Jackson is both the most populous and the capital city of Mississippi. Although it might not be as well known as some of the other bigger cities in the south like Atlanta or New Orleans, that doesn’t mean Jackson is lacking in culture, history, and things to do.
In this post, we’re going to show you what you’ve been missing out on when it comes to Jackson, Mississippi. This quick guide is going to give you the perfect entry guide into spending some time in Jackson.
Things to do in Jackson
Thinking of spending some time in Jackson? Here are just a few of the many activities you can enjoy while you’re there.
Mississippi State Capitol
If the Mississippi State Capitol looks familiar, that’s because it’s modeled after Washington DC’s Capitol Building. Both the current capitol building and the Old Capitol Building (which is just a few blocks away) are available for public viewings and tours. The Old Capitol Building also has a museum inside that highlights some of Mississippi history.
Fondren District
Go to almost any city in the world, and you’ll find some people who are just ‘in the know.’ They’ve got the beat on what’s happening and cool in the area. In Jackson, the Fondren District is where tons of interesting things happen. You’ll find boutique shops with artisan crafts, local food sellers, and some entertainment venues too.
Mississippi Museum of Art
Museums are always great cultural experiences. But in Jackson, the Mississippi Museum of Art is a big part of community life too. It’s the largest art museum in the state, so it gets the lion share of exhibits, visitors, and cool events each year.
Buddy Butts Park
Lots of cities have green spaces. But you’re not going to find a park like Buddy Butts Park anywhere in the world. What makes it so special? It’s home to a former German POW camp during WW II. The major project for the POWs was to build a scale model replica of the entire Mississippi River Basin. While overgrown, the area is open to the public.
Mississippi Civil Rights Museum
Another can’t miss museum in Jackson is the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. It tells the stories of the Civil Rights Movement from inception to the battles that are still being fought today. You’ll get an amazing perspective of the struggles of African Americans faced and the steps they took to get equal rights both in and out of Mississippi.
Getting There
In terms of planning your road trip to Jackson, it’s very easy. Jackson is right at the intersection of two major interstate highways. Route 20 runs East-West through many other Southern cities including Atlanta and Dallas. And Route 55 runs North-South from Louisana to Illinois.Â
Jackson, MS is just about three hours from Birmingham, Memphis, New Orleans, and Shreveport. That makes it an excellent choice for a quick weekend getaway too.Â
