7 Little Known Museums In Mississippi Where Admission Is Free
By Daniella DiRienzo|Updated on May 24, 2023(Originally published May 19, 2023)
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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.
Mississippi is definitely not lacking when it comes to great museums. Even better, you can find many free museums here. That’s right; a visit is completely FREE. (Of course, donations are always accepted.) Ready to have some fun that both you and your wallet will enjoy? Check out the following free museums in Mississippi:
1. Mississippi Armed Forces Museum
Mississippi Armed Forces Museum, Building 850, Forrest Ave, Hattiesburg, MS 39407, USA
A true hidden gem, this museum is tucked away on a National Guard base so lots of people don’t even know it exists – and that’s a real shame. As the state’s "official military history museum," it’s loaded with incredible life-size exhibits that provide information on warfare from the Civil War to the present day. It remains to be one of the best free museums in Mississippi. Learn more about what you can expect from a visit to the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum.
2. Apron Museum
The Apron Museum, 110 W Eastport St, Iuka, MS 38852, USA
Small-town Mississippi is full of wonderful surprises, including the "world’s only apron museum." Step inside this free museum and one-of-a-kind attraction, and you’ll find thousands of aprons, some of which date back centuries! Get more information on the Apron Museum.
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3. The Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum
Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum, 522 Pass Rd, Gulfport, MS 39507, USA
Editor's note: As of 2021, The Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum is no longer free. Now, admission is $5 per adult and $2 per child.
From elaborate model trains and the largest Lego display in the state to outdoor exhibits and train rides, you could easily spend an entire day at the Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum. Read further on about what you can do at the Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum.
This museum may be located in small-town Mississippi, but it’s worth the trek for any fan of Jim Henson and his beloved creations, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and the rest of the gang. The museum may not be huge but it’s packed with Henson family photos, tons of memorabilia, and Muppets of all sizes. Find out more about the Birthplace of Kermit the Frog Museum, an extraordinary free museum in Mississippi.
5. Cullis and Gladys Wade Clock Museum
Cullis and Gladys Wade Clock Museum, Cullis Wade Depot, Starkville, MS 39759, USA
"What time is it?" is a question you won’t have to ask yourself when visiting this unique museum, which is situated on the Mississippi State University campus. Truly unique, the museum boasts a collection of over 400 timepieces dating back as far as the 1700s! There’s a small art gallery located just upstairs from the museum, so it’s like two attractions in one. Check out this awesome free museum for yourself at the MSU Welcome Center. Head to the website for the Cullis and Gladys Wade Clock Museum.
6. Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture
Natchez Museum-African American Culture, 301 Main St, Natchez, MS 39120, USA
Housed in a former post office, this museum is brimming with local history, spanning from 1716 to the present. With artifacts, photographs, home furnishings, and personal items of local residents, stories from the past are brought to life at this Natchez attraction. If you are wondering what museums in Mississippi are free, here is a great example. Learn more about the Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture.
7. Cobb Institute of Archaeology Museum
Cobb Institute of Archaeology, 206 Cobb Institute Hardy Rd, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA
Another hidden gem on Mississippi State University’s campus, this free museum offers a one-of-a-kind look into the past. In addition to artifacts from Native American cultures of the United States, the museum includes exhibits pertaining to the civilizations of the ancient Middle East and Mediterranean region. Discover more about the Cobb Institute of Archaeology Museum.
If you were wondering what museums in Mississippi are free, now you have some answers! Have you visited any of these free museums? Know of one that should’ve been included? Tell us in the comments section!
Buccaneer State Park: This state park is located in Waveland. Enjoy camping, the water park, playground, disc golf, fishing, and swimming. Or you could take a stab at finding buried treasure in this area that was inhabited by pirates in the 1700s.
Roosevelt State Park: This 550-acre park is located in Morton. There is a ton to do here, from swimming, boating, and water skiing to hiking, disc golf, and camping.
Tombigbee State Park: Head to Tupelo for this 480-acre park. Here, you can fish on Lake Lee, bike, camp, and disc golf.
Legion State Park: This park in Louisville is 480 acres. By day, enjoy the playground, nature trail, and fishing and boating opportunities. And at night, consider staying in one of the cabins, the cottage, a campsite, or even bring your own RV.
What are the best zoos and aquariums in Mississippi?
Hattiesburg Zoo: Located in Hattiesburg, here you can see such interesting animals like axolotls, capybara, and hyenas. And don't forget the sloths. There is also a high rope course, an electric train, a playground, and so much more for kids.
Mississippi Aquarium: Head to Gulfport to see over 200 species of animals, like river otters, dolphins, and turtles. There is also a contact pool, where you can touch an assortment of creatures, like horseshoe crabs, stingrays, and baby sharks.
Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo: Head to this park for a petting zoo, giraffe barn, aviary, reptile house, and more. Among the many animals you’ll come across include horses, an alligator, giraffes, pygmy goats, and a whole lot more.