40 Best Things to do Jackson!

Located in the heart of Mississippi, Jackson stands as a vibrant cultural hub steeped in history and Southern charm. From its rich Civil Rights heritage to its lively arts scene and culinary delights, Jackson offers a unique blend of experiences for travelers seeking an authentic taste of the South. In this comprehensive guide, we are thrilled to showcase best things to do in Jackson during your visit to Mississippi.

1. Historic Attractions

Old Capitol Museum

Built in 1839, Old Capitol Museum served as the state’s main government building until 1903 and it holds stories from key moments in Mississippi’s past, including when the 1839 law allowed married women to own property, the state’s secession from the Union in 1861, and the adoption of new constitutions in 1868 and 1890. Inside, visitors can explore exhibits about how state government worked, including displays of legislature, governor’s office, and supreme court. It’s a good place to learn about how decisions were made in the past and how the state’s laws and leaders changed over time.

Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument

The Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument was the home of civil rights leader Medgar Evers and his wife Myrlie from 1956 until 1963. Medgar Evers worked as the first field secretary for the NAACP in Mississippi and was deeply involved in the fight for equal rights. On June 12, 1963, he was shot and killed in the carport of this home, an event that shocked the country and helped push forward the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Today, the home is managed by the National Park Service and guided tours helps people learn about the struggle for justice and the strength of those who led it.

Mississippi Governor’s Mansion

The Governor’s Mansion has been the official home of Mississippi’s governors since 1842 and is one of the oldest governor’s homes still in use in the country. It was designed by architect William Nichols in the Greek Revival style, which was popular at the time. Inside, visitors can see rooms that have been restored to show what life was like in the 1800s. In 1975, the mansion received National Historic Landmark status due to its age and the way it was built. The mansion is managed by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, which also helps care for its historic furniture and decorations.

Farish Street Historic District

Covering 125 acres, Farish Street Historic District is known for its deep roots in Black history and culture. In early 1900s, many homes and businesses in the area were Black-owned, and the area grew with its own schools, shops, and churches. Farish Street once had music studios like Trumpet Records and Ace Records, which played a big role in the growth of gospel and blues music. The buildings in the district show styles like Queen Anne and Art Deco, and were built between 1890 and 1930. In 1980, the area was added to National Register of Historic Places because of its cultural and historical value.

Eudora Welty House and Garden

The Eudora Welty House and Garden was the home of Eudora Welty, a well-known writer and photographer, who lived and worked here for 76 years. The house was built in 1925 and is now one of the best-kept literary homes in the country. Visitors can take guided tours to see where she wrote many of her stories, including her writing desk, shelves of books, and personal items. The garden outside was first planned by her mother, Chestina, and Eudora helped care for it for many years. The garden includes flowers like camellias, daffodils, and other native plants that often appeared in her writing.

The Oaks House Museum

Built around 1853, The Oaks House Museum was once the home of James H. Boyd, who served as mayor of Jackson, along with his wife Eliza and their family. The house made it through the Civil War without being destroyed, and it was part of a larger farmstead that once had a barn, kitchen, smokehouse, and garden. The Boyd family lived in the house for over 100 years, and three generations called it home. Today, the house is open to public as a museum and shows what life was like in Jackson during the 1800s. Visitors can see walk through the rooms, furniture, and learn about family’s daily life.

2. Outdoor Adventures

Boating in Ross Barnett Reservoir

The Ross Barnett Reservoir, often called “The Rez,” is a popular place for boating near Jackson. It covers over 33,000 acres and offers plenty of space for all kinds of water fun. People come here to ride pontoon boats, fish from small boats, or paddle in kayaks and canoes. There are several marinas around the lake, including Main Harbor Marina and Sportsman’s Marina, where visitors can rent boats or find a place to dock their own. The Jackson Yacht Club offers sailing tours and the lake has marked channels to help boaters stay safe, and there are rules to follow to protect the water and wildlife.

Hiking & Nature Trails

Jackson has several hiking trails where people can enjoy walking, biking, or just spending time in nature. Located along the Pearl River, LeFleur’s Bluff State Park is a favorite destination with a 50 acres of lake, walking paths with shaded areas, and links directly to the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. Another option is the Museum Trail, a paved path that runs about 4.5 miles through the city. It links places like the Mississippi Farmers Market and the Agriculture Museum, and it’s good for walking, biking, or jogging.

For a shorter walk, Parham Bridges Park has a 0.6 mile loop that’s flat and easy to follow. It’s a nice place for a quick stroll or a short bike ride. Flowood Nature Park, just outside Jackson, has a one-mile trail that goes through wooded areas and around a small pond. The park also has benches, a pier, and restrooms. Buddy Butts Park offers a longer 5.2 miles loop that’s used by hikers and mountain bikers. It’s a bit more rugged but still manageable for most people.

Fondren District Murals

The Fondren District is known for its colorful murals that bring life to the streets and buildings. These murals are painted on walls, shops, and even traffic boxes, showing faces, shapes, and messages that reflect the city’s culture and history. Many of the murals were created by local artists who wanted to share stories and brighten up the neighborhood. One famous mural is on the side of Fondren Fro Yo, and others can be found near restaurants, coffee shops, and stores throughout the area. Some murals show famous people from Jackson, while others use bold colors and patterns to catch your eye.

Kayaking & Canoeing

In Jackson, one of the most popular places to paddle is the Pearl River, which flows through the city and gives easy access to the water. Capital City Kayak Adventures is a local company that rents kayaks and offers guided trips on Crystal Lake and nearby spots. The Ross Barnett Reservoir is another favorite for paddling, with spots near the shore, good for both short trips and longer outings. Kayakers can explore smaller lakes and creeks around the city, with some launch areas found in parks. The Paddle Share program lets paddlers rent a kayak and go on their own, with launch points along the river.

Golfing Courses

In Jackson, Country Club of Jackson is a private course with 27 holes and is known for hosting the PGA Tour’s Sanderson Farms Championship. Live Oaks Golf Club is a semi-private 18-hole course surrounded by large oak trees and offers a calm place to play just outside the city. Nearby, the Refuge Golf Course offers a 18 holes public course and it was recently updated with fresh greens and extra features for a better playing experience. For those looking for public courses, Grove Park Golf Course are both located in Jackson and offer 9-hole layouts that are easy to access and good for casual games.

3. Iconic Landmarks

Mississippi State Capitol

Built in 1903, Mississippi State Capitol has been the home of the state’s government, designed by Theodore Link on the site of the old state prison. The Capitol is known for its Beaux Arts style, and visitors can see the Hall of Governors, which has portraits of past governors, and the Rotunda, which sits under the main dome and includes artwork and sculptures. The building once held all three branches of state government, but now only the legislative branch works there full-time. Free guided tours are offered for visitors to see the House and Senate chambers from public galleries during sessions.

Smith Robertson Museum

The Smith Robertson Museum is housed in what was once the city’s first public school for Black students, named for Smith Robertson, a former slave who became Jackson’s first Black alderman. The museum shares the African American experience in Mississippi through art, photos, stories, and exhibits. Visitors can explore “From Slavery to America,” which traces history from the 1600s through the Civil Rights era. The Hall of Fame honors important Black leaders from Mississippi, and other exhibits that focus on Black colleges, doctors, folk art, and the Great Migration from the South to the North.

Mississippi Museum of Natural Science

The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science is the biggest science museum in the state, covers 73,000 square feet and hosting exhibits, learning, and exploration. Started in the 1930s by Fannye Cook, a biologist who worked to protect Mississippi’s plants and animals. Visitors can see over 200 live species in a large aquarium system that holds 100,000 gallons of water. There is a greenhouse called “The Swamp,” which has a 20,000 gallon tank and live animals like alligators and turtles. The Dinosaur Trail has life-size models of dinosaurs like Tyrannosaurus Rex and Triceratops, placed along the walking path.

Mississippi Museum of Art

The Mississippi Museum of Art is recognized as the largest art museum in the state where people can see a wide variety of artwork. It began as the Mississippi Art Association in 1911 and became a museum in 1978. It has a wide collection of paintings, photographs, sculptures, and media works by artists from Mississippi, the U.S., and other countries. Some well-known artists in the collection include Georgia O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol, and Jacob Lawrence. Outside, there’s a space called the Art Garden, where visitors can walk along the paths, explore plants that grow in the area, and displays of public art.

Mississippi Civil Rights Museum

Opened in 2017, Mississippi Civil Rights Museum shares the story of the civil rights movement in the state. It has eight galleries that show how Black Mississippians fought for equal rights between 1945 and 1970. Visitors can learn about important events, people, and laws that shaped the movement. Inside, there’s a unique space called “This Little Light of Mine,” where soft music plays and the lights grow brighter when more people step in. The museum also highlights the lives of leaders like Medgar Evers, Fannie Lou Hamer, and Vernon Dahmer, along with many others who stood up for justice.

Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum

Covers 40 acres, Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum was created to help people learn about the state’s farming and forestry history. It has a large Heritage Center with exhibits that show how farming and forestry have changed over time. Visitors can see tools, machines, and displays that explain how people worked the land in the past. Outside, there’s a small town setup called “Small Town, Mississippi,” which looks like a 1920s village with a church, school, general store, and more. Another part of the museum is National Agricultural Aviation Museum, which shows planes used to spray crops.

Jackson Convention Complex Center

The Jackson Convention Complex Center is where major events and local gatherings take place throughout the year. It has over 330,000 square feet of space that can be used for many types of events, including meetings, concerts, sports, and weddings. The center has a 60,000 square-foot exhibit hall, a 25,000 square-foot ballroom, and several meeting rooms. There is a 380 seats theater and a large lobby area for registration and gathering. The complex has audio-visual equipment, satellite and cable connections, and is used for many types of events, from small meetings to large national conventions.

4. Family-Friendly Activities

The Jackson Zoo

Opened in 1919, Jackson Zoo has been a place for families and school groups to learn about animals for over 100 years. The zoo is home to around 250 animals from 120 species, including giraffes and rhinos. Some of the animals take part in special programs focused on helping endangered species survive and protect their numbers. Visitors can explore different sections, such as the Wilderness Mississippi, African Rainforest, and Asian Garden, where animals from many regions of the world are displayed. Visitors can walk through paths, see animals up close, and learn about their care and habitats.

Mississippi Children’s Museum

Opened in 2010, Mississippi Children’s Museum is now the biggest of its kind in the state, offering fun and hands-on learning experiences designed for kids. They can explore areas like WonderBox, where they build and create, and Wild About Reading, which has a puppet theater and storytime. There’s a section called Exploring Mississippi, where kids can fish, steer a shrimp boat, and learn about the state’s land and water. Another spot is the Gastro Climber, where children crawl through a model of the digestive system. The Literacy Garden has a treehouse, large mushrooms, and a small stage for plays.

Russell C. Davis Planetarium

Opened in 1979, Russell C. Davis Planetarium is one of the largest in the South and has a big dome screen where visitors can watch shows about stars, planets, oceans, and even dinosaurs. It was built to help people learn about space and how to find stars in the sky. The theater has a new 4K digital system that shows full-dome movies, making it feel like you’re right in the middle of the action. The planetarium is named after Russell C. Davis, a former mayor of Jackson who helped bring the idea to life. It hosts special programs that help visitors learn about science and space in a fun and simple way.

Mississippi State Fairgrounds

The Mississippi State Fairgrounds stretches across more than 105 acres, offering space for all kinds of public events throughout the year. It hosts over 700 events annually, with the Mississippi State Fair and the Dixie National Rodeo being two of the biggest attractions. The Mississippi Coliseum, which seats around 6,500 people, is used for concerts, sporting events, and livestock shows. Next to it is the Mississippi Trade Mart, a large indoor space used for trade shows, and special exhibits. In October, the State Fair bring people with its live music, carnival games, livestock displays, and family-friendly fun.

DEFY Jackson

The DEFY Jackson is an indoor trampoline and activity park, offering a wide range of attractions for people, including wall trampolines, a ninja course, zip lines, a high-end air track, and foam pits. Visitors can also try activities like extreme dodgeball, trapeze swings, and stunt falls. The park is designed to give guests a fun and active experience in a safe indoor space. DEFY Jackson is open every day, and offers special deals for weekday birthday parties. The venue also has a snack area and places to sit for those who are not jumping. It’s a popular spot for birthday parties, group events, and casual visits.

Brandon Amphitheater

The Brandon Amphitheater is an outdoor concert venue and it can hold up to 8,000 guests. It’s part of The Quarry, a larger area that includes trails, ball fields, and a dog park. The amphitheater hosts concerts by well-known artists throughout the year, offering fans a mix of seating areas, a pit close to the stage, and box seats with clear views. Large screens help guests see the performance no matter where they sit, and blankets are allowed for outdoor comfort, though they may be checked at the gate. The venue has food stands, modern restrooms, and helpful staff to guide guests during events.

Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park

The Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park offers a fun indoor space for kids and adults to be active no matter the weather. It includes wall-to-wall trampolines, climbing walls, a ninja course, foam pits, zip lines, bumper cars, and a special section for children. One of the most popular attractions is the battle beam, where players try to stay balanced while gently knocking each other off using padded sticks. The park also has a café with snacks and drinks and seating for people who aren’t participating. The indoor space is designed to give visitors room to jump, climb, and try new things in a safe way.

Sky Zone Trampoline Park

The Sky Zone Trampoline Park is a place where kids, teens, and adults can enjoy indoor fun in a clean and active space. The park has freestyle jump zones, dodgeball courts, foam pits, SkySlam basketball, a climbing wall, and a ninja warrior course that offer different ways to move and play. Guests can buy single visit tickets or choose a membership for more visits at a lower cost, and there are weekly deals like $10 Tuesdays and party discounts on weekdays. Birthday parties are popular here, with private rooms, school groups, party hosts, and basic supplies included to make things easier for families.

5. Natural Attractions

Mynelle Gardens Arboretum & Botanical Center

Covering 7 acres, Mynelle Gardens Arboretum & Botanical Center is filled with walking paths, plants, and peaceful spots to enjoy nature. It started over 50 years ago and has become a place where people can take slow walks and relax away from the city noise. The garden has many plants like azaleas, camellias, daylilies, and other flowers that grow well in the Mississippi climate. Along the paths, visitors will see small bridges, ponds, shaded benches, and trees that provide cool spots to sit. Wildlife like birds and butterflies often visit the area, making it a favorite for nature watchers and photographers.

LeFleur’s Bluff State Park

The LeFleur’s Bluff State Park is a 305 acres of area and it offers a pleasant space for fishing, walking, and spending time outside. At the center of the park is Mayes Lake, a 50 acres body of water where guests can fish or enjoy views of nature. Visitors will find more than just ancient trees — there are also picnic spots, a children’s play space, a 9-hole disc golf area, and hiking trails that passes through forest and alongside a scenic lake. These trails are good for spotting birds, squirrels, and small wildlife. The park has camping areas for tents and RVs, along with restrooms and showers for overnight guests.

Flowood Nature Park

Spreading across 40 acres, Flowood Nature Park has a one mile paved walking trail that loops around a small lake and through wooded areas, with benches and signs that help visitors learn about the plants and trees along the way. The lake has a fountain, and there are picnic tables nearby for families or small groups to enjoy a snack. A few pavilions can be rented for events, and there’s a small outdoor amphitheater sometimes used for weddings or nature programs. Along the trail, signs share facts about the ancient trees and animals that live in the area, helping people learn while they explore.

Mississippi Petrified Forest

Formed around 36 million years ago, Mississippi Petrified Forest was created when ancient trees like fir and maple were buried in river sediment and slowly turned into stone as minerals replaced the wood. Visitors can walk along the trail that passes through the forest, with signs explaining how the petrified trees were formed and what kinds of trees once stood there. One of the popular stops on the trail is Caveman’s Bench, a large fossilized log where people take photos and there’s a museum with displays of petrified wood from all 50 states and fossils like whale bones and dinosaur footprints.

Clinton Community Nature Center

Covers 32 acres, Clinton Community Nature Center has trails that pass through trees, a small pond, wooden bridges, and a butterfly garden, and signs along the way share simple facts about the native plants and animals. The Play Forest is a space made for kids to explore and play in a natural setting, and during summer, families enjoy the seasonal splash pad called the Splashing Frog. The center also has an outdoor amphitheater and Price Hall, which can be used for events, school visits, or nature programs. Groups come here for school field trips or events like outdoor programs and family outings.

6. Day Trips & Excursions

Vicksburg National Military Park

Start a day trip from Jackson and drive around an hour to reach Vicksburg National Military Park and learn about Civil War history. Once you arrive, it’s best to start at the Visitor Center, where you can watch a short film and pick up a map. The park has a 16 miles driving tour with over 1,300 monuments, markers, and plaques that tell the story of the Siege of Vicksburg. You can stop at different points to see cannons, trenches, and memorials. One of the main stops is the USS Cairo Museum, where you can see a restored Civil War ironclad gunboat and learn about life on the river during the war.

Hattiesburg

From Jackson, a day trip to Hattiesburg takes roughly 1.5 hours drive, covering around 90 miles by car. Once in Hattiesburg, you can start your visit at the Hattiesburg Zoo, a small but friendly place with animals, a splash pad, and a train ride. After that, walk through the All-American Rose Garden at the University of Southern Mississippi, which has hundreds of rose bushes and is free to visit. For lunch, downtown Hattiesburg has local spots with simple food and relaxed settings. Later, you can visit the African American Military History Museum or the Pocket Museum, a tiny space with changing displays.

Meridian

Taking a day trip to Meridian takes nearly 1.5 hours drive from Jackson, and most of the visitors start from the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience, also called The MAX, where you can learn about famous artists, musicians, and writers from the state. Next, you might stop by the MSU Riley Center, a restored theater that sometimes offers tours or shows. After lunch, you can visit the Meridian Museum of Art or walk through Highland Park, which has a playground and picnic spots. If you enjoy trains, the Meridian Railroad Museum is nearby downtown and has displays about the city’s rail history.

Baton Rouge, LA

From Jackson, a day trip to Baton Rouge in Louisiana takes about 3 hours, making it easy to do in one day. Start your visit at the Louisiana State Capitol, the tallest capitol building in the U.S., where you can take an elevator to the top for a view of the city. Not far from there is the Old State Capitol, a historic building that looks like a castle and has a small museum inside. After lunch, visitors can walk along the Mississippi River at the Riverfront Plaza or visit the USS Kidd, a World War II ship turned into a museum. If you enjoy art, the LSU Museum of Art is nearby and features a wide collection of exhibits.

Bienville National Forest

Planning a day trip to Bienville National Forest takes about an hour drive from Jackson, and it covers over 170,000 acres of land. Once you arrive, you can explore hiking paths that go through wooded areas and some trails are open for biking and horseback riding. If you like fishing, there are lakes and streams where you can cast a line. Marathon Lake is a popular spot with a campground, picnic tables, and a boat ramp. You can visit Roosevelt State Park nearby, which has more places to walk, fish, and relax. There are signs along some trails to help you learn about the plants and animals in the area.

De Soto National Forest

From Jackson, a day trip to De Soto National Forest takes around 2 hours drive and it covers more than 500,000 acres of pine woods, streams, and trails. Once you arrive, you can explore hiking paths like the Tuxachanie Trail or the Black Creek Trail, which are known for their stunning views. Black Creek is also Mississippi’s only National Wild and Scenic River, with white sandbars and water that’s good for canoeing or just relaxing by the shore. If you like biking or horseback riding, there are trails for that too. Some areas, like Big Creek Landing, have boat ramps and places to relax and enjoy the view.

Kisatchie National Forest

Taking a day trip to Kisatchie National Forest takes roughly 4 hours long drive from Jackson, covering over 600,000 acres and is filled with pine trees and hardwoods. One of the best places to visit is the Kisatchie Bayou Recreation Complex, where you can hike, fish, picnic, or just relax by the water. The bayou has rocky banks, clear water, and shaded areas, while the campground has tent pads, grills, and lantern posts, though there is no running water, so it’s best to bring your own. The drive to the forest takes you through small towns, where you can stop in Natchitoches or Alexandria for food or gas.

How to Reach Jackson

Jackson is easy and convenient to reach by car, plane, train, or bus. It sits at the meeting point of Interstate 55 and Interstate 20, making it simple to drive in from cities like Memphis, Dallas, or Atlanta. The roads are clearly marked and usually not crowded outside of peak hours. If you’re flying, the Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN) is just 15 minutes from downtown and is served by airlines like American, Delta, Southwest, Frontier, and United, with flights from cities such as Las Vegas, Miami, and San Francisco.

For train travel, Amtrak’s City of New Orleans line stops at Union Station in downtown Jackson, connecting the city to Chicago in the north and New Orleans in the south with daily service. Bus services like Greyhound, FlixBus, and Megabus also stop at Union Station, offering budget-friendly travel to and from places like Birmingham and Houston. Once you get to Jackson, visitors can catch a taxi, or hop on one of the city’s JATRAN buses, which run on set routes and are a low-cost way to travel.

Local Transportation

The Jackson’s main public bus system is called JTRAN, which runs fixed routes and paratransit services Monday through Saturday. Buses usually run from early morning to early evening, and most are wheelchair accessible with ramps and space for mobility devices. There are about 10 routes and over 400 stops across the city, with signs marking each stop. Riders can pay with cash on the bus or buy passes at JTRAN offices.

For those who prefer private rides, taxis are available, and rideshare services like Uber operate throughout Jackson. Some local companies also offer transportation services for groups or special events. If you’re staying downtown, walking is easy, and many places are close together. For longer trips, Union Station in downtown Jackson connects travelers to Amtrak trains and Greyhound or FlixBus routes. Renting a car is another good option, especially if you plan to explore areas outside the city.

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