Location: Natchez
Top Things to do in Natchez
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10 Things to Do in Natchez That You Shouldn't Miss
Natchez, the oldest settlement on the Mississippi River, has more antebellum houses than any other place in the United States. Many of these historic homes are open for tours. The friendly local people welcome visitors to their historic city with warm Southern charm. Tour the homes, the Grand Village of the Natchez and the Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture. Festivals and celebrations occur often throughout the year. For gamblers, the riverboat gaming experience is a fun and fascinating change from ordinary casinos. Active visitors will enjoy great golf, tennis, hiking, biking and fishing.
Restaurants in Natchez
1. St. Mary Basilica
Overall Ratings
5 based on 310 reviews
Recognized as an architectural masterpiece among Catholic churches in the south, it is the spiritual home of a vibrant St. Mary Catholic community today. 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 takes pride in the basilica's colorful and prayerful setting, and welcomes visitors from near and distant places. The city of Natchez, on the Mississippi River and the birthplace of Mississippi, is a tourist destination because of its historic ante-bellum homes. St. Mary Basilica, also ante-bellum, is the city's central landmark.
Reviewed By Gjtadlock
I am in awe of how beautiful this church is. The detail is absolutely wonderful. Just imagining all the people who passed through those great doors has me wishing for more detailed information on this church. Definitely a must see when you visit Natchez.
2. Historic Natchez Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 405 reviews
Reviewed By travlingal51 - Lake City, Florida
We drove out to the cemetery on a foggy morning. I love to walk around historic cemeteries and read the headstones. We were only about to do that for a little bit before it started raining. I would love to come back some day
3. Melrose
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 402 reviews
Part of Natchez National Historical Park, Melrose is an antebellum plantation that features a slavery exhibit.
Reviewed By Gjtadlock
Melrose is one of my favorite old antebellum homes to tour. Even though the National Park Service is now providing the tours I still enjoy it. The youg lady who was our tour guide was very informative and knowledgeable. The house is in impeccible condition. Each room is so well preserved.
4. Natchez Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 573 reviews
Reviewed By claude_monnier - Raleigh, NC
I was surprised the section about the 1700 and 1800 had the words slaves or slave traders between quotes as if slavery or slave trading were not real things, but otherwise the exhibits provided a decent overview of the timeline, the various nations vying for this region.
5. Bluff Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 178 reviews
A perfect place to rest and relax as you gaze across the waters of the mighty Mississippi.
Reviewed By kelroby - Boston, Massachusetts
After walking around the area and visiting all the historic homes, this is nice place to come and sit to enjoy the fresh air and magnificent views of the mighty Mississippi River. Enjoy the smell of magnolia on the breeze as you watch the ships and boats below.
6. First Presbyterian Church
Overall Ratings
5 based on 103 reviews
Reviewed By MaroonDawg67 - Montgomery, Texas
The First Presbyterian Church’s sanctuary is very pretty, but somewhat "stark", having few adornments. The windows are plain glass, although some of the separate meeting rooms & offices have stained glass? The big draw here, however, is a very extensive collection and exhibition of old photographs of Natchez and its people. The exhibit is well presented and arranged by topics: steamboats, debutants, families, mansions, commercial establishments, etc. It offers a very interesting view into what Natchez and its populace looked like in the past. Entry was “free” although there was a box for a “recommended donation of $5.00 per person”, which was well worth it!
7. Longwood
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Construction on this architectural gem, the largest octagonal house in the U.S., began in 1860, but was interrupted by the onset of war. A National Historic Landmark, the still-unfinished mansion is an enduring symbol of the impact of the Civil War.
Reviewed By Susan O - New York
Be prepared, there is nothing glamorous or refined about this house. Some of the rooms are sparsely furnished and the dining room has pretty China. The fascinating aspect of this house is that it is incomplete. Construction was started but never finished due to the Civil War. The tour allows you to see the guts of what would have been an incredible mansion. Apparently, the original family did reside on the first floor for a number of generations and then it was rented to other family members. Strangely, there are no pictures of these years and one wonders how such a robust history was lost. I found the tour left me with more questions than answers.
8. Rosalie Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 626 reviews
Home of the Daughters of the American Revolution and a unique collection of children's dolls and toys made from cloth and porcelain.
Reviewed By skychaserCalgary - calgary
We toured Rosalie and really enjoyed the presentation given by our tour guide. The house is beautifully preserved and the grounds are pristine.
9. Stanton Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 686 reviews
N 1858, Frederick Stanton built the home of his dreams for his family on his new property - an entire city block of Natchez, Mississippi. The city block cost about $1,550. The house cost over $83,000 before it was even furnished. Carrera Marble, mahogany doors 2 1/2 inches thick, candeliers from France, and Italian statuary appointed the interior. Huge Corinthian columns and granite steps adorned the facade. Stanton came to America with his brothers in 1815. He made a fortune as a cotton broker, then as owner of more than 16,000 acres of cotton plantations. Ironically, he lived only one month after his dream home was finished. ...Now inside view of the Carriage House Restaurant Stanton Hall housed a college for young ladies for a short time, then fell into dissarray to some extent before the Pilgrimage Garden Club renewed the antebellum mansion to much of its former glory. It stands today, filled with original and like antique furnishings as Frederick originally created it, a showcase for the world to see. Daily tours are given of the home, and during Spring and Fall Pilgrimages hostesses dress in antebellum costume to greet the throngs of visitors. After the tour, many stop to have lunch at the adjacent Carriage House Restaurant, which is nationally famous for its fine Southern cuisine. Stanton Hall is listed as an official National Historic Landmark.
Reviewed By packcal
▪️Location: Easy access in Natchez old historic district.
▪️Parking: Street parking was available the day of our visit.
▪️Collection: Paintings, sculptures, architecture and the story of the home were highlights.
▪️Other: Pleasant park-like setting. We did not visit the onsite restaurant.
▪️Staffing: Natchez Pilgrimage Garden Club has friendly, informative staff....or possibly they are volunteers.
▪️Cost: Fair for the area.
▪️Recommend? Yes
10. Natchez National Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 119 reviews
Reviewed By jrsmith8 - Monroe, Louisiana
My wife and I visited the national cemetery one Sunday in October. The maturing trees were breathtaking in their fall splendor, and the tombstones were very well maintained and surrounded by beautifully manicured grounds. It is most interesting to look for the dates of death on the monuments in order to place everything into proper historical perspective.
Be careful when you go because the streets/roads are quite narrow; however, I view this as a positive because it adds to and enhances the feeling of history that surrounds you in this place.
The national cemetery is a place of serenity and beauty which will bring you a sense of peace and a deepened respect for those who came before you.
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