Your Ultimate Guide To Spring Attractions And Activities In Mississippi
By Jackie Ann|Published March 15, 2024
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Jackie Ann
Author
Louisiana native and LSU Alum (Geaux Tigers!), Jackie has lived in Louisiana for over three decades and currently lives in New Orleans. She's been writing for OnlyInYourState since 2016 and can often be found with a coffee at her side, dreaming of her next adventure.
Spring has a way of getting everyone off the couch and into the outdoors. Whether you’re looking for the perfect small-town getaway or a new nature trail along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, we’ve got you covered. This ultimate guide covers all the best things to do in Mississippi in Spring to keep you busy until summer.
Thankfully, the south doesn’t experience those harsh winters that our northern friends do, so we typically always have something in bloom. But during the springtime, there are a few special spots that are worthy of a road trip. Spend some time exploring these areas and do a little sightseeing!
1. Eudora Welty House & Garden
Eudora Welty House & Garden, 1109 Pinehurst St, Jackson, MS 39202, USA
Price: $10 for adults, $5 for students. They also offer free admission for the day if the 13th day of the month falls on a day that they are open.
Literary fans and flower fans will thoroughly enjoy spending an afternoon at the Eudora Welty House & Garden in Jackson. The Tutor Revival house, built in 1925, was the home for the famed author and is where she wrote all of her works. Outside, Welty’s work jumps off the page and into the garden. Her mother designed the garden in 1925 but that green thumb continued with Eudora, who spent many days tending to the garden her mother started. Many of the plants you’ll see as you wander through were planted by either Eurora or her mother, Chestina!
2. Dogwood Valley
Dogwood Valley, Natchez Trace Pkwy, Saltillo, MS 38866, USA
You’ll find Dogwood Valley at milepost 275.5 of the Natchez Trace Parkway. Named after the abundance of dogwood trees in the area, this is one area of Mississippi that truly comes alive when the dogwoods bloom. These beauties begin to bloom in April, so carve out a weekend in April to check this spot out.
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Botanical Gardens in Mississippi
Springtime in Mississippi means that all of our beautiful botanical gardens are popping off with colors. Be sure to carve out some time to enjoy these beautiful blooms this season.
3. Mynelle Gardens Arboretum & Botanical Center
Mynelle Gardens Arboretum & Botanical Center, 4736 Clinton Blvd, Jackson, MS 39209, USA
Popularity: Seasonally popular, especially on weekends
Price: $5 for adults, $3 for kids under 12
Sitting pretty in Jackson, the Mynelle Gardens Arboretum and Botanical Garden is an excellent way to spend a spring day. There are seven acres to explore here, and the walking paths will take you on a colorful adventure so picturesque you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a Monet painting.
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4. Mississippi State Veteran’s Memorial Rose Garden
MAFES Veteran's Memorial Rose Garden, Starkville, MS 39759, USA
There are a lot of hidden gems within Mississippi’s college campuses, and this beautiful rose garden is one of them. The garden was established in 2006 and since then, it’s blossomed into dozens of rose varieties. After you’ve stopped and smelled the roses, be sure to swing by the MAFES Sales Store to pick up some delicious cheeses, ice creams, and more!
5. Reservoir Botanical Gardens
Reservoir Botanical Gardens, 2230 Spillway Rd, Brandon, MS 39047, USA
You’ll find the Reservoir Botanical Gardens just outside of Jackson over in Brandon, Mississippi. What started as an Eagle Scout project over two decades ago has blossomed into one of the most beautiful gardens in the Magnolia State. There’s a mile-long kid-friendly trail here, and it certainly pops in the springtime. The entrance to this botanical garden in Mississippi is a bit tricky to find, but it’s hiding in the back of the parking lot of the Reservoir Public Library.
Parks To Visit In Mississippi This Spring
Mississippi’s State Parks are just delightful in the spring. These two parks featured below are two of the most popular state parks in Mississippi, but they couldn’t be more different. Which one could you see yourself exploring?
6. Tishomingo State Park
Tishomingo State Park, 105 Co Rd 90, Tishomingo, MS 38873, USA
Tishomingo State Park might be one of the most popular state parks in Mississippi, but don’t let its fame fool you, it’s easy to feel like you’re the only one there. Since the park sits at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, you’ll notice some of the most unique terrain in the state here. The swinging bridge crossing Bear Creek is an iconic photo spot, but there are 13 miles of nature trails to explore, so you’ll never get bored.
Care to spend your spring break on the Mississippi Gulf Coast? Head over to Buccaneer State Park to enjoy the Pirate’s Alley Nature Trail and playground, Jackson’s Ridge Disc Golf course, and even a 4.5-acre waterpark, Buccaneer Bay. Nestled on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, this area was first recorded as being used by everyone’s favorite pirate, Jean Lafitte, as a route for his smuggling operation. It also was used as a military base by Andrew Jackson during the Battle of New Orleans.
Spring Hikes In Mississippi
From Bay St. Louis to Tupelo, there are hundreds of excellent hiking trails to explore. These Spring hikes in Mississippi will take you through the rolling hills of northern Mississippi down to the scenic Mississippi Gulf Coast and everywhere in between.
8. Waterfall Trail at Clark Creek Natural Area
Clark Creek Natural Area, 366 Ft Adams Pond Rd, Woodville, MS 39669, USA
Location: 366 Ft Adams Pond Rd, Woodville, MS 39669
Popularity: Popular on weekends
Price: Free
Springtime typically brings new life to Mississippi’s waterfalls, and if chasing waterfalls is up your alley then you’ll love Clark Creek Natural Area. The 700-acre preserve boasts more than 50 waterfalls ranging from 10-30 feet tall! Make sure you’re wearing some good hiking boots, because these are primitive trails and the land can get pretty muddy at times. Luckily, you can always wash off at a waterfall!
This is one area you may want to have an AllTrails map for before you head out. The trails are fairly well marked, but it is a remote location and you may drop your cell signal at times.
Location: Davis Bayou Area to Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Popularity: Parts of the trail are more popular than others, like the beach section.
Price: Free
Springtime is perfect for dusting off your bicycle and exploring the Live Oaks Bicycle Trail. The 15.5-mile trail connects the Davis Bayou Area to Ocean Springs and makes for a perfect ride through coastal Mississippi. There are green and white blazes to follow as you make your way through the towns, with plenty of opportunities to stop along the way including Gulf Islands National Seashore. Riding across the Biloxi Bay Bridge is the highlight of the trail, and the views are just mesmerizing!
If a 15-mile trail just isn’t in the cards, don’t worry, there are plenty of short and sweet hiking trails in Mississippi that are perfect for spring. Take the Clear Springs Nature Trail in Sardis, for example. This easy boardwalk loop takes you through our beautiful southern wetlands with beautiful views every step of the way.
This trail does have one section with stairs, so keep that in mind!
Spring Picnic Spots In Mississippi
Spring in Mississippi is meant to be enjoyed outdoors. From small-town community parks to larger state parks, there are plenty of places in Mississippi to enjoy a picnic. Grab your favorite grub and head over to one of these excellent picnic spots in Mississippi:
11. Chewalla Lake Recreation Area
Chewalla Lake Recreation Area, 726 Chewalla Lake Rd, Holly Springs, MS 38635, USA
Location: 726 Chewalla Lake Rd, Holly Springs, MS 38635
Popularity: Popular on weekends
Price: $5 per person.
Chewalla Lake Recreation Area offers plenty of amenities to keep your whole squad entertained for the day. The 260-acre lake is popular with fishermen and swimmers alike, and the one-mile walking trail is a great way to get some steps in for the day. There’s also a children’s playground, plenty of picnic tables, and public restrooms. If you want to turn this day trip into a getaway, camping sites are only $20. There is a boat launch on-site, so bring your canoe or kayak to paddle around!
12. Pelahatchie Shore Park
Pelahatchie Shore Park, 527 Pelahatchie Shore Dr, Brandon, MS 39047, USA
Location: 527 Pelahatchie Shore Dr, Brandon, MS 39047
Popularity: Popular on weekends
Price: Free
There are a lot of ways to enjoy the Ross R. Barnett Reservoir, but Pelahatchie Shore Park is my favorite. The 18-hole disc golf course is a great way to pass the time, but we all know the water is the main attraction. There’s a little stretch of beach you can sink your toes into, and during the warmer months, you can always make a splash in the lake. After a day of fun in the sun, head over to Cock of the Walk. It’s close to the park and overlooks the reservoir so you can continue to soak in those views. Be sure to try the catfish!
Ready for more? Check out one of our favorite small towns, Pass Christian. This charming town boasts tons of delicious eateries plus a chance to explore the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Of course, if you prefer a more active nightlife scene, Hattiesburg might be perfect for you.
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