Shaw MississippiATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Shaw, Mississippi.
1. Martin & Sue King Railroad Museum
HISTORIC RAILWAY HERITAGE
The Martin & Sue King Railroad Museum showcases the rich railway history of the Mississippi Delta region. Visitors can explore vintage railroad artifacts, photographs, and interactive exhibits that tell the story of how trains shaped the development of Shaw and surrounding areas. The museum offers a nostalgic journey through time with its well-preserved collections and knowledgeable staff.
2. Vicksburg National Military Park
CIVIL WAR BATTLEFIELD
Vicksburg National Military Park spans 1,800 acres of hallowed ground where one of the most decisive battles of the American Civil War took place. The park features over 1,400 monuments and markers commemorating the 47-day siege that gave the Union control over the Mississippi River. Visitors can tour the historic battlefield, explore the museum, and pay respects at memorials honoring soldiers from both sides of the conflict.
3. Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum
KING'S HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum preserves the two-room house where the King of Rock 'n Roll was born in 1935. The site includes the lovingly restored childhood home, a museum filled with memorabilia, and the church where young Elvis was first inspired by gospel music. Visitors can walk through the manicured grounds featuring statues, informational displays, and experience the humble beginnings of one of music's greatest icons.
4. Dewayne Hayes Recreation Area
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE HUB
Dewayne Hayes Recreation Area offers extensive outdoor recreational facilities including 100 RV sites and ten primitive camping areas. The park features mountain biking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, boat launches, fishing spots, and a water playground for families to enjoy. Visitors can take advantage of nature trails, picnic areas, and various activities throughout the year in this versatile outdoor destination.
5. Eugenia Summer Gallery
CAMPUS ART SHOWCASE
Eugenia Summer Gallery is located in the Art and Design Building on the Mississippi University for Women campus. The gallery showcases rotating exhibitions of contemporary art, student works, and visiting artist collections throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy free admission to this cultural venue that serves as an important artistic hub for the community and university.
6. Franklin Academy
HISTORIC EDUCATIONAL LANDMARK
Franklin Academy holds the distinction of being the first free public school established in Mississippi, opening its doors in 1821. This historic educational institution continues to serve students today, maintaining its legacy of academic excellence and community service. The academy stands as a testament to Mississippi's commitment to public education and represents an important piece of the state's cultural heritage.
7. Eudora Welty House
LITERARY LEGEND'S HOME
The Eudora Welty House preserves the longtime home of one of America's most celebrated writers and Pulitzer Prize winner. The house contains Welty's original furnishings, thousands of books, and personal items that provide insight into her creative process and literary contributions. Visitors can tour the meticulously maintained gardens that inspired many of Welty's writings and glimpse into the life of this influential Southern author.
8. Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument
CIVIL RIGHTS HERITAGE
The Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument preserves the residence where civil rights leader Medgar Evers lived and was tragically assassinated in 1963. This historic site honors Evers' legacy as the NAACP's first field secretary in Mississippi and his family's contributions to the civil rights movement. Visitors can learn about the struggle for equality in Mississippi and reflect on the sacrifices made during this pivotal period in American history.
9. Mississippi Governor's Mansion
HISTORIC EXECUTIVE RESIDENCE
The Mississippi Governor's Mansion is the second-oldest continuously occupied governor's residence in the United States, dating back to 1842. This Greek Revival masterpiece features period furnishings, historic artifacts, and architectural details that showcase Mississippi's rich cultural heritage. Visitors can tour the state rooms of this National Historic Landmark and learn about the political history of Mississippi through the lens of its executive mansion.
10. Alamo Theatre
HISTORIC ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
The Alamo Theatre stands as a restored historic entertainment venue that once served as the cultural center for Jackson's African American community. Originally built in the 1940s, the theater hosted performances by legendary artists including Nat King Cole, Elmore James, and other notable musicians of the era. Today, the renovated Alamo continues to showcase films, live performances, and cultural events that celebrate Mississippi's rich artistic heritage.
11. City Mound
ANCIENT NATIVE AMERICAN SITE
City Mound is an important archaeological site featuring Native American earthworks that date back hundreds of years. This prehistoric mound complex offers visitors insight into the indigenous cultures that thrived along the Mississippi River long before European settlement. The site is recognized as a Mississippi Landmark and provides a tangible connection to the region's earliest inhabitants.
12. Capri Theater
VINTAGE CINEMA EXPERIENCE
The Capri Theater, also known historically as the Pix Theater, represents one of Mississippi's classic cinema venues from the mid-20th century. This architectural gem has been designated as a Mississippi Landmark, preserving its distinctive façade and historical significance. The theater continues to serve as a cultural gathering place where visitors can experience films in a setting that evokes the golden age of cinema.
13. Central High School
EDUCATIONAL ARCHITECTURAL LANDMARK
Central High School stands as an impressive example of educational architecture and has been designated as an official Mississippi Landmark. The historic building features distinctive design elements that reflect the educational values and architectural styles of its era. Beyond its structural significance, the school holds important cultural and historical value to the community and state's educational legacy.
14. Coker House
CIVIL WAR HISTORIC SITE
The Coker House served as a field hospital during the Battle of Champion Hill, one of the pivotal engagements of the Vicksburg Campaign during the Civil War. This historic structure bears the scars of battle, including cannonball damage that remains visible in its walls. As a designated Mississippi Landmark, the house provides visitors with a tangible connection to the strategic military operations that shaped the outcome of the Civil War in Mississippi.
15. Old Bridgeport Road Segment
HISTORIC TRANSPORTATION ROUTE
The Old Bridgeport Road Segment preserves a portion of one of Mississippi's early transportation corridors that was vital to the region's development. This historic roadway has been designated as a Mississippi Landmark due to its significance in the state's transportation history and settlement patterns. Visitors can walk along this preserved pathway and imagine the travelers, traders, and settlers who used this route in earlier centuries.