10 Best Things to Do in Mississippi

The Mississippi State Capitol, also called the New Capitol, has been the seat of the state government since 1903 when it replaced the old statehouse. Today, it's a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Architecture buffs are sure to love the breathtaking beaux-arts architecture, while those who are interested in how government works will enjoy a tour of the building to see where the political magic happens. It's a family-friendly destination that offers the best of history and educational experiences.

The Vicksburg National Military Park is an important historic site that's a famed battlefield where the Civil War's Battle of Vicksburg happened between March 29 and July 4, 1863. Aside from the site of the battle itself, there's a museum here that commemorates the entire Vicksburg Campaign that culminated in the crucial battle. Here, you'll find monuments, information, documentation, and even artifacts dating back to the War Between the States. The park is open to the public and is also the home of the USS Cairo Museum.

The USS Cairo may be one of the most important battleships in the entire history of the United States and even the world. The very first warship built in the U.S. that was ironclad, it was the original City Class gunboat and was named for the city of Cairo, Illinois. The USS Cairo was essential in the capture of the Confederate garrison at Fort Pillow, which was a major Union victory in the Civil War. Today, the ship stands as the centerpiece of a museum that commemorates that battle and the war in general.

The Lynn Meadows Discovery Center offers a wild, fun, and educational time for kids. This children's museum is housed in a former schoolhouse that dates to the early 20th century and features tons of interactive, hands-on exhibits situated over 15,000 square feet that combine education and entertainment. A few features include a colossal climbing structure, an art studio, bear camp bayou, and more. The kids will also enjoy all the casual fun they want in the outdoor play area.

Longwood is a historic mansion that has an unusual octagonal shape and was built during the post-war antebellum period. It's currently a National Historic Landmark and is registered on the National Register of Historic Places. The mansion, also known as Nutt's Folly, is among the largest octagonal homes in the entire United States. The architectural style is Moorish Revival, and the entire building is breathtakingly ornate. It's open as a museum, and you can take tours to learn all about its history and iconic status.

A visit to the Rosalie Mansion and Gardens allows you to take a step back in time to the early 19th century, before the Civil War. This mansion was built in 1823 and quickly became iconic. It inspired a wide range of mansions in the Greek Revival style, influencing architecture all across the region. It still stands today furnished much as it was in its original era, so you can walk through to see the details of the architecture and the antique furnishings and to learn all about the history of the building and the influence it had.

At the Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum in Tupelo, Mississippi, fans of The King of Rock n Roll can see the late singer's birthplace and childhood home. You can tour the small and modest home where Presley spent his childhood years and learn about what those years entailed, including how he became one of the most iconic figures in the history of music. The site also has a chapel and the Assembly of God church where his family worshipped. This museum is listed on the Mississippi Blues Trail.

The B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center is much more than a museum dedicated to King's iconic art and life. It's also a museum dedicated to the Delta Blues, whose mission is to "empower, unite and heal through music, art and education and share with the world the rich cultural heritage of the Mississippi Delta." From musical exhibits and artifacts to hands-on workshops, this is a music museum that has it all.

The Beauvoir estate is an iconic location of the South. It was the home of Jefferson Davis, the president of the Confederate States of America during the Civil War, during his retirement years. Originally constructed in 1848, it came into the possession of the Dorsey family in 1873 and was purchased by Davis in 1879 as a retirement home. Today, it stands as a museum and library dedicated to the history of the South, with public tours available. It's also the home of a veterans cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Confederate Soldier. For fans of Civil War history, this mansion and estate is a vital must-visit location.