Jackson MississippiATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Jackson, Mississippi.
1. Mississippi Civil Rights Museum
POWERFUL HISTORICAL JOURNEY
The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum offers visitors an immersive experience through the struggles and triumphs of the Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi. Exhibits include powerful artifacts, interactive displays, and personal stories from those who lived through this pivotal time in American history. The museum ranks as one of the top attractions in Jackson with a 4.9 rating from travelers who consider it a must-see destination.
2. Mississippi Museum of Natural Science
NATURE AND WILDLIFE DISCOVERY
The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science teaches visitors about the natural history of Mississippi through educational exhibits, specimen collections, and interactive habitats. The museum features a 100,000-gallon aquarium network housing more than 200 native species of aquatic life and a unique greenhouse called 'The Swamp' with wetland flora and fauna. Located inside LeFleur's Bluff State Park, the museum also offers nature trails across its 300-acre grounds for visitors to explore.
3. Mississippi State Capitol
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT BUILDING
The Mississippi State Capitol stands as an architectural masterpiece and the seat of state government in Jackson. Visitors can tour this historic building to learn about Mississippi's legislative process and admire its impressive rotunda and chambers. The Capitol is consistently rated as a top attraction in the city, earning a 4.6 rating from travelers.
4. Jackson Zoological Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
The Jackson Zoo is a hit with families and animal lovers, home to more than 200 species of animals from five continents including endangered species. African animals include primates like chimpanzees and Colobus monkeys, birds like storks and ostriches, and even an African fat-tailed gecko. The zoo provides educational opportunities while offering an enjoyable outdoor experience for visitors of all ages.
5. Mississippi Petrified Forest
ANCIENT STONE FOREST
The Mississippi Petrified Forest, located just outside Jackson, showcases an ancient forest that has been turned into stone over millions of years. Visitors can explore the park via several trails to see these spectacular fossils and many stop to have their picture taken at Caveman's Bench, a conveniently situated section of petrified wood. The site also features the Earth Science Museum which explains the petrification process and geological history of the area.
6. Old Capitol Museum
MISSISSIPPI'S HISTORIC PAST
The Old Capitol Museum preserves the original state capitol building where Mississippi's 1839 constitution was written. The meticulously restored Greek Revival building now houses exhibits detailing the state's governmental history and significant historical events. Visitors can explore the legislative chambers, governor's office, and rotating historical exhibits that bring Mississippi's past to life.
7. LeFleur's Bluff State Park
URBAN NATURAL OASIS
LeFleur's Bluff State Park offers a 305-acre natural retreat in the heart of Jackson with fishing, camping, hiking trails, and picnic areas. The park encompasses both the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science and the Mississippi Children's Museum, making it a versatile destination for families. Visitors can enjoy the serene landscape along the Pearl River while participating in various outdoor recreational activities throughout the year.
8. Mississippi Children's Museum
INTERACTIVE LEARNING FUN
The Mississippi Children's Museum provides a dynamic, interactive environment where children can explore, discover, and learn through play. The museum features numerous hands-on exhibits focused on literacy, health and nutrition, cultural arts, science, and Mississippi heritage. Kids can climb through giant treehouses, create art projects, and engage with educational displays that spark curiosity and imagination.
9. Mississippi Agricultural & Forestry Museum
RURAL HERITAGE SHOWCASE
The Mississippi Agricultural & Forestry Museum recreates rural life with a crossroads town, complete with a general store, blacksmith shop, and sugarcane mill. Visitors can explore the National Agricultural Aviation Museum, Small Town Mississippi exhibit, and Heritage Center to learn about the state's agricultural history. The living history museum spans 39 acres with over 40,000 artifacts that demonstrate how farming shaped Mississippi's culture and economy.
10. Fondren District
TRENDY SHOPPING AND DINING
The Fondren District is Jackson's hippest neighborhood, filled with eclectic boutiques, art galleries, and acclaimed restaurants. Visitors can spend a day exploring unique shops like Sneaky Beans coffee shop, Fondren Guitars, or browsing the selection at Lemuria Books, one of the South's premier independent bookstores. The district hosts regular events like Fondren After 5, a monthly neighborhood festival featuring live music, food, and shopping specials.
11. Smith Robertson Museum
AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL HERITAGE
The Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center is housed in Jackson's first public school for African Americans and celebrates the historical, cultural, and artistic contributions of Black Mississippians. Exhibits chronicle the African American experience from arrival in America through the Civil Rights Movement and beyond. The museum honors notable figures including writer Richard Wright, who attended Smith Robertson School as a child.
12. Highland Village
UPSCALE SHOPPING CENTER
Highland Village is Jackson's premier outdoor shopping destination featuring upscale boutiques, restaurants, and specialty stores in a beautifully landscaped setting. Shoppers can browse through local favorites like Buffalo Peak Outfitters and national retailers while enjoying the center's charming architecture and seasonal decorations. The shopping center regularly hosts community events, fashion shows, and seasonal celebrations that attract locals and visitors alike.
13. Mayflower Cafe
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN DINING
The Mayflower Cafe, established in 1935, is Jackson's oldest operating restaurant and a beloved local institution known for its seafood and Greek-influenced Southern cuisine. The vintage neon sign and Art Deco decor transport diners back to a bygone era, while the restaurant's famous comeback sauce has become a Mississippi culinary staple. This downtown landmark has been featured in movies and remains a gathering place for politicians, businesspeople, and visitors seeking authentic local flavor.
14. Belhaven District
HISTORIC NEIGHBORHOOD CHARM
The Belhaven District is a picturesque historic neighborhood known for its tree-lined streets, century-old homes, and connection to author Eudora Welty. Visitors can stroll through Belhaven Park, admire the diverse architectural styles from Tudor to Craftsman, and explore the campus of Belhaven University. The district hosts the annual Bright Lights Belhaven Nights festival, bringing together music, art, food, and community in one of Jackson's most cherished neighborhoods.
15. Vicksburg National Military Park
CIVIL WAR BATTLEFIELD
Vicksburg National Military Park preserves the site of the decisive Civil War Battle of Vicksburg, which gave the Union control of the Mississippi River in 1863. Visitors can drive or hike the 16-mile tour road featuring over 1,400 monuments, markers, and the restored USS Cairo gunboat and museum. The park offers ranger-led programs, living history demonstrations, and extensive exhibits that explain the battle's significance to American history.