The 20 Places You Should Go In Mississippi In 2017

Today is the first day of 2017, which means it’s the perfect time to start making plans for the upcoming year. One thing that should definitely be on your bucket list for 2017 is to get out and explore the great state we are fortunate enough to call home. Luckily for you, we took the liberty of putting together a list of must-see, must-visit places throughout the state. So, without further ado, here are 20 places in Mississippi you should definitely visit in 2017.

Jeff Baldock/Creative Visions

Opened in the late-1800s, The Simmons-Wright Company is the oldest general store in the state. Still in operation today, it’s filled with a variety of new and vintage merchandise, which includes antiques that have been in the store for decades. The place even serves home-cooked meals, only further adding to reasons you should visit this iconic store.

Learn more about The Simmons-Wright Company in "The Oldest General Store In Mississippi Has A Fascinating History."

Visit Mississippi/Flickr

The Tupelo Buffalo Park is home to nearly 300 animals, and the best way to see them all is a guided tour, which will get you up-close and personal with buffalo, camels, zebras, giraffes, and more. Taking part in a tour also means you’ll have the opportunity to feed the animals, making for an unforgettable experience. There’s also a petting zoo, pony rides, and numerous exhibits.

Learn more about the Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo in " The Unique Park Everyone In Mississippi Should Visit At Least Once."

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Amy Allmand

Once a hangout for local criminals, Natchez’s Under-the-Hill area now features restaurants, bars, shops, and great views of the Mighty Mississippi. The historic district is located on Silver Street and includes local favorites, such as the Under the Hill Saloon and the Magnolia Grill.

Learn more about Natchez Under-The-Hill in "This Historic District In Mississippi Has A Creepy Past."

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There’s no shortage of sites to see and things to do at this 400-acre park, which features forts, a historic cemetery, museum, campgrounds, picnic areas, hiking trails, an observation tower and several restored buildings.

Learn more about Grand Gulf Military Park in "The Amazing Historic Park Hiding In Mississippi You’ll Definitely Want To Visit."

Michael Babb/Facebook

If you have yet to visit this Iuka treasure, 2017 is the year to change that. Referred to as Chalk Mine Hollow, the abandoned chalk mine is about the size of a Wal-Mart and includes three long tunnels, which are connected by numerous passageways. Although the site is not attended, locals have hiked to the mine and explored its interior for years now.

Learn more about Chalk Mine Hollow in "This Hidden Destination In Mississippi Is A Secret Only Locals Know About."

Canton Tourism/Facebook

Known throughout the south as "The Flea Market," this Canton event attracts up to 1,000 craftsmen and vendors from all across the country and has even been ranked among the "Top Twenty Events in the Southeast." And since it’s held twice a year (the second Thursday in May and October), you’ll have two chances to check out the nationally renowned flea market for yourself in 2017.

Learn more about the Canton Flea Market in "Everyone In Mississippi Should Visit This Epic Flea Market At Least Once."

Mandias/Flickr

Located in the small town of Iuka, Mineral Springs Park is far from your typical park. Teeming with history and beauty, the Iuka gem is home to several natural springs, which, at one time, were notorious for their healing powers, attracting visitors from all over the country and even being named the "best water in the United States" by a panel of judges at the St. Louis World’s Fair. As of today, three of the six springs are still flowing, which means you can try the infamous water for yourself.

Learn more about Mineral Springs Park in "The Story Of This Mississippi Park Will Surely Astonish You."

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Located on the Great River Road Historic Byway, this state park was officially closed in 2011 but has since been re-opened on a limited basis. Head to Great River Road State Park and spend the day checking out the Mississippi River from the park’s 75’ observation tower, fishing in Perry Martin Lake, or enjoying an outdoor lunch in the designated picnic area.

Learn more about Great River Road State Park in "Most People Have No Idea Mississippi Has A Lost State Park…And It’s Stunning."

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Marie F./TripAdvisor

Stepping back in time is as simple as visiting this Richton gem, where you’ll find an authentic farm and fully-operational general store. Even better, the store includes a café and bakery, which offers home cooked meals and fresh-baked goodies on a daily basis. The charming farm also hosts a slew of events throughout the year, including the much-anticipated Pecan Festival.

Learn more about this unique attraction in "Fulmer’s General Store In Mississippi Is Too Charming For Words."

Roy Blackwell, Jr./Flickr

St. John’s Episcopal Church was built in Glen Allan around 1830, making it one of the first churches in the Delta. During the Civil War, the church’s stained glass windows were removed and used to make ammunition, marking the beginning of the church’s demise. St. John’s was further damaged when a tornado hit the area in 1907. Today, the ruins of the church are one of the most photographed historic sites in the state.

Learn more about St. Mary’s in "The Remnants Of This Abandoned Church In Mississippi Are Hauntingly Beautiful."

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Hidden in the hills along the Chunky River, this secluded water park is ideal for all sorts of water activities and is home to the tallest waterfall in the state, Dunn’s Falls. There’s also a historic grist mill, which is available for touring, and a hiking trail that follows the banks of the Chunky River and traverses a suspended overlook, before winding around a pond and the waterfall, offering exceptional views of the park’s breathtaking scenery.

Learn more about Dunn’s Falls in "This Waterfall Swimming Hole In Mississippi Is Perfect For A Summer Day."

Kim Hunt/Picture Mississippi Photography

Perfect for all those nature lovers out there, this 25-acre water park is located in Simpson County on Rials Creek. No, there aren’t any waterslides here but the park does feature a beautiful waterfall, an old-fashioned swimming hole, and a sand and rock creek-side beach. And since Rials Creek is spring fed, the water is nice and cold all year long.

Learn more about Merit Water Park in "This Swimming Spot Has The Clearest, Most Pristine Water In Mississippi."

Lake Tiak-O’Khata/TripAdvisor

From the gorgeous lake to the onsite restaurant, this family owned resort is the perfect place to spend a hot summer day. You can even turn your day trip into an overnight stay since the resort also includes cabins, a lakeside motel, and an RV Park.

Learn more about Lake Tiak-O’Khata in "This Little Known Resort In Mississippi Will Be Your New Favorite Summer Destination."

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Janie Fortenberry/Photography with a Southern Accent/Vicksburg, Mississippi

Fill up on history and great food at this historic general store in Learned. First opened in 1892, Gibbes still operates as a store but also serves as something else – one of the top steak restaurants in the state. That’s right; the small store has garnered a reputation for its amazing food, which includes perfectly cooked, juicy steaks. Be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to explore the quaint store, which is filled with everyday items as well as some that are sure to give you a feeling of nostalgia.

Learn more about H.D. Gibbes & Sons in "This Mississippi General Store Is Too Charming For Words."

Scott Breazeale/Facebook

Known as "Mississippi’s Little Grand Canyon," this geologic formation has been created by the natural erosion of the nearby Pearl River. Standing at approximately 400 feet above sea level, Red Bluff consists of exposed red clay, soil, sand, and other sediments. Unlike its famous counterpart, this amazing site is forever growing as it continues to naturally erode.

Learn more about Red Bluff in "Mississippi’s Little Grand Canyon Is Too Beautiful For Words."

Landrum’s Homestead & Village/Facebook

A replica of a standard 1800s settlement, Landrum’s Homestead and Village offers visitors an experience like no other. History comes to life at this Laurel attraction thanks to over 60 buildings and displays. The historically accurate village includes a general store, smokehouse, shooting gallery, trading post, Indian village, schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, a chapel, and more.

Learn more about Landrum’s in "This Unique Mississippi Attraction Will Take You Back In Time."

Bologna Performing Arts Center/TripAdvisor

Located on the lawn of the Bologna Performing Arts Center on the DSU campus, this sculpture garden was the creation of painter Pam Matthews. Since its inception in 2000, the noteworthy collection has grown to include over 20 permanent pieces. Between new pieces being added every couple of years and the ever-changing exhibits, the diverse garden is truly a sight to see.

Learn more about the DSU Sculpture Garden in "There’s A Little Known Unique Garden In Mississippi… And It’s Truly Incredible."

Marsha Hughes/Through My Looking Glass

Tucked away in the woods near Natchez, sits this beautiful Gothic-style church known as St. Mary’s Chapel. Now almost hidden, the church was at one time a part of the Laurel Hill plantation. Sometime in the 1960s, the plantation’s main home burned down, leaving behind one of the most unique churches in the state. Although regular services have long been ceased at St. Mary’s Chapel, it was never deconsecrated, making it a popular wedding venue.

Learn more about St. Mary’s in "You Won’t Find Another Chapel Anywhere In The World Like This One In Mississippi."

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US Army Corps of Engineers/Wikimedia

Following two severe floods, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began researching ways to avoid future tragedies, which resulted in the construction of this model. The model took 26 years to complete. Spanning 200 acres, it’s the largest small-scale model ever built. After only six years in use, the model was simply abandoned. Today, it’s deteriorated and overgrown but still an interesting site.

Learn more about the Mississippi River Basin Model in "You’ll Never Guess What’s Hiding In Plain Sight Here In Mississippi."

Brad Kebodeaux/Flickr

One of the most highly ranked parks in the state, Tishomingo encompasses hundreds of acres and offers visitors the chance to ride rapids, climb mountains, immerse themselves in Native American history, and experience scenery like nowhere else in the state. Throughout the years, the park has won numerous awards, including Top 50 Hiking Trails, Top 50 Scenic Views, and Top 25 Amazing Locations.

Learn more about Tishomingo in "If You Live In Mississippi, You Must Visit This Amazing State Park."

Have you already visited the places listed above? What other destinations would you add to this list? Share your thoughts in the comments section!

Looking for more must-visit places to add to your 2017 bucket list? Check out “The 13 Places You Should Eat In Mississippi In 2017.”