A diverse and modern city, Jackson is situated just 64.37 km (40 mi) from Atlanta. Known for a rich cultural and historical background, the city features historic homes and all the amenities that are usually available in a big city. Yet, it has managed to retain its small-town charm. A visit to Jackson Square should be definitely on your bucket list where you can stop for some delicious coffee. Foodies and shopaholics will have a great time too as there are numerous eateries and family-owned shops. In plain words, the city has something interesting for everyone. While this green city is an underrated travel destination in America, it has all the charms of a southern town to allure a traveler. From history to art and food to the music, visitors can indulge in a lot of exciting things and would love to return here for more. So, check out these top things to do in Jackson, Mississippi, and cherish your vacation forever.
1. Check out the paintings at Eudora Welty House and Garden
Regarded as one of the country’s most undamaged literary house, the Eudora Welty House is truly a great visual treat for the visitors. Great care has been taken to make sure that the furniture, as well as, the interior and exterior of the house has remained the same as they were in the 1980s when Eudora Welty, a well-known author handed over her house to the U.S. Government. There is so much to explore in this house ranging from thousands of books, the rugs, and the linens and the art pieces which have been left hanging on its walls. This is the same house where the author spent a major chunk of her life. While an online virtual tour is possible, it is always better to visit the place in person. Bookworms will love reading some of the essays and fictions of Welty during their visit.
Eudora Welty House and Garden
Address: 1119 Pinehurst St, Jackson, MS 39202, USA
Website: Eudora Welty House and Garden
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sat, Sun & Mon)
2. Visit the exceptional Mississippi Agricultural & Forestry Museum
The Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum features an ensemble of historical artifacts of the locality and is a living-history farm. It is a must-see spot while you are visiting the city of Jackson. The mission of this museum is to nurture an environment so that that the present and the past agricultural lifestyles of Mississippi can be shared with the visitors. The idea is to create an appreciation and awareness for the agriculture of the state
Mississippi Agricultural & Forestry Museum
Address: 1150 Lakeland Drive, Jackson, MS 39216
Website: Mississippi Agricultural & Forestry Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
3. See the art galleries at Fondren District
Every city boasts a special locality, which is happening and is loved by the visitors and the residents alike. Jackson is not an exception to this rule as the Fondren District features a plethora of entertainment options, great restaurants, charming bakeries and cafes, and local stores. However, what makes the locality even more enticing for the art lovers is a multitude of art galleries here where artists showcase their works for the visitors.
Fondren District
Address: Jackson, MS, USA
Website: Fondren District
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4. Admire American art at the Mississippi Museum of Art
If you thought that paintings are the only items you can see in the Mississippi Museum of Art, think again. The museum is also a thriving and vibrant cultural hub where you can hang out and have fun galore like the locals usually do instead of just staring at the displayed art pieces. The museum exhibits the artwork of both the national artists, as well as, the local artists. If you feel famished, you can always visit one of the food trucks outside. The museum also features a cute on-site cafe where you can enjoy a cuppa and some tidbits.
Mississippi Museum of Art
Address: 380 S Lamar St, Jackson, MS 39201, USA
Website: Mississippi Museum of Art
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Sun)
5. Check out innovative gadgets at the Russell C Davis Planetarium
If your kids are getting a little bored, how about taking them to the Russell C. Davis Planetarium in the city of Jackson? The planetarium hosts educational and entertaining programs all through the year, which will interest and thrill your little ones. It has a mammoth dome that projects the solar system, stars and different scenes from the sky as seen from our planet at any point. One of the biggest facilities of its type in the country, the planetarium has a huge projection dome measuring about 60 feet (18.3 meters).
Russell C Davis Planetarium
Address: 201 E Pascagoula St, Jackson, MS 39201, USA
Website: Russell C Davis Planetarium
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm; Sat: 1pm - 5pm (closed on Sun)
6. Get amazed at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science
Are your little ones traveling with you or do you wish to learn something new? If that is the case, a visit to the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science is a must for you. It offers the perfect setup to explore and enjoy science, aquariums, wildlife, science, and history with your entire family. You can get an opportunity to observe 200 different specifies in this wonderful museum in Jackson. Its outdoor center features lovely natural trails so that the surrounding scenery and the small interesting items ranging from a quaint plant sample to a little fish collected by the museum can be enjoyed thoroughly.
Mississippi Museum of Natural Science
Address: 2148 Riverside Dr, Jackson, MS 39202, USA
Website: Mississippi Museum of Natural Science
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm; Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm
7. Relax with a drink at Parlor Market
Parlor Market enjoys a strategic location in downtown Jackson. This award-winning restaurant in the city offers a superb and unforgettable dining experience so that you will feel like coming back for more. It specializes in seasonal menus and Southern fusion dishes and also boasts a versatile wine selection and a well-stocked bar. This upscale eatery features a marble bar and brick walls, and wooden beams. Drink up their professionally prepared cocktails or you can even order from their wide range of wine choices.
Parlor Market
Address: 115 W Capitol St, Jackson, MS 39201, USA
Website: Parlor Market
Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 11am - 2pm, 5pm - 9pm; Wed - Thu: 11am - 2pm, 5pm - 9.30pm; Fri: 11am - 2pm, 5pm - 10pm; Sat: 5pm - 10pm (closed on Sun)
8. Try Mediterranean cuisine at The Manship Wood Fired Kitchen
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you are a foodie, a visit to The Manship should feature on your itinerary no matter how busy you are. This award-winning gourmet restaurant is set in Jackson’s Belhaven neighborhood. It offers delectable Southern dishes that come with an interesting Mediterranean twist. It is the brainchild of Steven O’Neill and Alex Eaton. The restaurant also features an open bar and comes with an outdoor seating arrangement. The ambiance here is a mix of rustic and chic and will make you feel as if you are in a European country.
The Manship Wood Fired Kitchen
Address: 1200 N State St #100, Jackson, MS 39202, USA
Website: The Manship Wood Fired Kitchen
Opening hours: Mon: 11am - 8pm; Tue - Fri: 11am - 10pm; Sat-: 10am - 10pm; Sun: 11am - 2:30pm
9. Explore The Oaks
The Oak House, also known as The Boyd House and is one of the most ancient houses in the city of Jackson. This charming Greek Revival cottage was constructed in 1853. Located centrally in the city, the house is famous as it remained unscathed even when the city was burnt during the American Civil War. The building has now been declared as a national and state landmark. Also, it is interesting to note that one of the owners of this home was elected the mayor of the city for as many as four times. The Boyd family resided in this home for three generations.
The Oaks
Address: Jackson, Mississippi, United States
Website: The Oaks
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 2pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
10. Wander into the green spaces of Greenwood Cemetery
In case you have an obsession with visiting historic cemeteries like so many other tourists, you will find Greenwood Cemetery an interesting spot in downtown Jackson. The cemetery was set up in 1823 and features a lovely landscape and lots of flowers like magnolias. All residents of the city were allowed to be buried in this cemetery until the 1800s. As the record-keeping was very poor at that time, the identities of several deceased are not known now.
Greenwood Cemetery
Address: Jackson, MS 39202, USA
Website: Greenwood Cemetery
11. Admire the Greek Revival architecture at Mississippi Governor's Mansion
Welcome to the official home of the Governor of the state of Mississippi. The Mississippi Governor’s Mansion is set in the bustling downtown Jackson and was occupied for the first time in 1842. It is America’s second-most ancient governor’s residence. Designed by William Nichols, a famous architect, the Governor’s Mansion has been declared a National Historic Landmark in 1975 and should not be missed if you are vacationing in Jackson.
Mississippi Governor's Mansion
Address: 300 E Capitol St, Jackson, MS 39201, USA
Website: Mississippi Governor’s Mansion
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 9:30am - 11:30am (closed on Sat, Sun & Mon)
12. Travel back in time at the Old Capitol Museum
Old Capitol Museum, also known as Old State Capitol or Old Mississippi State Capitol functioned as the statehouse of Mississippi in the early nineteenth century until 1903. The building has regained its original splendor, thanks to a restoration initiative. Thereafter, the state reopened it for the general public as a museum. Entry is free here and interesting multimedia exhibits throw light on the functions of the judiciary system, governor, and the legislative wing. These interactive exhibits also explain the merits received by the state because of the historic preservation and the kinds of activities that occurred in the building after the construction of the New Capitol in 1903 among others.
Old Capitol Museum
Address: 100 State St, Jackson, MS 39201, USA
Website: Old Capitol Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm (closed on Sun)
13. Tour the remarkable Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum
The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame is situated in Jackson’s LeFleur Museum District. Set up in 1961, The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum showcases the accomplishments of the athletes of the state of Mississippi. The museum boasts of exhibits like the “Viking Classic Exhibit” and “Dizzy Dean Museum” that enumerate the history of the PGA golf tournament of Mississippi. Mementos from the erstwhile Dizzy Dean Museum are included in the exhibit area of this museum. Ever since it was formally opened on July 4, 1996, it has had visitors from all the states of the country, as well as, from many foreign nations.
Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum
Address: 4701, 1152 Lakeland Dr, Jackson, MS 39216, United States
Website: Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun)
14. Eat deleactable seafood at Saltine Restaurant
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
A modern restaurant cum bar in the city of Jackson, Saltine offers delightful fresh seafood, a variety of drinks, and a raw bar. It is a contemporary dining facility in the city where you can savor Southern-style and innovative seafood, as well as, craft cocktails. Its modern oyster bar focuses on Southern dishes while also highlighting seasonal veggies and fresh seafood. The restaurant also features a private dining room that can accommodate a maximum of 20 guests participating in receptions, special events, and conferences.
Saltine Restaurant
Address: 622 Duling Ave, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
Website: Saltine Restaurant
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 11pm; Sun: 10:30am - 9pm
15. Check out interactive exhibits at the Mississippi Children's Museum
In case you are vacationing with your children or wish to explore the inner kid in you alongside them, the Mississippi Children’s Museum is a great place to be in. The museum aims to improve education, overall well-being, and the health of Mississippi’s children. The huge galleries here cover topics related to technology, science, culture, health, literacy, education, as well as, history, which your children will find fascinating. A LIteracy Garden is the most recent addition to this museum, which encourages the kids to develop their language and focuses on experiential artworks.
Mississippi Children's Museum
Address: 2145 Museum Boulevard, Jackson, MS 39202, USA
Website: Mississippi Children’s Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 6pm
16. Taste tacos at Babalu Tapas & Tacos
This is a must-stop place for you to dine with your loved ones when you are in Jackson. Babalu Tapas & Tacos serve amazing Southern-influenced delicious tacos along with tapas and inventive cocktails served in contemporary and lively digs. While the Atun, pork belly and Redfish tacos are truly delicious here, the carnitas is pretty good too. Another innovative feature of the restaurant is that it prepares fresh Guacamole right at your table. The place is also known for Babalu Burger, which is quite a favorite with many customers.
Babalu Tapas & Tacos
Address: 622 Duling Ave, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
Website: Babalu Tapas & Tacos
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 11pm; Sun: 11am - 9pm
17. Admire the Mississippi Petrified Forest
A site of great captivation and beauty, the Mississippi Petrified Forest is located in proximity to Flora in Mississippi. It is a petrified forest, which has private ownership and yet is accessible for public visits. The forest will cast a magical spell on you the moment you enter here. You also cannot miss the sweet fragrance of wildflowers or the pungent scent of the cedar and pine trees while in the forest that has a charm of its own.
Mississippi Petrified Forest
Address: 124 Forest Park Rd, Flora, MS 39071, USA
Website: Mississippi Petrified Forest
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
18. Watch a show at The New Stage Theatre
A perfect venue to enjoy watching a brilliantly produced show on all seasons, The New Stage Theatre produces five plays annually. There is also a kids-only show and a holiday show to entice the little ones. Although the main audience of these productions is the local Mississippian fans who adore the locally created works of the state, it does not mean that visitors who are fond of plays will not enjoy watching them.
The New Stage Theatre
Address: 1100 Carlisle St, Jackson, MS 39202, USA
Website: The New Stage Theatre
19. Pamper yourself at Soul Spa
If you wish to return home with the finest spa experience in Jackson, Soul Spa is an ideal spot for you. Situated in downtown Jackson, the spa offers an array of soothing spa treatments such as body and facial massages. So, get ready to achieve complete peace of body and mind as you cover a journey of holistic massage therapies and body treatments in an urban setting. Your body will get a completely new approach to massage while you will feel rejuvenated and at peace with yourself after your session.
Soul Spa
Address: 407 S Congress St, Jackson, MS 39201, USA
Website: Soul Spa
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9am - 6pm; Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon)
20. See the Lamar Life Building Clock Tower
Constructed in a Gothic Revival style, The Lamar Life Building in Jackson was designed by an architect called Wyatt C. Hedrick. It was previously the state’s tallest building and has a clock on its tower. The beauty of the clock in this wonderful tower is that it still functions properly. The clock has decorative hands pointing to the Roman numerals while its four faces are white. Gold metal has been used for trimming the clock’s faces.
Lamar Life Building
Address: 317 E Capitol St, Jackson, MS 39201, USA
Website: Lamar Life Building
21. Visit the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum
Welcome to the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum that aims to enlighten the people about the Civil Rights Movement in the American state of Mississippi. You will discover fascinating tales of some well-known Mississippians such as Vernon Dahmer, Fannie Lou Hamer, and Medgar Evers and many other people who traveled a long distance to support the movement in the States. The museum was opened in 2017 for the public and has the distinction of being the first museum that has been dedicated to the civil rights movement in the United States of America.
Mississippi Civil Rights Museum
Address: 222 North St #2205, Jackson, MS 39201, USA
Website: Mississippi Civil Rights Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)
22. Check out local art at Brown’s Fine Art and Framing
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Visiting Brown’s Fine Art & Framing in the city of Jackson will be a unique experience for you. After all, there is hardly any other picture framing business in America that can claim to be in the business of picture framing for nearly two centuries like them. You can be certain of having the widest range of custom matting and molding choices when you approach them. You can also choose a framing option based on your budget and financial constraints. So, visit them and feel the difference!
Brown’s Fine Art and Framing
Address: 630 Fondren Pl, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
Website: Brown’s Fine Art and Framing
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun)
23. Explore the exhibits at Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center
You will realize why the Smith Robinson Museum & Cultural Center is a museum with a difference as soon as you enter here. It is dedicated to making the visitors aware of the cultural expressions and the historical background of the people who are of African origin and were slaves once upon a time. The museum is a few steps from the famous State Capitol Building and is a stone’s throw from several other tourist attractions and major companies in downtown Jackson. The museum features a rich collection of exhibits that throw light on the lives of the black Mississippians ever since they were slaves in the state.
Smith Robertson Museum
Address: 528 Bloom St, Jackson, MS 39202, USA
Website: Smith Robertson Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm; Sat: 10am - 1pm (closed on Sun)
24. Enjoy a fresh menu at One Block East
Enjoy fresh and delicious delicacies in one of Jackson’s most popular restaurants called One Block East. The bar menu is excellent here and you can expect prompt delivery and excellent service in this spacious and cool bar cum restaurant. There are dartboards and three pool tables to keep you engaged and entertained. The burgers and Philly cheese sandwich are worth dying for while you can also take your pick from a great assortment of their appetizers.
One Block East
Address: 642 Tombigbee St, Jackson, MS 39201, USA
Website: One Block East
Opening hours: 4pm - 2am (daily)
25. Drink and watch a game at The Bulldog
Watching sports on a TV screen is fun when you have your favorite beer with you at The Bulldog in Jackson. Welcome to The Bulldog, which offers the biggest selection of craft and local beers on tap in the city along with more than 75 varieties in bottles. The bar here is fully stocked and the food choices on the menu are extensive. The ambiance is cozy and charming with an inviting patio, intimate lighting setting, and inviting decor.
The Bulldog
Address: 6111 Ridgewood Rd, Jackson, MS 39211, USA
Website: The Bulldog
Opening hours: Sun - Fri: 11am - 2am; Sat: 11am - 12am
26. Learn some moves at Salsa Mississippi Club & Studio
Posted by Salsa Mississippi Club & Studio on Friday, 6 January 2017
Dancing can be fun galore and can also help you to be in proper shape at the same time. It is a perfect exercise for your soul, as well as, body. At Salsa Mississippi, you will get an excellent chance to not only learn Salsa or other dance forms according to your preference but can also meet interesting persons from various kinds of backgrounds. If you wish to learn Salsa, make sure you wear comfortable clothes and shoes so that your dance movements on the floor are unrestricted.
Salsa Mississippi Club & Studio
Address: 605 Duling Ave, Jackson, MS 39216
Website: Salsa Mississippi Club & Studio
27. Listen to live music at Old Capitol Inn Rooftop Bar
The city of Jackson does not lack places to relax and unwind, especially to enjoy a leisurely drink after office hours. However, what makes this rooftop bar different is that it is one of a kind. An open-air space, this rooftop bar remains open all through the spring, as well as, fall. Spend some relaxed time with your friends with a favorite cocktail and some relaxed foot-tapping live music. The bar does not open in the summer as the weather is uncomfortable for staying out then.
Old Capitol Inn
Address: 226 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39201, United States
Website: Old Capitol Inn
Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 4:30pm - 9:30pm (closed on Sat, Sun, Mon & Tue)
28. See the roses on the lawn of City Hall
Situated in the city of Jackson in Mississippi, Jackson City Hall is the building from where the municipal government functions. It is a short walk from many other prime attractions of the city. The building served as a hospital during the Civil War of America and was not destroyed by the Federal army although they damaged several other buildings in the city. The building boasts a classic beauty, which is further accentuated by the beautiful rose garden. The lawn also has a statue of Andrew Jackson, the former President of the United States. It is in proximity to major attractions such as the Old Capitol Museum and the Governor’s Mansion.
City Hall
Address: 219 S President St, Jackson, MS 39205, USA
Website: City Hall
29. Dance away at Freelons Restaurant Bar & Groove
If you are looking for a great party spot and a hip entertainment venue in Jackson, Mississippi, you have come to the right place. Freelons Restaurant Bar & Groove offers chic lounges, VIP seating area, dance floors, DJs, bars, and more. In short, it offers all the ingredients for a great evening so that you can some relaxed time with your friends or family. It offers one of the finest nightlife experiences in the city.
Freelons Restaurant Bar & Groove
Address: 440 N Mill St, Jackson, MS 39202, USA
Website: Freelons Restaurant Bar & Groove
Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 10pm - 4am (closed from Sun - Thurs)
30. Taste cocktail at The Apothecary at Brent's Drugs
Located strategically in proximity to Brent’s Drugs, The Apothecary at Brent’s Drugs has emerged as a popular spot for the locals over the years. The place is synonymous with small plates, exotic and classic cocktails, and its seasonal and specialty drinks. Its ambiance is simply fantastic and is found in very few other places in Jackson. Also, it is an ideal place to enjoy a couple of drinks after your office hours, spend a laid-back evening, or savor some after-dinner drinks in the company of your favorite people.
The Apothecary at Brent's Drugs
Address: 655 Duling Ave, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
Website: The Apothecary at Brent’s Drugs
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 5pm - 1am; Sat: 5pm - 2am (closed on Sun)
Captivating Jackson
If you are planning for a vacation where you want all your family members to be happy and engaged, look no further. The city of Jackson is an ideal vacation destination for you then. Make sure that these top things to do in Jackson, Mississippi, feature on your itinerary to discover the city well.
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