Mississippi Road Trip: Top Landmarks and Scenic Spots

Deep-rooted Southern charm, history and stunning scenery abound in Mississippi, a state that shimmers from the Mississippi River to the Gulf Coast.

If you’re ready to glimpse a piece of genuine Southern life, here’s a guide to the best trailheads and sites you can’t miss on your Mississippi road trip.

1. Natchez Trace Parkway

The Natchez Trace Parkway Perhaps starting with the granddaddy of them all, the Natchez Trace Parkway is one of the most scenic drives in the South.

This historic passage has been used by Native Americans, early explorers and settlers. After all, this more than 400-mile route runs from Natchez, Miss., to Nashville, Tenn., and showcases lush landscapes, historical landmarks and lots of trails.

You can stop along the way to check out the Emerald Mound, one of the largest Native American ceremonial mounds in the United States, or hike the Cypress Swamp for a close-up view of Mississippi’s wetlands.

The Parkway has ample scenic pull-offs, ideal for photos, picnics and absorbing the state’s quiet beauty.

2. Vicksburg National Military Park

The story: If you’re a history buff, a visit to Vicksburg National Military Park is not to be missed. This landmark commemorates the Battle of Vicksburg, a pivotal moment in the Civil War.

The park spans more than 1,800 acres and contains hundreds of monuments and cannons, and the USS Cairo, a Civil War-era ironclad warship.

The park’s scenic drive provides breathtaking views of the Mississippi River, while guided tours and interpretive exhibits can be found along the way.

Walking the battlefield and picturing what happened there provides an appreciation for Mississippi’s importance to history that can only be understood on the ground.

3. Natchez Historic District

Natchez is among Mississippi’s oldest towns and a trove of Southern history and antebellum architecture.

Natchez Historic District, with more than 1,000 historic buildings — many of them beautifully maintained mansions, churches and homes — is like traveling back in time.

The town features tours of larger homes such as Longwood (an uncompleted octagonal mansion) and Stanton Hall (a stunning Greek Revival-style house).

Be sure to catch a sunset at Natchez Bluff for panoramic vistas of the Mississippi River or come during Spring or Fall Pilgrimage, when private historic homes open to the public.

4. Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo

Animal lovers can make a fun stop at the Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo, where you can get surprisingly close to a herd of American buffalo.

Located outside of Tupelo, the park is home to bison, camels, zebras and other exotic animals.

Another unique aspect that adding this on to any Mississippi road trip is that the park also has a safari-style tour, which allows visitors to see the animals in what are more naturalized settings.

It’s a nice place for families that want to enjoy nature and a little bit of wildlife.

5. Oxford Square

Known as Mississippi’s cultural and intellectual capital, Oxford is home to the University of Mississippi, and it has a literary quality that’s challenging to resist.

Go for a walk around Oxford Square, home to the famous Square Books, a favorite indie bookstore where writers such as William Faulkner once strolled.

Visit the historic Lafayette County Courthouse, have coffee at a local cafe, then feel the city’s artsy and laid-back vibe.

Its other Voltairean prize is Rowan Oak, Faulkner’s former residence, a place that provides insight into the life of one of America’s greatest writers.

6. Gulf Islands National Seashore Prices

More than Beaches on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast Gulf Islands National Seashore runs between Mississippi and Florida and offers stunning views of ocean, marsh and protected barrier islands.

This region is perfect for lounging, bird watching or kayaking, thanks to the pristine white-sand beaches and the sparkling blue waters.

If you feel more adventurous, take a ferry out to Ship Island where you can tour Fort Massachusetts and hang out on some of the most pristine beaches in the region.

Gulf Islands is a destination for those who want to relax and enjoy the coastal beauty of Mississippi.

7. Mississippi Petrified Forest

This distinctive natural phenomenon near Flora, Miss., is the only petrified forest in the eastern United States.

Over millions of years, fallen wood was petrified, the stone creating a surreal landscape where trails traverse through slopes of ancient petrified wood.

A stroll through the forest is like stepping back through time, and the interpretive museum provides information about the region’s geology and natural history.

It’s a tranquil place that’s worth the slight diversion for its occasional oddball, but often striking sights.

8. Clarksdale and the Delta Blues Trail

Mississippi is the birthplace of the blues and no drive through the state would be complete without a stop in Clarksdale.

Check out the Delta Blues Museum, hear live blues music at Red’s Lounge or Ground Zero Blues Club, and follow the Mississippi Blues Trail markers to learn about the state’s musical heritage.

You’ll want to get the full experience, so stop by Dockery Farms, one of the founding sites of blues music.

Exploring the blues route is a way of understanding the cultural roots and influences behind this genre and the creation of the music born in the Mississippi Delta.