Jackson, the capital and largest city of Mississippi, offers an abundance of fascinating museums and historic sites. These attractions cover a wide range of topics, including the state government, science, civil rights, art, and agriculture. The city is situated on the beautiful Pearl River, which is surrounded by numerous parks and gardens.
In addition, the Fondren District showcases a vibrant arts scene. Known as ‘The City with Soul’, Jackson boasts countless bars and live music venues where visitors can enjoy blues, folk, and jazz performances. With its diverse cultural institutions and attractions, there are activities suitable for all ages in Jackson. Additionally, the city hosts numerous entertaining events and festivals throughout the year.
14. Mynelle Gardens

The Mynelle Gardens offer a tranquil and scenic retreat, featuring a variety of colorful plants, flowers, trees, and shrubs. Just a ten-minute drive west of the city center, it boasts lush lawns and shaded areas, making it an ideal spot to unwind.
What began as a simple garden over fifty years ago has evolved into a botanical paradise and haven for wildlife. Amidst the azaleas and perennials, visitors can stroll along leafy pathways, discover statues, and enjoy the melodies of songbirds.
The gardens also feature small ponds and charming bridges, providing additional opportunities for relaxation. Besides soaking in the natural beauty, visitors can feed the turtles and fish or capture memorable moments with their cameras.
13. Mississippi Governor’s Mansion

Located in the heart of the city, there is a stunning mansion called Mississippi Governor’s Mansion. It is considered one of the most important and impressive buildings in the capital, featuring beautiful Greek Revival architecture. Built in 1841, the mansion serves as the official residence for the state’s governor.
Its exterior is adorned with a refined portico and majestic columns. Inside, the mansion is equally magnificent, with its countless rooms decorated with exquisite furnishings, period pieces, and historical artifacts. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the mansion’s history and the governors who have lived there throughout the years.
The meticulously maintained property has been designated as a National Historic Landmark, and its bright white appearance makes it a striking landmark in downtown.
12. Mississippi Museum of Art

Art lovers will find the Mississippi Museum of Art to be a must-visit destination. It houses a wide range of artwork, including paintings, prints, ceramics, and sculptures. Located in the heart of downtown, this museum is the largest in the state and features a sleek, modern building.
Established in 1978, its collection has expanded over the years and now includes masterpieces by renowned artists like Andy Warhol, Jacob Lawrence, and Georgia O’Keeffe. The museum offers a delightful experience as visitors can explore its light and airy galleries filled with intriguing art pieces and installations.
The exhibits span centuries and showcase works by artists from Mississippi and other parts of the Southern region. Additionally, the museum boasts a stunning sculpture and flower garden outside that is worth exploring. To satisfy hunger and find unique souvenirs, visitors can check out the on-site cafe and gift shop. Furthermore, the museum plays host to numerous community events, classes, and festivals throughout the year.
11. Mississippi Petrified Forest

The Mississippi Petrified Forest near Jackson is a unique and amazing natural wonder. It has interesting formations, fossils, and trails to explore, as well as campsites for a secluded experience. This forest was created around 36 million years ago and is now filled with petrified stumps and logs.
While hiking, you’ll come across well-preserved remnants covered in lichen, with informative plaques along the way. The museum on-site protects other ancient fossils, including dinosaur footprints and whale bones. It is one of the few forests like this in the Eastern United States and makes for a fantastic day trip. Additionally, there is a gem-mining area and gift shop available to visitors.
10. Old Capitol Museum

A short distance away in Mississippi is the Old Capitol Museum, one of the state’s oldest and most impressive buildings. It used to be the state capitol but now serves as a National Historic Landmark filled with interesting artifacts and exhibits.
The museum is located in the city center and its sparkling white three-story structure stands out among its surroundings. It was built in 1840 and displays stunning Greek Revival architecture, including a copper cupola on top of its beautiful portico and strong corinthian columns.
Until 1903, it was where the state government operated, and now visitors can take tours of its spacious interior. With the help of a knowledgeable guide, you will see stunning features like the restored rotunda, grand chambers, and courtrooms. Most of the rooms are adorned with elegant portraits, woodwork, and decorations.
9. Mississippi Agricultural & Forestry Museum

If you want to learn more about the woodlands in Mississippi, you should visit the Mississippi Agricultural & Forestry Museum. It’s a large farm that shows the history of these industries and how they influenced the state’s development.
The farm includes a school, store, sugarcane mill, and blacksmith shop, which show how people lived during the 1920s when the cotton trade was thriving. These buildings not only have old artifacts and farm equipment but also educational displays about that time period.
The Heritage Center talks about transportation and trade in agriculture and forestry, while the Victory Garden focuses on sustainable farming.
8. Mississippi Museum of Natural Science

The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science is a popular choice for families. It has many artifacts, aquaria, and exhibits of animals. It is part of LeFleur’s Bluff State Park and focuses on not only the animals and plants, but also the history and geology of the state’s natural landscapes.
It was established in 1933 and is located in the southwest corner of the park in a large modern building. Inside, there are displays and dioramas with fossils, dinosaur skeletons, and fun play areas on the floors.
The aquarium network in the museum houses alligators, turtles, and fish, while the outside features giant treehouses and walkways that attract a lot of attention. The museum is educational and interesting, taking visitors from prehistoric times to the present day. There is also a greenhouse, nature trails, and exciting activities available. It is a must-visit when in Mississippi.
7. Mississippi Civil Rights Museum

If you’re in Jackson, it is important to visit the modern museum that represents the fight for civil rights. The museum opened in 2017 and provides an honest view of the difficult times that Mississippi has faced in its quest for social justice.
It has eight well-organized galleries that explore topics like the Ku Klux Klan, Jim Crow laws, and the Civil War. Through artifacts, photos, and exhibits, the museum sheds light on the numerous challenges African-Americans have faced while fighting for freedom and equality.
The museum also uses powerful videos and audio displays to enhance its message. By the end of the visit, visitors gain a better understanding of the struggles, sorrows, and triumphs experienced by those involved in the fight for civil rights.
6. Eudora Welty House and Garden

The Eudora Welty House and Garden, which is now a National Historic Landmark, is located just south of Belhaven University. It is a beautifully preserved property that used to be the residence of the well-respected writer, Eudora Welty, for almost 80 years. The house, a charming Tudor Revival building, was built by her parents in 1925.
During guided tours, visitors have the opportunity to see Welty’s room, her writing desk, and her collection of books, as well as the various photos and paintings displayed on the walls. Additionally, there is a short video, along with artifacts and exhibits, that provide insight into her life and novels, all presented by knowledgeable docents.
Apart from the intriguing interior, many people also visit the house for its splendid garden. The garden is adorned with roses and azaleas, and its landscaped lawns offer a tranquil space to relax after days filled with sightseeing.
5. Jackson Zoo

If you want to see a variety of animals, fish, and amphibians, the Jackson Zoo is the perfect place to visit. It was established in 1919 and now houses about 250 exotic animals from different parts of the world. Families love visiting this zoo, which is located near the center of Livingston Park.
In the spacious enclosures and exhibits, visitors can see a wide range of animals, including tigers, black bears, hippos, rhinos, and leopards. The zoo also offers the opportunity to explore its African Rainforest and Wilderness Mississippi areas, attend informative talks, and watch live demonstrations.
Additionally, there are rides like the train and carousel, as well as a splash pad for both children and adults to enjoy. There are snack stands and shops scattered throughout the zoo, along with playgrounds and picnic areas.
4. LeFleur’s Bluff State Park

LeFleur’s Bluff State Park is a peaceful and picturesque place that feels far removed from the busy city. The park has stunning landscapes and beautiful nature, making it a great spot for outdoor activities. It stretches across a large area in the northern part of Jackson and includes fields, forests, lakes, meadows, and swamps.
There are campsites and sports facilities hidden within the park. You can explore the park by hiking along its scenic trails or enjoy popular sports like fishing, boating, and disc golf. The park is also home to diverse wildlife and plant life. Additionally, it has a couple of interesting museums and many playgrounds.
3. Medgar Evers Home

If you’re in town, you should definitely make a stop at the Medgar Evers Home, even though it might not catch your eye at first. It’s actually a historic house museum that tells the story of Medgar Evers, a significant African-American Civil Rights lawyer.
The house, which was finished in 1956, is a simple one-story ranch-style building where Medgar and Myrlie lived. They frequently held civil rights meetings in their home while fighting for school desegregation and investigating racially-motivated murders. Unfortunately, they faced a lot of pressure and even received death threats.
Tragically, Medgar was assassinated in 1963 by a white supremacist who shot him in his own home. Now, visitors can take tours of the small house and learn about the Evers’ brave struggle for civil rights and the lasting impact they had.
It’s important to note that the Medgar Evers Home is also a National Historic Landmark and is located about fifteen minutes away from the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in downtown.
2. Mississippi Children’s Museum

Families with kids flock to the Mississippi Children’s Museum in Jackson, situated at the park’s western end. The vibrant building houses numerous interactive exhibits and hands-on activities to keep youngsters entertained.
Established in 2010, the museum emphasizes STEM subjects while also exploring health, literacy, and history in various galleries. Themed areas, art rooms, and climbing walls encourage children to learn through play, touch, and exploration, ensuring they can spend hours immersed in fun.
In addition to exciting experiments and outdoor spaces, some sections delve into Mississippi’s rich history, culture, and heritage. With its wide array of activities and exhibits, boredom is nearly impossible at this incredible museum.
1. Mississippi State Capitol

The Mississippi State Capitol is a huge building in the city with a dome and golden eagle on top. It has been the government building since 1903 and has beautiful Beaux-Arts architecture. It is made of granite and limestone and is surrounded by gardens. The dome and eagle are very impressive, but the front of the building is also really nice.
Inside, there is a marble rotunda that is the main attraction, and you can learn about the history and important political events that have happened there on a tour.