Top Things to do in Mississippi
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Top 10 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Mississippi, United States
From 24-hour casinos, upscale shopping and luxurious spas in Tunica to the Civil War sites in Vicksburg to the lush golf courses, beaches and upscale casinos in Biloxi and Gulfport, Mississippi offers visitors a wide range of vacation experiences. Vacationers to Mississippi can choose from a diverse group of destinations and activities. On the Gulf Coast in Biloxi and Gulfport, casino gaming, big name entertainment shows, deep-sea fishing and golf, are popular pastimes. In Vicksburg, the Vicksburg National Cemetery and Civil War sites draw many visitors. In historic Natchez, you can take a scenic drive on the Natchez Trace Parkway or visit Frogmore Plantation, one of eight plantations originally owned by a wealthy Natchez planter. For an urban experience, Jackson, dubbed the “City with Soul” has over 50 nightclubs featuring Soul, Jazz, Blues, Rock and other musical genres. Tunica offers great casinos, golf and big name entertainers such as Bonnie Rait, Smokey Robinson and George Jones. Golfers, rejoice! Mississippi has more than 150 golf courses. Among the high-profile courses on everybody’s must play list are The Links at Cottonwoods and Tunica National Golf Tennis Club in Tunica and Grand Bear Golf Club in Saucier and The Bridges Golf Club at Hollywood Casino. Families visiting Mississippi fall in love with the heaping portions of Southern hospitality. Family-oriented activities are plentiful in Mississippi whether it’s enjoying the beaches on the Gulf Coast, visiting the home of Elvis Presley in Tupelo or riding a huge paddlewheeler on the Mississippi River.
Restaurants in Mississippi
1. U.S.S. Cairo Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,481 reviews
Tour the first boat to be sunk by a torpedo.
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
My wife and I have visited Vicksburg National Military Park on other occasions so we weren't terribly disappointed when we realized on our most recent trip that the USS Cairo Museum was closed because of the COVID pandemic. Of course, visitors can park in the parking lot and stroll around one of the first American ironclad warships built at the beginning of the Civil War. Inside or outside, the Cairo is an impressive site. After participating in the capture of Fort Pillow on the Mississippi River in June 1862, it was sunk in December 1862 while clearing mines for the attack on Haines Bluff on the Yazoo River. It was the first ship ever to be sunk by a mine remotely detonated by hand. Over the years, the ship was forgotten and slowed covered by silt and sand. It was found in 1956 and salvaged from the bottom of the river in 1965. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971, the Cairo was opened as a museum in a shelter on the tour road near the Vicksburg National Cemetery in the Vicksburg National Military Park in November 1980. The recovery of artifacts from the ship revealed a treasure trove of weapons, ammunition, naval stores and personal gear of the sailors who served on board. Externally, visitors can see one of the cannons on the side of the Cairo and the framework for the paddlewheels.
2. Mississippi Armed Forces Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 90 reviews
The Mississippi Armed Forces Museum is proud to serve as the military history museum for the state of Mississippi. The museum aims to educate the public about Mississippi’s role in military history, while honoring the service of both Mississippi veterans and those who have trained in Mississippi during times of war. Visit us today, located approximately 10 miles south of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center.
Reviewed By 722barryl - New Orleans, United States
I had no idea this museum existed but what a gem. Even though it was free, clearly there was plenty of money spent in the creation and curation of the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum. The presentation is top rated and compares favorably to famous institutions such the National WWII Museum in New Orleans. The fact that the museum is located on Camp Shelby, the training location of the highly decorated Japanese American 442nd Infantry Regiment, was a bonus. Oh, German POWs were kept on Camp Shelby during WWII as well. So much history!
3. Lauren Rogers Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 108 reviews
Reviewed By Lawlockman
We went in the afternoon and there were few there. We were warmly greeted by the front desk personnel and the security guard, who barbeques and who recommended a good place to eat. We learned the history of the museum and spent two or three hours exploring the many rooms and exhibits. There are European, American and British isles artist as well as an exhibit of an Indian artist and many collections including a fascinating exhibit of baskets. This museum could be in any major metropolitan city but is a true gem in Laurel. Due to the generosity of its benefactor it is free to see.
4. St. Mary Basilica
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 453 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 stephaniemW5432WT
On a recent trip with our 11 year old grandson, we stopped in and where so amazed at the beauty of this old church. The grounds are beautiful also. Pictures do not do it justice.
5. Mississippi Civil Rights Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 194 reviews
The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum shares the stories of a Mississippi movement that changed the nation. The museum promotes a greater understanding of the Mississippi Civil Rights Movement and its impact by highlighting the strength and sacrifices of its peoples. Visitors will witness the freedom struggle in eight interactive galleries that show the systematic oppression of black Mississippians and their fight for equality that transformed the state and nation. Seven of the galleries encircle a central space called This Little Light of Mine. There, a dramatic sculpture glows brighter and the music of the Movement swells as visitors gather.
Reviewed By grandmareviews1952
The museum is amazing. You can step into the jail cell or watch videos of what led to the civil rights movement. The museum is filled with people and events that are displayed from the floor to the ceiling. We didn't have enough time to see the upstairs, so be sure to allow enough time to see everything. It is very moving to see how men and women believed in a better world for their families and what the sad reality of it was like for them to do so.
6. Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 230 reviews
The Museum exhibits hundreds of one-of-a-kind artifacts and an unrivaled collection of vintage photos, which tells the story from the time of the first Indian settlement through generations of immigrants whose journey contributed to the melting-pot culture of the Gulf Coast. The Grand Hall features the "Nydia" a 30' gaff rigged cabin sloop built in Biloxi in 1898 at the Johnson Shipyard. Featured exhibits include shrimping, oystering, recreational fishing, wetlands, marine blacksmithing, net-making, boat building, hurricanes, featuring Camille and Katrina, all the while telling the tale of over 300 years of history, culture and heritage. The Museum is available for special events, meetings, weddings, etc.
Reviewed By lauried116 - Irmo, United States
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to this impressive museum! The Hurricane Katrina exhibit and video were riveting! There are interesting displays of the seafood industry, boat building, hurricane history and the impact on the area, and exhibits on the delicate balance of ecosystems (bayou, marshes, and estuaries). We spent 2½ hours exploring this fascinating museum. I would highly recommend it!
7. Mississippi State Capitol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 255 reviews
COVID-19 UPDATE FOR OUR VISITORS: Tours may be reserved for groups of 30 people or fewer. The unreserved, drop-in guided tours remain suspended, but guests are welcome to participate in self-guided tours. The gift shop remains closed. The building is open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., should you wish to visit. We look forward to returning to a full tour schedule in the near future. Thank you. (Updated as of May 3, 2021) Patterned after the National Capitol, this has been the Capitol building for the state of Mississippi since 1903. Today it is major tourist attraction as well as the focus of Mississippi state government activities.
Reviewed By curtispat - Philadelphia, United States
The Mississippi State Capitol building is a very impressive building. The 1 hour guided tour (several times a day) is well worth your time.
8. Beau Rivage Casino
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,412 reviews
This Gulf Coast casino resort offers the whole package: accommodations, dining, gaming, shopping, charter boat fishing, access to 19 championship golf courses and big-name acts for nighttime entertainment.
Reviewed By lonnieb519 - Biloxi, United States
Ever felt like you were living the "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous?" Nah, me neither !!!, Until I stepped out of the elevator and walked into the lavish world of the Beau Rivage for the first time !!! It's like you are walking down the yellow brick road with Dorothy and Toto(but Toto is invisible, and Dorothy is that beautiful girl by your side !!! In my case, that would be my sweet and beautiful little wife, the most beautiful girl in the world !!! You might think you could give me someone more beautiful, but Oz never did give nothing to the Tinman that he didnt already have, and, no disrespect, You are not Oz !!! LoL !!! Not to boast, but I'm kinda proud of my baby !!! That brings me to a different set of songs, the ones that are sang and played at the end of the yellow brick road, physical address: Eight75, the name of the lounge just prior to stepping into the gaming area of the casino and also the actual physical address of the Beau Rivage(875 Beach Boulavard, Biloxi Mississippi). Eight75 holds a special place in my heart because it is where she(yes, you guessed it, my beautiful wife) and I began this wonderful life together. We would meet there for a glass of Merlot and would get lost in each other as the band played and as the packed house kept the energy alive with conversation and laughter. One thing(Merlot) led to another(Merlot) and before we knew it, we knew how to dance(Merlot) !!! Neither of us knew how before, but it's like a wizard stepped in and cast a spell on us...wait a minute, that's Merlin(Merlot), LoL !!! Anyway, we fell in love, dancing the night away on the dance floor in front of the band, with lots of other happy couples who didnt know how to dance either, or was it only the two of us(Love) !!! Everyone is there to assure that you have a Great time, from the band to the bartenders to the waitresses to the Beau Rivage itself !!! The scenery is breathtaking and you Really Do get a sense of living the Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous !!! Head to the Beau Rivage for a Super Great Time and I'm sure, that you too, will fall in love !!!
9. St. Michael's Catholic Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
This church has beautiful stained glass windows.
Reviewed By O1670HAjenniferw - Natchez, United States
We attended the 10 am service on Christmas day. The stained glass windows and architecture of the building are unique. Covid distancing and hand sanitizing was being observed, but communion was very risky, so we did not participate. It is well worth stopping to visit the church.
10. Walter Anderson Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 262 reviews
The Walter Anderson Museum of Art (WAMA), founded in 1991, is located in historic Ocean Springs on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. WAMA is dedicated to the preservation and celebration of artist-philosopher Walter Anderson (1903-1965) and his family. Walter Anderson’s paintings, drawings, murals, block prints, sculpture, carvings, and writings of coastal plants, animals, landscapes, and people have placed him among the most compelling and singular artists of the 20th century.
Reviewed By phelpsusa - Orlando, United States
Awesome museum, awesome art, tragic life history, two rooms are covered in art from floor to ceiling.
