1. Natchez City Cemetery, Natchez
Touring this historic cemetery is a must while in Natchez. The stunning cemetery, which was established in 1822, sits high on the bluffs of the Mississippi River, providing gorgeous views, especially at sunset. The cemetery’s occupants reveal the "history, grandeur, mystery, and tragedy that tell the story of Natchez." The cemetery opens daily at 7 am, and for those who don’t want to miss a thing, guided tours are available.
2. Mississippi State Capitol Building, Jackson
Even if you toured this governmental gem on a field trip, a return trip as an adult is a must. Not only will you have a greater understanding of the capitol’s significance but you’ll undoubtedly be able to appreciate the building itself, which has been referred to as an "architectural masterpiece."
3. Mississippi Governor’s Mansion, Jackson
As significant as it is beautiful, the Mississippi Governor’s Mansion is the second oldest continuously occupied governor’s residence in the nation. When it was listed as a National Historic Landmark in 1975, it was only the second governor’s residence to receive the honor. The historic building, which is considered "one of the finest surviving examples of the Greek Revival style in the United States," is open for touring Tuesday-Friday, with guided tour options available.
4. Glenwood Cemetery, Yazoo City
While an official year is not known, the Glenwood Cemetery dates back to at least 1856. Visitors to this cemetery will find a grave surrounded by chain links, which belongs to the notorious Yazoo City Witch who, according to legend, burned the town to the ground, vowing to return and exact revenge. The story of the witch and the cemetery’s significance lives on through tours put on by costumed storytellers.
5. Eco Tours of South Mississippi, Gautier
In addition to being the largest (by volume) undammed river in the contiguous 48 states, the Pascagoula River is home to an abundance of wildlife and over 300 species of plants. Eco Tours of South Mississippi offers 2-hour, 4-hour, and all day interpretive tours as well as overnight excursions, allowing visitors to gain a better understanding of the Pascagoula River and its natural habitats of cypress swamps and salt marshes.
6. Tupelo Buffalo Park, Tupelo
Since opening as a cattle ranch in the 1970s, this Tupelo attraction has grown tremendously and now encompasses over 200 acres and is home to nearly 300 animals. And the best way to see all those animals 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.
7. Possum Walk Trail Tram Tour, near Bay St. Louis
The perfect combination of nature and history, the Possum Walk Trail guides visitors through the deserted communities of Possum Walk and Logtown. And with the recent addition of tram tours, navigating the trail is that much easier. The 45-minute tour covers an area of six miles and educates guests on the communities that once were. Tours are held Monday-Saturday throughout the day.
8. Ard’s Farm, Ruth
If you’ve ever wondered what goes into running a dairy farm, here’s your chance to find out. Visitors to Ard’s Farm in Ruth are given a tour of the entire farm, complete with hands-on activities. Tours are $8 for adults and free for children 2 and under.
9. Natchez Pilgrimage Tour, Natchez
Held twice a year, in the spring and fall, the Natchez Pilgrimage Tour offers the chance to step inside impressive homes of the past, many of which aren’t open for touring any other time of the year. Each pilgrimage spans the course of several weeks and offers different tour packages. Want to really immerse yourself in the city’s rich history? Try a private tour or a riding tour in a horse drawn carriage.
10. NASA Bus Tour, near Bay St. Louis
Want an inside look at the 14,000-acre research facility the Stennis Space Center (SSC)? This 40-minute guided tour is your chance. Guides will lead you through areas of the facility that are often restricted while providing information on the history of the SSC, current projects, and daily operations of the renowned facility. This is one tour that fills up fast, so it’s recommended that you reserve your seat 30 minutes prior to the tour’s start time. Tours are held Monday-Saturday at 11am, noon, 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm.
There’s so much to see and do in Mississippi! Have you taken any of these tours listed above? Or is there a tour you expected to see but didn’t?
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