Jackson, Mississippi: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know that Jackson, Mississippi is the only city in America with a museum entirely funded by a state government specifically dedicated to civil rights history? Known as “The City With Soul,” Jackson offers visitors a rich tapestry of Southern history, culture, and hospitality that goes far beyond what most travelers expect. From powerful civil rights landmarks to vibrant arts districts and mouthwatering Southern cuisine, this capital city delivers an authentic slice of the South that’s both educational and entertaining.

Getting to Jackson

Jackson is easily accessible by air through the Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN), which offers direct flights from major hubs including Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, and Chicago. The airport is located just 15 minutes from downtown, making for a convenient arrival. Check flights to Jackson to find the best deals for your travel dates.

If you prefer driving, Jackson sits at the crossroads of Interstate 55 (running north-south) and Interstate 20 (running east-west), making it easily accessible from New Orleans (3 hours), Memphis (3.5 hours), or Birmingham (3.5 hours). Amtrak’s City of New Orleans line also stops in Jackson for those who enjoy train travel.

Best Time to Visit Jackson

Spring brings beautiful blooms to Jackson’s parks and gardens

The ideal times to visit Jackson are during spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when temperatures are pleasant and outdoor activities are most enjoyable. Spring brings beautiful blooms and festivals, while fall offers comfortable temperatures and cultural events.

Summers (June to August) can be quite hot and humid with temperatures regularly reaching the 90s°F, though this is when you’ll find the most family-friendly activities. Winters are generally mild with occasional cold snaps, but rarely see snow, making Jackson a year-round destination.

Getting Around Jackson

Having your own vehicle is the most convenient way to explore Jackson and its surrounding attractions. Rental cars are readily available at the airport and throughout the city. Jackson’s downtown area is relatively compact and walkable, especially around the Capitol and museum districts.

Public transportation is limited but available through JATRAN buses that serve major areas of the city. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate throughout Jackson and are good options for evenings out or when you don’t want to worry about parking. Taxis are also available but less common.

Top Attractions in Jackson Mississippi

Museums and Historical Sites

The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum offers a powerful look at the state’s civil rights history

Mississippi Civil Rights Museum

The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum stands as one of the most important cultural institutions in the South. This powerful museum doesn’t shy away from Mississippi’s complex racial history, instead confronting it with honest, often emotional exhibits. Eight galleries chronicle the systematic oppression of Black Mississippians and their fight for equality from 1945 to 1976.

The museum’s centerpiece is a stunning light sculpture that illuminates with new lights as visitors move through the space, symbolizing how the movement for civil rights continues to grow. Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours here to fully appreciate the powerful stories and artifacts. The museum is located at 222 North Street and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9am to 5pm, and Sunday from 1pm to 5pm.

Museum of Mississippi History

Located in the same complex as the Civil Rights Museum, the Museum of Mississippi History takes visitors on a 15,000-year journey through the state’s complete history. From the first Native American settlements to contemporary times, the museum’s engaging exhibits showcase the diverse cultural influences that have shaped Mississippi.

Don’t miss the immersive experiences like the recreated 19th-century farm and the “Mississippi Freedom” audio stories that bring historical accounts to life through first-person narratives.

The Mississippi State Capitol is an architectural masterpiece worth exploring

Mississippi State Capitol

The Mississippi State Capitol is an architectural gem that shouldn’t be missed. Built in 1903, this Beaux Arts-style building features a stunning 180-foot dome topped with a solid gold eagle. Free guided tours are available Monday through Friday and take visitors through the ornate chambers where the state’s legislative business takes place.

The building’s interior is equally impressive with grand staircases, stained glass, and intricate marble work. History buffs will appreciate that this is the newer of Jackson’s two capitol buildings – the Old Capitol Museum nearby served as the state’s first permanent capitol from 1839 to 1903 and now houses historical exhibits.

Outdoor Activities

LeFleur’s Bluff State Park offers a peaceful natural escape within the city limits

LeFleur’s Bluff State Park

When you need a break from urban exploration, LeFleur’s Bluff State Park offers 305 acres of natural beauty right in the heart of Jackson. The park features scenic hiking trails, fishing opportunities at Mayes Lake, picnic areas, and a 9-hole golf course.

The park is also home to the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, where you can explore Mississippi’s diverse ecosystems through aquariums, exhibits, and nature trails. It’s a perfect destination for families or anyone looking to enjoy Mississippi’s natural beauty without leaving the city.

Mississippi Petrified Forest

Just a short drive from Jackson, the Mississippi Petrified Forest offers a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric times. This natural wonder features the fossilized remains of an ancient forest that existed over 36 million years ago. A nature trail winds through the forest, allowing visitors to see these remarkable stone trees up close.

The on-site Earth Science Museum enhances the experience with exhibits on fossilization and prehistoric life. Kids especially enjoy the gem mining flume where they can search for treasures to take home.

Arts and Culture

The vibrant Fondren District is Jackson’s creative hub with unique shops and restaurants

Fondren District

The Fondren District is Jackson’s hippest neighborhood and cultural hub. This walkable area is filled with colorful buildings housing independent boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and coffee shops. Street art adorns many buildings, making even a simple stroll visually engaging.

Visit Thimblepress for locally designed stationery and gifts, or browse the vinyl selection at Offbeat. The district comes alive during Fondren After 5, a monthly event featuring live music, food, and extended shopping hours on the first Thursday of each month.

Mississippi Museum of Art

The Mississippi Museum of Art houses an impressive collection of American art with a special focus on Mississippi artists and themes. The permanent collection includes works spanning from pre-Columbian times to contemporary pieces, with notable works by Southern artists like Walter Anderson and William Dunlap.

After exploring the galleries, step outside to enjoy the Art Garden, a beautiful 1.2-acre public green space featuring outdoor sculptures, native plantings, and a performance stage. The museum regularly hosts special exhibitions, events, and art classes for all ages.

Where to Eat in Jackson

Jackson’s restaurants serve up authentic Southern soul food and modern culinary creations

Southern Cuisine and Soul Food

Jackson’s food scene is a celebration of Southern culinary traditions with restaurants serving up soul-satisfying classics. The Mayflower Café, Jackson’s oldest operating restaurant (since 1935), is famous for its seafood and signature comeback sauce. For authentic soul food, Bully’s Restaurant offers award-winning smoked ribs, oxtails, and fried chicken with all the traditional sides.

The Farmer’s Table focuses on farm-to-table Southern cuisine using locally sourced ingredients, while Sugar’s Place serves up some of the best breakfast and lunch plates in town. Don’t leave Jackson without trying a Mississippi classic: comeback sauce, a versatile condiment somewhere between remoulade and Thousand Island dressing that locals put on everything from salads to fried foods.

Modern Dining and Craft Beverages

For more contemporary dining, head to Parlor Market in downtown Jackson, where chefs create innovative dishes using traditional Southern ingredients in a historic building with exposed brick walls. CAET Wine Bar in the Fondren District offers an impressive wine selection alongside small plates and seafood.

Coffee enthusiasts should visit Cups Espresso Café, a local chain that roasts their own beans, while those looking for something stronger can enjoy craft cocktails at The Apothecary at Brent’s Drugs, a speakeasy-style bar hidden behind a classic soda fountain.

Deep South Pops offers unique treats like gourmet popsicles paired with local beer or coffee

Unique Food Experiences

For a truly unique Jackson experience, visit Deep South Pops, where handcrafted popsicles in flavors like blackberry lavender and cold brew coffee can be dunked into local beer or coffee for an unexpected treat. Their motto of “dip, lick, drink, repeat” has created a loyal following among locals.

Another Jackson original is Brent’s Drugs, a 1946 soda fountain that still serves classic malts, shakes, and sandwiches in a retro setting that’s appeared in several films. In the evening, it transforms with The Apothecary speakeasy opening in the back.

Where to Stay in Jackson

The Westin Jackson offers luxury accommodations in the heart of downtown

Jackson offers accommodations for every budget and preference, from luxury hotels to charming bed and breakfasts. Find the perfect place to stay for your Jackson adventure.

Downtown and Convention Center Area

For business travelers or those wanting to be close to museums and government buildings, downtown Jackson offers several quality options. The Westin Jackson is the city’s premier luxury hotel, featuring spacious rooms, a full-service spa, and the refined Estelle Wine Bar & Bistro. The Hilton Garden Inn Jackson Downtown occupies the historic King Edward Hotel building and combines modern amenities with architectural charm.

Fondren and North Jackson

If you prefer to stay near Jackson’s trendiest neighborhood, the Homewood Suites by Hilton in Fondren puts you within walking distance of the district’s restaurants, shops, and nightlife. For longer stays, these suite-style accommodations offer full kitchens and separate living areas.

North Jackson and the Ridgeland area offer additional chain hotels with easy access to the interstate and Highland Village shopping center. The Residence Inn Jackson provides apartment-style suites ideal for families or extended stays.

Unique Accommodations

For a more intimate experience, the Fairview Inn is Jackson’s only historic boutique hotel, set in a Colonial Revival mansion with 18 individually decorated rooms, a day spa, and the Library Lounge serving craft cocktails. Another unique option is the Old Capitol Inn, a bed and breakfast with a lovely rooftop garden that hosts live music events.

Family-Friendly Activities

The Mississippi Children’s Museum offers hands-on learning experiences for kids of all ages

Mississippi Children’s Museum

The Mississippi Children’s Museum is a must-visit for families, offering 40,000 square feet of interactive exhibits designed to spark curiosity and creativity. The five themed galleries cover health and nutrition, Mississippi heritage, literacy, cultural arts, and science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

Kids can explore a giant Mississippi map they can walk on, learn about healthy eating in the “Healthy Fun” gallery, or express themselves through music and art in the cultural arts area. Outside, the Literacy Garden and Pollinator’s Playground continue the learning experience with nature-based activities.

Jackson Zoological Park

The Jackson Zoo houses over 200 species from around the world in a historic setting at Livingston Park. Highlights include the African rainforest area with chimpanzees and colobus monkeys, the Wilderness Mississippi area showcasing native species, and the Asian Gardens featuring tigers and red pandas.

The zoo also offers a splash pad for cooling off during hot days, a carousel, and a train ride that circles the grounds. Educational programs and feeding demonstrations take place throughout the day, making for an entertaining and informative visit.

Mississippi Museum of Natural Science

Located within LeFleur’s Bluff State Park, the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science combines indoor exhibits with outdoor exploration. Inside, you’ll find aquariums filled with native fish, reptile exhibits featuring alligators and turtles, and displays about Mississippi’s diverse ecosystems.

The museum’s nature trails allow families to experience these ecosystems firsthand, while the interactive Discovery Room gives kids the chance to get hands-on with natural artifacts. The greenhouse called “The Swamp” houses native wetland plants and animals, including live alligators.

Annual Events and Festivals

Jackson’s music festivals celebrate the city’s rich musical heritage

Jackson’s event calendar is packed with festivals and celebrations throughout the year that showcase the city’s culture, music, and food.

Spring Events

The Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade in March is one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the South, featuring elaborate floats, marching bands, and a festive atmosphere throughout downtown. April brings the Fondren Unwrapped spring edition, when the Fondren District’s businesses stay open late with special promotions, live music, and food vendors lining the streets.

Summer Celebrations

The Mississippi Book Festival in August transforms the grounds of the State Capitol into a literary lawn party with author panels, book signings, and activities for readers of all ages. Music lovers shouldn’t miss the Jackson Rhythm and Blues Festival, which brings national and regional acts to multiple stages for two days of soulful performances.

Fall and Winter Festivities

The Mississippi State Fair runs for 12 days in October, featuring agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, and plenty of fair food. A unique Jackson tradition is CelticFest in September, celebrating Celtic heritage with music, dance, and cultural displays.

Winter brings the Chimneyville Crafts Festival, showcasing the work of regional artisans, and the Mississippi Blues Marathon in January, which combines the state’s musical heritage with a Boston Marathon qualifier race.

Practical Tips for Visitors

Jackson’s downtown skyline features a mix of historic and modern architecture

Weather Considerations

Jackson’s humid subtropical climate means summers can be hot and muggy, so if visiting between June and August, plan outdoor activities for mornings and evenings. Always carry water and wear sunscreen. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures but can bring occasional rain showers, so pack a light raincoat or umbrella.

Local Etiquette

Southern hospitality is real in Jackson. Expect friendly conversations with strangers and don’t be surprised if someone calls you “honey” or “sugar” – it’s a term of endearment, not condescension. Politeness goes a long way, so remember your “please” and “thank you.” When invited to someone’s home, a small gift like flowers or a dessert is appreciated.

Safety Information

Like any city, Jackson has areas that are more tourist-friendly than others. Downtown, Fondren, and the museum district are generally safe during daylight hours. Use standard urban precautions: be aware of your surroundings, avoid isolated areas after dark, and keep valuables secure. The city has made significant improvements to safety in tourist areas in recent years.

Money-Saving Tips

Many of Jackson’s attractions offer discounted admission on certain days or combined tickets for multiple venues. The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and Museum of Mississippi History offer a combined ticket that saves on individual admission prices. LeFleur’s Bluff State Park provides access to nature trails at no cost, though there is a small fee to enter the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science located within the park.

Day Trips from Jackson

Natchez offers beautifully preserved antebellum homes just a short drive from Jackson

While Jackson offers plenty to keep visitors busy, several fascinating destinations within a short drive make for perfect day trips.

Natchez (2 hours southwest)

The historic city of Natchez sits perched on bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River and boasts the largest collection of antebellum homes in the South. Visit during the Spring or Fall Pilgrimage when many private historic homes open for tours. Don’t miss Longwood, the largest octagonal house in America, left unfinished when the Civil War began.

Vicksburg (45 minutes west)

Vicksburg National Military Park preserves the site of a pivotal Civil War battle and features over 1,400 monuments and markers, a restored Union gunboat, and a national cemetery. The charming downtown area offers antique shops, restaurants, and riverfront views of the mighty Mississippi.

Oxford (3 hours north)

Home to the University of Mississippi (“Ole Miss”), Oxford has a vibrant literary heritage as the hometown of William Faulkner. Tour his home, Rowan Oak, then explore the charming town square with its independent bookstore, Square Books, and numerous restaurants. The town’s cultural scene punches well above its weight for a small Southern city.

Experience the Soul of Jackson

Jackson, Mississippi offers visitors a genuine Southern experience that combines powerful history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. From tracing the footsteps of civil rights heroes to savoring authentic Southern cuisine and exploring the natural beauty of the region, Jackson rewards travelers who take the time to discover its many facets.

Whether you’re drawn by the city’s museums, its musical heritage, or simply the chance to experience a different slice of American culture, Jackson welcomes you with open arms and countless stories to share. As locals proudly say, this truly is “The City With Soul” – and that soul is waiting for you to discover it.