Best Things To Do in Jackson, Mississippi
Jackson, Mississippi, is a city overflowing with history and culture. Whether you are coming to visit or looking for staycation ideas, you can find many fun things to do in this classic southern town.
Jackson is the capital of Mississippi and the most populous city in the state. It is also the home to several interesting museums of varied topics, including history, civil rights, culture, natural sciences, and art. No matter what interests you and your family may have, there is plenty to see in Jackson, Mississippi. Here are some of the best things this city has to offer.
The Mississippi State Capitol and Old Capitol Museum
“City of Jackson Mississippi” by Steve Snodgrass is licensed with CC BY 2.0
Mississippi’s Old Capitol Museum is housed in the original capitol building. This museum, which is open to the public, contains artifacts and accounts of historical events that took place in Jackson, particularly inside the state Capitol building. The current state capital, also located in Jackson, Mississippi, was built in 1839 and completed in 1903 with a 180-foot dome roof and a 15-foot eagle coated in gold leaf.
As a visitor, you can take guided tours of the original capitol building to find the most interesting tales of politics and intrigue. You will get a fascinating look into how Mississippi was governed in the past, and the museum also sheds light on how the state is governed today. In the newer building, you can view legislative sessions, given they are currently in session, from the public gallery. Seeing these sessions can give you invaluable insight into the state legislatures’ work.
You can find the Mississippi State Capitol at 400 High St. and the original capitol building at 100 State St.
Mississippi Museum of Natural Science
The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science is located inside LeFleur’s Bluff State Park. This museum focuses on the natural sciences of the animal and plant kingdoms. Inside, you can view educational exhibits, specimen collections of various animals and insects, and interactive habitats to get closer to the animals and exhibits. The various activities available at that museum make it a great way for children to learn about the world around them and develop an appreciation for animals and plant life they interact with regularly.
The museum’s most memorable feature is the unique greenhouse named The Swamp, which recreates the Mississippi wetlands that are so iconic to the area. The Swamp is filled with typical wetland plant life and some living inhabitants like turtles and alligators. This is a fascinating exhibit because it shows firsthand how each part of the ecosystem interacts with each other and provides essential information about how the wetlands developed and how they continue to function for the millions of creatures living in them.
You can visit the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science at 2148 Riverside Dr. It is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. It is closed on most national holidays.
The Jackson Zoo
The Jackson Zoo is a staple of the city and is sure to be a big hit with families, animal lovers, or anyone just looking to spend a beautiful day outside learning. The zoo is home to more than 200 species of animals from around the world. You can see everything from chimpanzees to an African fat-tailed gecko. It houses creatures big and small, and there is always something new to see in the zoo’s stunning exhibits.
If you are coming with your family, you can also visit the Splash Pad, where visitors are invited to cool off under fountains. You can also enjoy other fun attractions for kids, like the Endangered Species Carousel. The Jackson Zoo is located at 2918 W. Capitol St. and is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Mississippi Petrified Forest
The Mississippi Petrified Forest is only about 20 miles outside of Jackson and is one of the unique things you can witness. A 36 million-year-old forest has been turned to stone and preserved in time to present an unforgettable experience for you and your family. You can walk through it and witness the ancient fossils on display on the trails, and you can stop at the popular photography spot, where an ancient log has created a type of immortalized natural bench called “Caveman’s Bench.” There is also the Earth Science Museum, which details how these changes take place over time.
You can visit the Mississippi Petrified Forest at 124 Forest Park Road in Flora, Mississippi.
Mississippi Children’s Museum
The Mississippi Children’s Museum is a delightful museum geared toward entertaining kids and teaching them about fascinating topics like geography, history, and culture. This museum is sorted into six areas, which explore various topics to target any category of a child’s interest. The World at Work section focuses on science and technology, while the Exploring Mississippi exhibit focuses on the local history and geography of the state.
The Healthy Fun section has various activities to teach kids about health and nutrition to ensure they continue to grow big and strong. There is also the outdoor Literacy Garden, where children can read to sharpen and engage their language skills and try some edible native plants. Some additional sections are the art sections and the Pollinator’s Playground, where children can learn about gardening and pollinators while playing on a fun outdoor playground. The Mississippi Children’s Museum is located at 2145 Museum Blvd.
If you have enough time to spend in Jackson, Mississippi, there are plenty more fun destinations that you and your family can explore. Have we left out your favorite activity for a day in the city? If so, please let us know and we can add it to our list. And if you need a new car to take you on all your family adventures, you can stop by the Herrin-Gear INFINITI dealership to look at our inventory, ask our sales representatives any questions you have, and find an INFINITI vehicle that can take you where you want to go.
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