A True Hidden Gem, The Agricultural And Forestry Museum Is Perfect For Mississippi Nature Lovers
By Daniella DiRienzo|Published September 12, 2022
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Daniella DiRienzo
Author
Though Daniella was born in New York and has lived in a couple of other states, Mississippi has been her home for more than 30 years. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Daniella began to hone her writing skills through various internships. In the years since, she’s had the privilege of having her articles appear in several publications, such as the Mississippi-based Parents & Kids Magazine. She’s also had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience.
Are you a nature lover seeking the perfect place for your next outing? If so, we suggest visiting the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Museum or, simply, the Ag Museum, as it’s more commonly called. We know what you’re thinking, “a museum?!” However, with acres of outdoor exhibits, gardens, nature trails, and additional museums on site, it’s not your typical museum.
There’s no better place to get your fill of education and outdoor recreation than the Ag Museum in Jackson.
Possibly one of the state’s best-kept secrets, most residents don’t know about the museum. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not worth knowing about… because it is!
A replica of a town from the 1920s, it is filled with old-fashioned buildings typical to towns from decades ago. Incredibly realistic, the buildings are filled with period furniture. There’s even a general store, which is stocked with merchandise and open for business.
Dotted with a couple of display gardens, the museum's campus is an exhibit itself.
In addition to a beautiful rose garden with more than 60 types of roses, there’s an herb garden with 40 different species of herbs, perennials, trees, and shrubs.
The Specialty Crops Garden provides insight into impact of the state’s specialty crops on everyday life. And then, there’s the Victory Garden, which boasts an array of seasonal crops.
Farm animals are synonymous with agriculture, so it should come as no surprise that the museum’s got a few.
Visitors can enjoy a woodsy hike, thanks to the museum’s nature trail. Leading straight into the surrounding forest, the purpose of the trek is to educate visitors on the environment’s role in farming.
The Ag Museum is also home to two other museums: The National Agricultural Aviation Museum and 4H Museum Learning Center.
So, did you know about this Jackson gem? Ever been? If so, what’d you think? Know of another secret state spot? Tell us!
If you have some time while in Jackson, pay a visit to Cultivation Food Hall. The first eatery of its kind in the state, it’s modeled after European food halls. And like its overseas counterparts, it houses an array of restaurants.
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