Known as the City with Soul, Jackson serves up southern hospitality, historic attractions, and cultural destinations. Located in the heart of central Mississippi, Jackson provides easy access to explore the Magnolia State’s rich heritage and natural beauty.
From blues museums to historic sites, trendy restaurants to family activities, Jackson has something for travelers of all interests. Read on for the top 20 things to see and do in Mississippi’s capital city.
- Tour the Mississippi State Capitol
Get an inside look at state government at the Mississippi State Capitol, a National Historic Landmark. This domed Greek Revival structure houses the state’s legislative chambers along with museums about Mississippi’s history. Take a free guided tour to view the lavish interior design. The captivating Beaux Arts architectureoutside earns it the nickname “The New Capitol.”
- See Rare Artifacts at the Two Mississippi Museums
The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum chronicles the state’s struggle for equality in the 20th century. Interactive exhibits profile civil rights activists and events like the Freedom Riders. Nearby lies the Museum of Mississippi History tracing native peoples, colonization, the Civil War, and beyond.
- Listen to Live Music on Farish Street
Farish Street served as the hub of African American culture and commerce in the early 1900s. Though it decayed during the late 1900s, the historic district now thrives again. Hear blues, jazz, and gospel at venues like Underground 119 while dining at restored soul food cafes and bistros.
- Explore Fondren for Eclectic Shops and Dining
Fondren offers a vibrant neighborhood scene with local shops, art galleries, studios, and ethnic eateries. Browse the globally inspired goods at World Trade Center shops, grab coffee at Cups, or enjoy fusion plates and sushi at Babalu Tapas & Tacos.
- Tour the Governor’s Mansion
The Greek Revival-style Governor’s Mansion offers free tours providing a peek into Mississippi’s political history. Dating from 1842, it’s the oldest continuously occupied governors’ residence in the country. Inside, you’ll find lavish antique furnishings collected by former residents.
- Stroll through Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center
Located in a former schoolhouse, the Smith Robertson Museum chronicles African American achievements in Mississippi. Exhibits profile pioneers in medicine, law, arts, and more along with local artifacts and oral histories. Don’t miss the Gammill Gallery showcasing contemporary Black artists.
7.Browse the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Museum
This fascinating open-air museum traces Mississippi’s agricultural heritage. Historic buildings range from a one-room schoolhouse to sharecroppers’ cabins. Exhibits cover inventions, farming equipment, and 4-H tradition. Kids will love the dinosaur exhibit, zipline, and giant sliding board.
- Take in Art at the Mississippi Museum of Art
The Mississippi Museum of Art houses an impressive permanent collection spanning classical to contemporary works. Don’t miss the Neilson’s Gallery with the South’s largest public display of Greco-Roman sculptures. Special exhibitions highlight Mississippi’s visual arts heritage.
- Visit Eudora Welty House and Garden
Literature buffs will love touring the home of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Eudora Welty. Marvel at the lush gardens she often featured in her stories. Inside, you’ll see her original manuscripts, awards, photographs, and furnishings, gaining insight into this Mississippi writing legend.
- Cheer on the Mississippi Braves at Trustmark Park
Enjoy America’s favorite pastime with the local minor league baseball team, the Mississippi Braves. They play at Trustmark Park against fellow Southern League teams. Catch a game in this cozy stadium with affordable tickets, classic ballpark fare, and family fun.
- Take the Kids to Mississippi Children’s Museum
Designed for little visitors, this children’s museum offers interactive play through exhibits like an art studio, farmers’ market, dinosaur dig pit, and more. Kids can let loose climbing on a water play structure, ringing a giant tuning fork, and more at this inventive museum.
- Tour Historic Churches
Jackson houses over 100 historic churches spanning denominations and architectural styles. Top picks include the Gothic Revival Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle with its rose window and Galloway United Methodist Church featuring ornate stained glass and soaring arches.
- Explore the Old Capitol Museum
One of Jackson’s most iconic buildings, this stunning 1839 Greek Revival structure served as Mississippi’s statehouse until 1903. Today, it’s filled with political exhibits and portraits under a rotunda topped with a domed cupola. The Old Capitol Museum provides an elegant walk through history.
- See the Planetarium at Mississippi Museum of Natural Science
At this top-rated science museum, visitors can watch laser shows set to music at the Russell C. Davis Planetarium. Other exhibits let you see dinosaur fossils, experience an earthquake, and more. The museum also encompasses walking trails and a nature center.
- Browse the Collection at Mississippi Library Commission
Book lovers will relish the Mississippi Library Commission’s extensive collection related to the state’s history and culture. Peruse rare slave documents, literary works, Civil War accounts, portraits, artifacts, and more in this National Historic Landmark building.
- Pay Respects at Medgar Evers Home Museum
This modest ranch house was the home of civil rights activist Medgar Evers before his assassination in 1963. Today, it’s a pilgrimage site paying tribute to his legacy through films, preserved artifacts, and more. A moving experience for history buffs.
- Shop and Dine at the District at Eastover
For upscale boutiques, specialty stores, and dining, head to the District at Eastover. National retailers like Anthropologie mix with local kitchenware shops, toy stores, salons, and casual eateries perfect for an afternoon stroll and grazing.
- Take in a Show at Thalia Mara Hall
Catch touring Broadway shows, acclaimed musical acts, dance performances, and more at this historic performing arts venue. Originally built in 1928, the elaborate auditorium features an arched proscenium stage, detailed tile work, and seating for over 2,000 guests.
- Tour the Governor’s Mansion
See how Mississippi’s first families lived by touring the stately Governor’s Mansion. The National Historic Landmark opened in 1842 and contains original period furnishings and political memorabilia from former residents. Free tours provide a glimpse into this elegant mansion.
- Enjoy the Views at Battlefield Park
One of Jackson’s finest green spaces, this peaceful park overlooks the historic Pearl River below. Walking trails wind through the oak and pine forest down to the riverbank. Interpretive plaques describe the 1863 Civil War battle fought here. Picnic areas dot the hilltop offering scenic views.
Conclusion
From historic attractions and cultural institutions to outdoor activities, delectable cuisine and buzzing nightlife, Jackson serves up quintessential southern hospitality. Use this list to guide your Mississippi getaway full of music, food, and historic insights. The City with Soul invites you to discover its rich heritage and warm charm.
