The Ultimate Bucket List: 12 Cool Things to Do in Mississippi

Though often assumed, Mississippi holds essential historical events and memories in the United States. This state is commonly known for hosting the famous Mississippi River, but the place is home to perfect spots for a memorable vacation.

With its beautiful sceneries, wildlife, and spooky spots, Mississippi is definitely a perfect destination for all kinds of travelers. There are a lot of fun activities to engage in while in Mississippi, and you will absolutely get a place that gives you the kind of entertainment you enjoy. This guide gives an array of cool and unusual things you can do when you visit Mississippi.

1. Visit the famous Biloxi Beach

Biloxi Beach is categorized as one of the best beaches in Mississippi. The beach has beautiful and exceptional stretches along the Gulf Coast. Biloxi Beach is a perfect place to enjoy the sun and relax.

The gorgeous white sand on the beach offers a great place for you and your friends to build sandcastles. Here, you also get a chance to swim in the warm water. There are also a number of fishing charters you can hire. Not forgetting the many restaurants and resorts surrounding Biloxi Beach, where you can taste the savory local cuisines.

2. Explore Jackson Capitol

Jackson serves as Mississippi’s capital, making it one of the best cities to explore. The city is rich in history, art, and science that has been documented since Mississippi came to being.

There are a lot of things to do in Jackson. You can enjoy a range of educational materials at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, play golf at Live Oaks, and catch a glimpse of the amazing art pieces in the art gallery museums. You can also visit the theatre for some live performances and treat yourself to amazing drinks at the Apothecary. You cannot afford to miss out on the amazing joints in Jackson.

3. Sign up for a Southern Cooking session

The Southern is known for great food and drinks. If you are a foodie, taking a Southern cooking class is one of the best ways to engage one-on-one with expert Southern chefs and gain knowledge about the culture. This cooking activity is ideal if you are visiting with a group of friends or your spouse.

4. Take a drive at the Old Natchez Trace

It can never be enough fun in Mississippi without you taking a scenic drive through the Natchez Trace Parkway. This historic travel corridor served the European settlers, traders, American explorers, and slaves during the 18th century. The corridor is roughly 715 kilometers and is hidden among trees making it even more adventurous for fun lovers.

The drive will give you a chance to see scenic forests, rivers, and archeological sites. You do not need to make the drive hasty; there are a number of campsites along Old Natchez, and you can make this drive a multi-day activity. Biking is also allowed and suitable for this trail.

5. Visit the Jackson Zoo

The Jackson Zoo had its heyday in 1919 and has remained one of the most visited places in Mississippi. The Zoo hosts different varieties of birds, reptiles, fish, and mammals. If you are an animal lover, Jackson Zoo is the ultimate place to see and learn about animals. There is a special zoo camp where kids are taught about animals and how they can help conserve them.

6. View the Biloxi Lighthouse

Being one of the oldest lighthouses, Biloxi Lighthouse attracts a large number of tourists. The lighthouse was built in 1848 and has remained standing to date despite the numerous natural disasters that have struck Biloxi.

At Biloxi Lighthouse, you can enjoy a guided tour that gives you insights into the general structure of the 64-foot establishment. These tours are normally done during the morning hours. You can also climb to the top of the tower to catch the breathtaking view of the magnificent ocean and beautiful coastline.

7. Visit the Windsor Ruins

If you love unusual attractions, this is the place to be. The Windsor Ruins present the remains of what used to be a beautiful mansion that served as a hospital and observation post on the plantation before a fire broke out and destroyed it.

The ruins include columns and railings that remained during the tragedy. Due to their spookiness, these ruins have continued to serve as photography sites and filming locations. You can enjoy taking photos of this renowned tourist attraction.

8. Tour the Ship Island

Touring the Ship Island is one of the hidden gems in Mississippi and a great way to disconnect from the city bustle. To get to Ship Island, you will enjoy a one-hour boat ride. You also get a chance to catch a glimpse of the swimming dolphins and the amazing seabirds.

The island offers a great beach day where you can swim and hunt for shells as the watchful lifeguards stay on the lookout for your safety. This is an ideal place to visit during a hot summer afternoon.

9. Spend some time at the luxurious Beau Rivage Casino

The luxurious Beau Rivage Casino was officially opened in 1999 and is situated along the Gulf Coast in Biloxi. It is the perfect place for adults seeking fun in Mississippi, as it allows you to engage in endless table games and poker. The casino is also home to delicious food, drinks, luxurious rooms, and exceptional customer service. This is an ideal place to tag with your lover or friends for a fun-filled staycation.

10. Check out the GRAMMY Museum

Established in 2016, this is the absolute place for music lovers. The GRAMMY Museum is home to a wide variety of outfits worn by award-winning artists, musical instruments, and recordings. The museum provides a rich history of different music genres, and it is spacious and neatly arranged for you to have an interactive session with numerous displays. The museum also offers you a chance to play some musical instruments, record songs, and dance.

11. Enjoy your time at Brussel’s Bonsai Nursery

The Brussel’s Bonsai is the biggest nursery in Mississippi and is becoming a popular attraction site each year. The site is specially dedicated to growing and displaying eye-catching bonsai trees.

The uniqueness of the trees in the greenhouses will leave you with an imprint of how flora can be amazing. The best thing is that you can explore the varieties of trees on the nursery webpage. Visiting the nursery also gives you a chance to purchase these trees.

12. Enjoy hiking at the Tishomingo State Park

If you want to enjoy the beauty of nature in Mississippi, do not skip a visit to Tishomingo State Park. It is the ultimate place for all your outdoor activities. The park is located near the Appalachian Mountains and has seven amazing trails that offer moderate and difficult levels of hiking for hikers. The park also offers a range of American history. You can enjoy your time at the park hiking, taking photos, bird watching, or picnicking.

Bottom Line

Mississippi has a wide range of attractions for everyone. Due to its numerous educational museums, scenic parks, and historic forts, Mississippi is one of the world’s ultimate destinations for fun-filled outdoor activities.

That said, if you plan to ride in a car or RV to Mississippi, consider adding one thing to your packing list; auto insurance. Mississippi takes car insurance seriously, and you can expect to face serious penalties or pay hefty fines if caught driving without car insurance.