. All that remains are 23 fluted columns, standing nearly 40 feet tall on the home’s former site. Known as Windsor Ruins, this iconic destination, located in Port Gibson, is on the National Register of Historic Places.
and peer over the walls of Fort Massachusetts. Located off of the Gulf Coast on West Ship Island, the fort was first built during the War of 1812 and was an important element of coastal defense until the early 20th century.
Get into the game both on and off the links at one of the casino golf courses found across the state, all of which also offer sports betting. US Open champion Jerry Pate helped design the Preserve Golf Club in the coastal town of Vancleave, part of Palace Casino Resort. Also on the Coast you’ll find Beau Rivage Resort & Casino’s magnificent par-72 Fallen Oak Golf Course designed by Tom Fazio. In the Pines town of Choctaw is Dancing Rabbit Golf Club, part of Pearl River Resort and home to two courses also designed by Tom Fazio and Jerry Pate.
Legends say ghosts may still roam around many old Mississippi sites—from historic homes like the McRaven House in Vicksburg, Mont Helena in Rolling Fork, and Rowan Oak in Oxford. The Deason House in Ellisville, once occupied by Confederate deserters who inspired the Matthew McConaughey movie Free State of Jones, is said to be home to as many as five spirits. But houses aren’t the only sites said to haunted here. Glenwood Cemetery in Yazoo City is a favorite spot for visitors seeking the legendary Witch of Yazoo, written about in Willie Morris’s book Good Old Boy. Morris is also laid to rest here.
Columbus’ Catfish Alley was a thriving African American business and cultural center in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, the area hosts Catfish in the Alley®, an annual spring event that harks back to those days with delicious catfish dishes, live blues music and family fun.
The newly opened Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport is home to 300 species of colorful, vibrant sea creatures ready to amaze you.
The Hattiesburg Zoo is home to more than 100 species of animals, and even has a petting zoo-style Australian Outback exhibit featuring wallabies
The Lefleur Museum District in Jackson is home to the Mississippi Museum Of Natural Science, the Mississippi Children’s Museum, the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum, and The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum.
Ancient trees are now stone at the Mississippi Petrified Forest in Flora, a site with natural artifacts dating back 36 million years.
Marvel at the exotic animals and experience an old-fashioned general store at McClain Lodge in Brandon.
The new state-of-the-art Mississippi Children’s Museum-Meridian offers a seriously fun time. Here you’ll find colorful and engaging exhibits for little ones that make learning a whole lot of fun.
Along the Chunky River in Enterprise is Dunn’s Falls, a 65-foot waterfall that attracts visitors to picnic near the banks or canoe and swim in the river below.
The massive Geyser Falls Water Theme Park in Choctaw features tube and speed slides, waterfalls, a lazy river and even sandy beaches.
The Travelers Hotel in Clarksdale is a former 1920s overnight lodge for railroad workers turned charming and creative retreat in the heart of the Delta.
Relax at one of several full-service bed and breakfasts in Natchez, including the 1818-built Monmouth Historic Inn and the 1836-built Choctaw Hall, and find out what true Southern hospitality is all about.
Whether you prefer the slow pace of the romantic Fairview Inn with its spa and lush gardens or the stylish downtown vibe of the Old Capitol Inn, you’ll find the perfect accommodations in the Capital City.
Called “the best designed hotel in Mississippi” by House Beautiful, The Roost boutique hotel is tucked within a historic Ocean Springs building that’s within walking distance of the beach.
Hotel Whiskey in the heart of downtown Pass Christian is a luxe boutique hotel with grand balconies overlooking the beach.
The preppy hotel known as Graduate Oxford is decorated in posh collegiate style and even features a lobby library.
Boutique shopping is a full-time vocation in Ridgeland where you’ll discover trend-setting styles in some of the state’s most beautiful retail venues. The Ridgeland Retail Trail highlights the wide variety of locally-owned stores with one-of-a-kind treasures. You’ll find a mix of local shops and renowned national stores, including the only Apple store in the state, at Renaissance at Colony Park, also in Ridgeland.
Also in Ridgeland you’ll find one of Mississippi’s premier indoor shopping destinations, Northpark Mall, which is home to more than 120 stores and specialty shops.
Highland Village in Jackson is home to a mix of local restaurants and countless national and local retailers. Score savvy savings on your favorite big name brands at the Outlets of Mississippi in Pearl.
In the Historic Downtown Square in Oxford, history, fine-dining and shopping collide. Here you’ll find some of the best locally-owned retailers, including Neilson’s Department Store, built in 1839, which still sells items exemplifying Southern elegance.
What’s old is new again in Corinth’s revitalized Soco District, filled with local shops offering clothing, gifts and more.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, you’ll want to meander through New Albany’s Historic Downtown filled with local shops and restaurants.
Shop your favorite brands including Coach, H&M and Under Armor at the Tanger Outlets in Southaven.
In the Historic Downtown District, find the gems of Cleveland’s history as well as numerous boutique shops full of gifts for all.
Stop by the Williams Brothers General Store in Philadelphia, built in 1907 and still run by the same family, for their one-of-a-kind hoop cheese or some novelty knick-knacks.
Located on the beach in Biloxi, Edgewater Mall is the largest enclosed shopping center on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
At Gulfport Premium Outlets, you can shop the best looks of the season from big name brands at up to 65% off.
Take a stroll down Washington Avenue and Government Street in Downtown Ocean Springs, where you’ll find the streets lined with charming local shops.
