Province guides United States of America
Attractions
The 'Magnolia State' offers a wealth of unforgettable experiences across its five regions. From the blues heritage in the Delta to the Gulf Coast's sandy shores, travellers who visit this corner of the south will never want for adventures to write home about.
The Mississippi Delta is known as the birthplace of the blues, and will appeal to music lovers and history buffs alike. Visitors can start their journey in Clarksdale, where the Delta Blues Museum pays homage to legendary musicians such as Muddy Waters and B.B. King. It's also worth exploring the Delta's cotton fields and plantation homes for a sense of the region's roots.
Jackson, the state capital, is the Capital-River region's major draw because of its vibrant cultural scene and historic landmarks. Music is a cornerstone of the city's cultural identity, and there's a wonderful legacy of blues, gospel and jazz. Visitors should look out for the annual Jackson Rhythm and Blues Festival. Art lovers will enjoy the Mississippi Museum of Art's impressive collection, which covers everything from traditional Southern art to contemporary installations, and the vibrant Fondren District is a must for its monthly art walks.
Travellers can dive into Mississippi's Civil Rights history at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument. Nature enthusiasts should explore the Natchez Trace Parkway, which has some wonderful scenic drives and hiking trails.
The Pines Region lies to the east of the state where dense forests and tranquil lakes provide a serene escape. Visitors to this part of Mississippi should head to the historic town of Natchez, which is known for its antebellum architecture and sweeping views of the Mississippi River. Tours of magnificent homes such as Rosalie Mansion and Longwood are on offer too, with each telling a story of the South's plantation era. The Natchez National Historical Park is another highlight as it encompasses several historic sites, such as the Melrose Estate, which is one of the best-preserved estates in the Deep South from the mid 1800s, and the historic African American cemetery.
Travellers who venture to the Coastal Region can enjoy the Gulf's white-sand beaches and lively seaside towns. Biloxi and Gulfport offer a mix of casinos, seafood restaurants, and family-friendly attractions; Ship Island, with its historic Fort Massachusetts and pristine beaches, is just a short ferry ride away.
The Hills Region is situated in the northeast and features the beginnings of the rugged woodlands and clear lakes of the Appalachian foothills. Rock and Roll legends, Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis, both hailed from the area, and make Hills country as culturally significant as it is naturally beautiful. Music lovers who'd like to learn more about the 'King of Rock and Roll', should visit the Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum in Tupelo, or Elvis and Priscilla's honeymoon cottage in Horn Lake. Literary fans can explore the primitive Greek Revival house, Rowan Oak, which was the home of Nobel Prize-winning novelist, William Faulkner, and visit the beloved independent bookstore, Square Books. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike or bike along the scenic Tanglefoot Trail.
Old Capitol Museum
Originally called State House, the Old Capitol building has filled three purposes in its long history. From 1839 to 1903 it served as the state capitol, between 1917 and 1959 it ho…
Vicksburg National Military Park
The Vicksburg National Military Park commemorates one of the most decisive battles of the American Civil War: the campaign, siege, and defence of the city of Vicksburg, 44 miles (7…
Elvis Presley Birthplace
The King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, was born in Tupelo, northern Mississippi in 1935 in a humble home where he began his meteoric rise to fame. The simple two-room house wher…
Natchez Churches
Natchez features a collection of architecturally valuable historic churches of various denominations, all located in the central city area. Among them is St Mary's in South Union S…
Natchez Under-the-Hill
The city's original waterfront area, Natchez-Under-the-Hill, reached by descending the bluff via Silver Street, was once the notorious haunt of pirates, riverboat gamblers and outl…
Natchez Trace Parkway
The Natchez Trace Parkway starts out in Natchez, southern Mississippi, and runs for 444 miles (715km) to Nashville, Tennessee, cutting across a corner of Alabama. The parkway follo…