The birthplace of the blues is a soulful and scenic land characterized by elegant towns, hearty cuisine and diverse, seldom-explored landscapes.
Great artistic legacies have been created in the atmospheric state of Mississippi. The 20th state led to the towering careers of Tennessee Williams, William Faulkner and Oprah Winfrey, while blues music was also born in this storied land. Discover what makes Mississippi so inspiring in its countless cultural attractions and mythic, wildlife-filled landscapes.
Enjoy the various cultural sights of Jackson, Mississippi’s capital and largest city. The Mississippi Children’s Museum, in a park setting along the Pearl River, is one of the most popular attractions in the state and offers interactive exhibits on the heritage and industry of the region. Explore the Mississippi Museum of Art, a welcoming space presenting a variety of sculptures, photographs and paintings.
Learn about Mississippi’s complex history in museums across the state. Places such as the Choctaw Museum celebrate the cultures of the American Indians who lived here prior to the arrival of Europeans in the 16th century. Explore old school grounds in Jackson’s Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center and learn about the civil rights movement and the achievements and challenges of African Americans.
Go on a pilgrimage to some of Mississippi’s musical heritage sites. The Mississippi Blues Trail encompasses legendary venues and homes associated with the birth of the blues. Visit the B.B. King Birthplace, learn about musical history in the Delta Blues Museum and listen to live music at Hal and Mal’s.
Paddle along the waterways and bike down the trails of Mississippi’s beautiful landscapes. Bring your camera for shots of terns, skimmers and other birds along the Mississippi Coastal Birding Trail. Kayak the Pascagoula River, also known as the “Singing River,” or paddle along Black Creek National Wild and Scenic Stream. This area is also popular with hikers tackling Black Creek Trail.
Fly into Biloxi or Jackson for routes into Mississippi from around the U.S. Visit the state in spring or fall, when the days aren’t as humid and hot, for pleasant exploration of the state’s many attractions.
