Mississippi, better known as a prominent part of the “deep south,” is where accents flow like the Delta, and the roots are as thick and rich as its culture. Jackson is the capital of the Magnolia State, Mississippi. The city is known for plenty of things, including its capitol building, which was built on an old, inactive volcano. Jackson, Mississippi, is home to good, comforting, slow-cooked soul food, southern heritage, African American history, and an abundance of museums. Jackson offers an activity-filled getaway with southern hospitality that we all appreciate. If you’re ever riding through Jackson, Mississippi, you may want to slow down and enjoy these few city attractions filled with history and charm.
Mississippi Freedom Trail
The Mississippi Freedom Trail runs down the Delta with approximately 30 civil rights markers, 10 being in Jackson per the Freedom Trail. The markers that are currently in Jackson include:
- Bombings in Jewish Community
- Capitol Rally
- Cofo Central Offices
- Greyhound Bus Station
- Jackson Municipal Library Sit-in
- Jackson State University Tragedy
- Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument
- Tougaloo College
- WLBT-TV
- Woolworth’s Sit-in
This trail runs from the northern region all the way to the southern region. The list above comprises most of the central region of markers, with the exception of the markers in Canton (Madison County Movement), Belzoni (The Reverend George Lee), and Mayersville (Unita Blackwell).
Lefleur’s Bluff State Park
This park features 305 acres with an 18-hole disc golf course, fishing, camping, nature trails, and picnic areas. This park includes museums like the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science and the Mississippi Children’s Museum.
The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science relies on scientific study and conservation research for functioning purposes. The museum displays exhibits such as habitats, fossils, aquariums, dinosaur models, and other wildlife experiences. Their website includes updated weekly events, and there are camp and volunteer options as well.
Mississippi Children’s Museum offers exhibits that teach children in their language. The museum has seasonal exhibitions and fun, interactive activities for the youth, including its new Paw Patrol exhibit.
Mississippi Civil Rights Museum
As we know, Mississippi is a state that played a huge role in the Civil Rights Movement, where many of its leaders and citizens marched, participated in sit-ins, and protested for equal rights for all people. According to the official site of the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, the galleries include:
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- This Little Light of Mine
- Mississippi’s Freedom Struggle
- A Tremor in the Iceberg
- Black Empowerment
- Mississippi in Black and White
- A Closed Society
- I Question America
- Where do we go From Here?
The Jackson Zoo
The Jackson Zoo sits on 79 acres, originally known as the Livingston Park Zoo since the land was acquired from Samuel Livingston in 1916. The Zoo has survived the Great Depression and underwent plenty of changes, including partnerships with Jackson State University. It is also home to many unique exhibits, such as The Endangered Species Carousel, which was introduced in 2004.
Mississippi Hall of Fame
This Hall of Fame includes a museum that opened July 4, 1996. The Mississippi Hall of Fame would be a meaningful attraction for sports lovers of all ages and backgrounds. The website has a class of inductees for 2024 with a special Induction Weekend, Aug. 2-3, 2024. The 2024 induction was especially exciting since the New York Giants quarterback, Eli Manning, will be inducted.
Next time you travel through Mississippi, I recommend you stop and take advantage of some of these attractions in Jackson. Not only does Jackson offer amazing scenery, but a plethora of unique, historic, and fun events as well.
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