Duncan MississippiATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Duncan, Mississippi.
1. Peter's Pottery
UNIQUE LOCAL POTTERY ART
Peter's Pottery is a specialty gift shop in Duncan that showcases handcrafted pottery unique to the Mississippi Delta region. Visitors can browse through a wide selection of hand-painted ceramics, decorative items, and functional pottery pieces created by local artisans. The shop offers a genuine glimpse into the artistic traditions of the area while providing memorable souvenirs for travelers.
2. Hopson Plantation Commissary
HISTORIC DELTA LANDMARK
Hopson Plantation Commissary is a historic site near Duncan that offers visitors an authentic look into the Mississippi Delta's agricultural past. The restored commissary building now serves as a museum and music venue, preserving the rich history of cotton farming in the region. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing rural life in the early 20th century while experiencing a genuine piece of Delta heritage.
3. Duncan Lake
SERENE OUTDOOR RECREATION
Duncan Lake in Hattiesburg provides a tranquil natural escape with opportunities for fishing, picnicking, and wildlife observation. The lake's peaceful shoreline offers perfect spots for relaxation while surrounded by typical Mississippi scenery and native flora. Visitors can enjoy various outdoor activities in a family-friendly environment that showcases the natural beauty of southern Mississippi.
4. Emerald Mound
ANCIENT NATIVE AMERICAN SITE
Emerald Mound is the second largest Pre-Columbian ceremonial mound in the United States, covering eight acres near the Natchez Trace Parkway. Created between 1250 and 1600 AD, this massive artificial plateau was constructed by depositing earth along a natural hill and once featured temples and religious sites. Now designated as a National Historic Landmark, the mound offers visitors insight into the ancient Native American cultures that once thrived in the region.
5. Natchez Museum of African American History
CULTURAL HERITAGE PRESERVATION
The Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture, housed in the town's former post office since 1991, provides a comprehensive look at African American history in the region from 1716 to the present day. Through displays of artworks, photos, documents, and artifacts, the museum addresses important historical topics including slavery, the Civil Rights movement, and local cultural heritage. Educational programs and musical events are regularly held at this important cultural institution that preserves and celebrates the African American experience in Mississippi.
6. Stanton Hall
MAGNIFICENT ANTEBELLUM MANSION
Stanton Hall is an impressive antebellum mansion in Natchez that showcases the opulence of pre-Civil War Southern architecture. Built in the 1850s, this Greek Revival masterpiece occupies an entire city block and features original furnishings, ornate plasterwork, and grand marble mantels. Tours of the mansion provide visitors with insight into the lifestyle of wealthy cotton planters during the height of Mississippi's plantation era.
7. Longwood
UNFINISHED ARCHITECTURAL WONDER
Longwood, also known as Nutt's Folly, is America's largest octagonal house and a fascinating example of interrupted antebellum architecture in Natchez. Construction of this unique Oriental Revival-style mansion began in 1860 but was halted when the Civil War erupted, leaving only the basement level completed while the upper floors remain in their unfinished state. This unusual historic home provides a poignant physical representation of how the Civil War permanently altered Southern society and ambitions.
8. Natchez Trace Parkway
HISTORIC SCENIC ROUTE
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile scenic road following a historic travel corridor used by Native Americans, European settlers, and traders. The parkway features numerous historic sites, nature trails, and interpretive displays that tell the story of travel and commerce in early America. Visitors can enjoy beautiful landscapes, hiking opportunities, and a journey through the cultural history of the region.
9. Rosalie Mansion
OUR LADY ON THE BLUFF
Rosalie Mansion, known as 'Our Lady on the Bluff,' is a stunning 1823 Federal-style mansion overlooking the Mississippi River in Natchez. The historic home is furnished with period antiques and offers guided tours that highlight its architectural significance and the stories of its former residents. The mansion's beautiful gardens and commanding river views make it one of the most picturesque historic properties in the region.
10. Mississippi Aquarium
MARINE LIFE ADVENTURE
The Mississippi Aquarium is a state-of-the-art facility showcasing aquatic life from the state's rivers to the Gulf of Mexico and beyond. Visitors can explore immersive exhibits featuring dolphins, sea turtles, alligators, and numerous fish species native to the region. The aquarium combines entertainment with education about marine conservation and the importance of Mississippi's aquatic ecosystems.
11. Forks of the Road
HISTORIC SLAVE MARKET MEMORIAL
Forks of the Road was once one of the largest slave markets in the United States, now commemorated by a memorial site in Natchez. The site offers interpretive panels that educate visitors about this painful chapter in American history and its significance to the region. This important historical landmark serves as a place for reflection on the legacy of slavery and its lasting impact on Mississippi and the nation.
12. Delta Blues Museum
BIRTHPLACE OF AMERICAN MUSIC
The Delta Blues Museum celebrates the rich musical heritage of the Mississippi Delta region near Duncan. Located in a historic freight depot, the museum houses instruments, recordings, and memorabilia from legendary blues musicians who shaped American music. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits that trace the development and influence of the blues from its roots in the cotton fields to its global impact on modern music.
13. Ground Zero Blues Club
AUTHENTIC DELTA BLUES EXPERIENCE
Ground Zero Blues Club, co-owned by actor Morgan Freeman, offers visitors an authentic Delta blues experience near Duncan. The club hosts live blues performances in a genuine juke joint atmosphere, complete with graffiti-covered walls and Southern comfort food. Music enthusiasts can enjoy performances by both established blues artists and up-and-coming local talent in this celebrated venue that helps preserve Mississippi's musical traditions.
14. Natchez City Cemetery
HISTORIC FINAL RESTING PLACE
The Natchez City Cemetery, established in 1822, offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of the region through its elaborate monuments and notable interments. Visitors can explore the ornate ironwork, symbolism, and architectural styles that reflect changing attitudes toward death and remembrance over two centuries. The cemetery's location on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River provides both historical context and scenic views for those interested in history, architecture, and Southern culture.
15. Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art
BLUES MUSIC AND MEMORABILIA
Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art is a unique store near Duncan that specializes in Mississippi blues music, books, folk art, and memorabilia. The shop serves as both a retail space and an informal information center where blues enthusiasts can learn about local music events and heritage sites. Visitors can browse an extensive collection of CDs, vinyl records, and authentic folk art while gaining insight into the region's rich musical traditions from knowledgeable staff.