Things to do in Jackson, Mississippi

Visit the Old Capitol Building built in 1839 and the New Capitol Building built recently in 1903.

Guided tours are available in the Old Capitol Building which is now a museum. Visitors can witness Senate and House sessions from the public gallery area, in the New Capitol Building. Both the buildings are declared as National historic Landmarks.

Visit the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science to enjoy a huge aquarium with more than 200 aquatic species.

There’s also a greenhouse housing alligators and turtles. One can find some unique fossil collection and many interesting exhibits. There are numerous nature trails around where you can enjoy with your family. It is located inside the LeFleur’s Bluff State Park which is 305 acres of hiking trails, golf courses, and picnic areas.

Does history interest you? If yes, you need to visit The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum to witness the beautiful exhibits that take you back to the 1970s. You actually can feel the sorrow of people who were treated as slaves and those who fought for their rights. There are numerous photos, films, quotes, and a lot of information about the activists.

You can also visit The Museum of Mississippi History which is in the same complex. It has numerous modern exhibits about people and artifacts of 13,000 BC and about different cultures in the past.

Witness the magic of art at The Mississippi Museum of Art. It has a vast collection of more than 5500 specimens including paintings and sculptures, arranged as per timeline. Do spend some time on the terrace and in the garden to relax. Also, the café and the food trucks serve delicious dishes here.

Explore The Mississippi Governor’s Mansion to witness the ancient Greek architecture built in 1840. It is the second oldest occupied governor residence and is listed as a National historic landmark.

The Mississippi Children’s Museum includes 50,000 square feet of interesting and educational exhibits. You can learn about health, arts, culture, and science and technology in their interactive exhibits. There are climbing walls and music & dance rooms. Everything here is so bright and creative that you can’t help but be a child yourself!

Visit writer Eudora Welty’s house where you can read over 15000 letters that were found after her death in 2001. She lived there for more than 75 years and most of her essays and fictions were written here. The whole house is filled with beautiful paintings, photos, and vast collection of books.

If you are a sports enthusiast, you should head over to The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum. It has an impressive collection of Super Bowl MVP trophies and Olympic gold medals.

The Mississippi Petrified Forest is another attraction that is situated just two miles away from Jackson. It is a stunning forest where you feel that time has stood still. Here, you can see various fossils, dinosaur footprints, and also bones of a whale.

Learn astronomy at The Russell C Davis Planetarium. This is one of the best ones in the South and features a stunning full dome experience. There are a few film screenings, laser light shows, and festivals also happening here.

Visit The Jackson Zoo to see almost 200 species of animals. Animals here include tiger, leopard, monkeys, chimpanzees, bears, wolves, and various birds. There is a cute train ride and a splash pad to cool off.

Visit the art district of Fondren to immerse yourself in their quirky vibe. There are plenty of galleries to visit, live music to enjoy, and many more activities here. You can also try a salsa or a zumba class here.

Babalu Tapas & Tacos is one of the famous eateries for sandwiches, cocktails, and appetizers. The Manship Wood Fired Kitchen is famous for its Mediterranean and Southern cuisine. McAlister’s Deli is another restaurant famous for delicious delicacies like soups, sandwiches, salads, and their sweet tea.

You may head over to Hal and Mal’s for live music, good food, and a perfect retro ambience. The oldest distillery named Cathead Distillery is another option. Also, try the healthy but utterly delicious popsicles from Deep South Pops.

Last but not the least, experience a relaxing massage. After you’re tired of all the sightseeing, head over to the Soul Spa in Westin, Jackson.