29 Best & Fun Things To Do In Jackson, MS (2025)
1. International Museum of Muslim Cultures
This MS museum is the first one of its kind in the country.
The International Museum of Muslim Cultures has been around since 2001 and is based in Jackson. Its main goals are to support multiculturalism, diversity, and humanity.
People who go to the museum can learn about the often misunderstood Islamic culture by seeing examples of Muslim ideas, points of view, and accomplishments from around the world.
The museum has interesting displays and artifacts that teach about Islamic history, encourage talks between different faiths, and help people understand each other better.
There are interesting displays inside the museum that talk about things like the history of Timbuktu, the relationship between Muslims and Christians, Islam in European countries, and how to understand Ramadan.
Also, the museum has a huge collection of books, papers, textiles, and religious things that are all about Islam.
Every year during Islamic Heritage Month, the museum has a big party.
You need to make a reservation, so get your tickets ahead of time.
Address: 201 E Pascagoula St, Jackson, MS 39201, United States
2. Old Capitol Inn
Don’t look any further for the best places to go on vacation in Jackson, MS.
The Old Capitol Inn is a beautiful building made of red brick that was constructed in the early 1950s.
The Old Capitol Inn is a cool, small, trendy hotel that’s calling your name.
The building still shows signs of its interesting past. It used to be a neighborhood YMCA that gave displaced women dorm rooms.
The inn is named after the Old Capitol Museum, which is close enough to walk to. It is owned and run by people who have lived in Jackson their whole lives.
This cute inn’s rooms all have a fashion look with a boutique feel.
There are both rooms and suites, and some of the room amenities are hot tubs, living rooms, yard views, and showers that are too big for the person using them.
The inn has an exercise center, a bar on the roof, and free breakfast every morning, among other great features.
The Sunroom Lunches restaurant inside the Old Capitol Inn is another famous spot. Food and drinks can be enjoyed in the courtyard, which is a lovely garden area with a peaceful fountain in the middle.
Address: 226 N State St, Jackson, MS 39201, United States
3. Goshen Springs Campground
Goshen Springs Campground is a great place to spend the weekend in Jackson if you want to do something fun.
The campsite is in a peaceful and beautiful place, right next to the Pearl River Valley.
This campsite is a great place for water sports because it is right up the river from the reservoir, also known as “The Rez.”
Goshen Springs Campground has everything you could want. You can fish, boat, swim, and kayak.
The campground has a pool, a picnic area, a playground, and more besides the fun water sports.
The spots at Goshen Springs Campground come with both basic and full hookups for RVs.
There are bathrooms, laundry rooms, grills, and boat launches at the campground, which is very handy.
People say that Goshen Springs Campground is one of the best places to camp in Mississippi.
Address: 4248 MS-43, Brandon, MS 39047, United States
4. 601 Escape Rooms
Escape rooms are fun ways to solve puzzles, see how well your group can work together, and show off your smarts.
At 601 Escape Rooms, you and your friends can work together to figure out tricky tasks and tricky codes so that you can get out of the “locked room” you choose.
Each of 601 Escape Rooms’ five designed rooms is different, such as the tricky “Prison Break,” the fun “Holiday Meltdown,” and the retro “Trapped in the 80s.”
It doesn’t matter which room you pick; they can all fit up to six players and range in challenge from easy to hard.
In each room, you’ll be put through scary exercises that test your puzzle-solving skills.
Players have up to an hour to plan, figure out, decode, and hopefully get out of the room.
Going to 601 Escape Rooms with friends is a fun thing to do in Jackson for about an hour.
Address: 839 State St, Jackson, MS 39201, United States
5. Mississippi Symphony Orchestra
The Mississippi Symphony Orchestra is the largest performing arts center in all of MS, performing for nearly 100,000 people per year.
The best part is that you might be able to see a show close to where you are staying in MS; the orchestra performs more than 125 shows a year in places all over the state, including Jackson.
Even though it began right after World War II, the orchestra has become the most famous performing arts group in the state and has stayed that way since the 1970s.
Around the state of Mississippi and all year long, the orchestra can be seen playing popular songs, church music, Mozart and Beethoven classics, and even blues themes.
The orchestra also plays at events across the state all the time, like sunset concerts.
The Mississippi Symphony Orchestra is a great place to see if you like traditional music.
6. Fondren District
Jackson’s vibrant arts and entertainment district is called Fondren.
Fondren, a neighborhood in downtown Jackson, was absorbed into Jackson as a subdivision in 1925.
Rich in character and home to independently owned stores, Fondren is a fantastic destination for shoppers.
Fondren is renowned for its lively and diverse artistic community.
Fondren is the place to go to learn about local history, cultures, and communities because it has a plethora of visual and performing arts opportunities.
There is something for every palette in the Fondren District, which is also home to a ton of fantastic restaurants, ranging from laid-back BBQ spots to charming coffee shops.
Wandering about Fondren is a great way to take in the local color of the city.
Every week, Fondren’s streets come alive with immersive events like culinary tastings, music, and brand-new art exhibits.
It makes sense to visit Fondren because there are so many attractions in one convenient location.
Address: Fondren, Jackson, MS, United States
7. Mississippi Museum of Art
The Mississippi Museum of Art is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Jackson, a city with a thriving art culture.
The largest public art museum in the state was created as a space for calm contemplation and education.
The museum aims to foster connections between guests and the vibrant local culture, rich history, and one another in the state.
A collection of around 6,000 objects in many media, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, textiles, and much more, may be found in the Mississippi Museum of Art.
American Modernists like Andy Warhol and Georgia O’Keefe are on display at the Mississippi Museum of Art.
The museum has a plethora of historical artifacts spanning from the 16th century to the present day.
Make sure to check out The Art Garden, a one-acre space on the museum grounds that connects visitors to visual arts and artists at work, when visiting the museum.
Address: 380 S Lamar St, Jackson, MS 39201, United States
8. The Oaks House Museum
One of Jackson’s many interesting historical sites is this museum.
Located in what was once Jackson Mayor James H. Boyd’s house, The Oaks is a historically significant Civil War-era residence.
Renowned for being among the town’s oldest structures, The Oaks House Museum is rich in local history.
The Oaks House Museum, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a must-see attraction in Jackson.
Explore 19th-century architecture, furnishings, and decor in the five-room cottage, which will make you feel as though you’ve stepped into an American history book.
The original pine floors and all of the furniture from the house are still present.
It’s also a pleasure to stroll through the grounds surrounding The Oaks House Museum.
The Victorian garden at the museum is lush and colorful, making it the ideal spot to take a few quiet moments.
Save some time for a visit to The Oaks House Museum if you’ll be in Jackson this weekend or today.
Address: 823 N Jefferson St, Jackson, MS 39202, United States
9. Eudora Welty House & Garden
The Eugena Welty House & Garden is only one of Jackson’s many historical sites worth visiting.
Previously, the renowned American writer Eudora Welty called the mansion home.
This house, which was constructed in 1925, served as Welty’s primary writing location.
At the Eudora Welty House & Garden, you may experience what it’s like to be in the same settings as a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, making it an enjoyable attraction for bookworms.
You can see exhibits featuring Welty’s photographs, family relics, literary honors, and other artistic materials during guided tours of the residence.
It’s pleasant to view the lovely garden that encircles the property as well.
The Eudora Welty House & Garden is one of the few free things to do in town on the 13th of every month, despite the fact that there is a small admission cost on other days.
Address: 1109 Pinehurst St, Jackson, MS 39202, United States
10. Smith Robertson Museum
African American historical exhibits in the state’s largest collection can be found in this Jackson museum.
The museum is crammed with historical documents and artwork pertaining to African American history.
Raising awareness of the African American experience in the South is the museum’s main objective.
The museum’s collection of artifacts emphasizes the accomplishments and contributions made by Mississippians of African American descent.
Among the museum’s ongoing exhibitions are the African American Lifestyle in Mississippi gallery, the Civil Rights Gallery, and a display honoring the accomplishments of black physicians.
The first African American to serve on the state Supreme Court, the first elected African American to the state legislature, and the city’s first black mayor are just a few of the people recognized at the Smith Robertson Museum.
The Smith Robertson Museum is a must-see; it has an amazing collection honoring one of the most populous cities in the state.
Address: 528 Bloom St, Jackson, MS 39202, United States
11. New Stage Theater
One of the greatest spots in the city is this performing arts complex located right in the middle of Jackson.
One of Jackson’s first professional regional theaters, it has been serving the community since 1965.
Originally housed in an old local church with 150 seats, the auditorium has grown into a leading theater that has presented numerous captivating and insightful theatrical productions.
Clue, The Glass Menagerie, and Every Brilliant Thing, to just a few, have all been performed recently by the New Stage Theater.
The New Stage Theater not only offers fantastic shows, but it also holds unique events including Mississippi theater evenings, actor interviews, youth nights, and “pay what you can” nights.
Finally, if you plan to spend some time in Jackson, you should think about attending the educational seminars offered by the New Stage Theater.
Get tickets for a performance at New Stage Theater if you’re looking for something to do in Jackson on a nightly basis.
Address: 1100 Carlisle St, Jackson, MS 39202, United States
12. Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum
Address: 1152 Lakeland Dr #4701, Jackson, MS 39216, United States
13. Mississippi Civil Rights Museum
It is in the middle of Jackson that the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum stands tall.
This is a place that all Americans should visit because its only goal is to preserve, share, and teach about the American Civil Rights Movement.
In the museum, you can see things from 1945 to 1970 that give you a full picture of Mississippi in those years.
Mississippi has a dirty history because it was the “ground zero” for the Civil Rights Movement.
People can look around eight different rooms in the museum that tell the story of the Movement in order.
The galleries show things like the Jim Crow era, the victims of lynchings in Mississippi, and a sculpture show that honors movement heroes who gave their lives for freedom.
Freedom Riders are talked about in other galleries, and one gallery asks the big question, “Where do we go from here?”
Being an important part of American history, the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum is a safe place to learn about this time in US history.
Address: 222 North St #2205, Jackson, MS 39201, United States
14. Mississippi Children’s Museum
Make sure you include the Mississippi Children’s Museum in your plans for things to do with kids while you’re in Jackson.
The museum is right next to the LeFleur Bluff Education Complex. It opened to the public in 2010.
It was thought that the museum would help local kids learn and get better educational chances.
The museum’s five main areas of interest are reading and writing, local history, health and diet, steam, and the arts.
Kids can learn more about all of these topics by using fun, hands-on places.
The museum’s fun exhibits use hands-on activities like science experiments, STEAM-based exhibits, self-directed art study, meeting important MS role models, and roleplaying to help kids learn more about the main topics.
Over the course of the year, the museum holds many unique events. These include “Science & Singing” and “Butterflies & Bunnies” in the spring.
This museum is one of the best places for kids to visit, and it’s easy to get to from Jackson.
Address: 2145 Museum Blvd, Jackson, MS 39202, United States
15. Cathead Distillery
Even though it might not be the most romantic thing to do, going to Cathead Distillery with a partner is a great time.
Since it opened in 2010, the Cathead Distillery has been known as the state’s first legal distillery.
The brewery is well-known in the area for its seven award-winning spirits: a vodka, a honeysuckle vodka, a bitter orange vodka, a gin, a chicory liqueur, and a bourbon whiskey.
Plan a trip to Cathead Distillery if you want to enjoy Jackson’s finest drinks in the best way possible.
If you are going to be in town soon, plan a tour of the brewery where you can try all of its famous spirits.
You can get a cold beer, hang out with your dog, listen to live music, and generally have a great time at the brewery.
Cathead Distillery is a great place for adults to go if they need something to do.
Address: 422 S Farish St, Jackson, MS 39201, United States
16. Mynelle Gardens
The Mynelle Gardens are a great place to unwind and unwind. They are one of many great things to do in Jackson.
At any time of the year, this peaceful piece of lush, green heaven is beautiful to see. With each season comes new flowers to enjoy.
Come to Mynelle in the winter to see beautiful camellias, in the spring to see azaleas, and in the summer to see roses.
You can go for a quiet walk, take pictures of the pretty flowers, or just sit and think in the grounds.
One unique thing about the grounds is that they have plants and flowers from the Bible displayed with gold markers that say so.
There is a lot to discover and enjoy in the seven acres of pristine green area.
At Mynelle Gardens, you can look at more than just the pretty plants. You can watch the turtles, the different kinds of birds, and the colorful fish in the cute pond.
Address: 4736 Clinton Blvd, Jackson, MS 39209, United States
17. Alamo Theater
You should make it a point to see many of the interesting things in Jackson, including this old theater.
The Alamo Theatre in Jackson’s historic Farish neighborhood is one of the last houses in the country that can be used for both movies and live performances.
An important historic site, the Alamo Theater was built in the 1940s.
Before the Civil Rights Movement, the Alamo was a culture center for African Americans. It was a place where African Americans who lived in segregated areas could watch movies.
As a theater with two uses, it was also a legal place for African Americans to take part in the performing arts.
After being fixed up in 1992, the theater has been an important historical site ever since.
The Alamo Theater now hosts small performing arts groups. If you’re in Jackson, you should check the calendar to see what shows are coming up.
It’s no longer separated, but the Alamo Theater is still a place where African American artists can grow.
The Alamo Theater is one of many cool things to do in Jackson.
Address: 333 N Farish St, Jackson, MS 39202, United States
18. Battlefield Park
On a nice Jackson day, this cute park with lots of trees is a great place to hang out.
Battlefield Park is a great place to stop because it has everything you need to have fun outside with your family.
Battlefield Park is a great place to be active because it has sports courts and fields like a tennis court, a basketball court, and baseball and softball fields.
The park also has a public pool that’s great for summer days when you want to cool off.
Battlefield Park has a bright and fun playground that’s great for little kids.
The pavilion and picnic areas in the park are great places to have a picnic, and the walking paths close are great for a walk after lunch.
It’s one of the best neighborhood parks in Jackson, and Battlefield Park is also ADA-friendly.
If you want to do something outside in Jackson, you should check out Battlefield Park.
Address: 953 W Porter St, Jackson, MS 39204, United States
19. Manship House Museum
Named on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, the Manship House Museum is one of the top things to do in Jackson.
The museum gives you a big picture look at life in Mississippi in the 1800s. It was home to mayor Charles Henry Manship.
Since it was built in 1857, the Manship House has a Gothic Revival style that was very different from the famous Greek Revival style at the time. The Manship House is set back from the street on 4 acres and is in a Jackson area with few people.
You can see bits and pieces of everyday life from the 1800s in the museum, along with original furniture, restored fixtures, and a lot of interesting historical items.
After visiting the museum, take some time to walk around the property. The house is surrounded by natural plants that give the property more character.
If you’ve ever wanted to know what life was like for middle-class people in Mississippi, the Manship House Museum is the place to go.
Address: 420 E Fortification St, Jackson, MS 39202, United States
20. Buddy Butts Park
This nice Jackson park has historical value related to World War II. It was built on the site of an abandoned German POW camp that had been overgrown and left to rot until 1993, when the city of Jackson turned it into a park.
Buddy Butts Park is now a great place to enjoy nature.
Since the park has a big soccer field, it’s a great spot for a fun game of soccer.
There is also a complicated network of tracks around the park that can be used for hiking and mountain biking.
There are clear signs and well-kept paths. The longest trail is about 10 miles long.
You can have fun, get some exercise, and hang out with family and friends at the park.
The park has public bathrooms and a few picnic tables, which is very helpful.
You should plan to visit Buddy Butts Park, which is one of the many fun things to do in Jackson.
Address: 6180 McRaven Rd, Jackson, MS 39209, United States
21. Highland Village Shopping Center
Highland Village Shopping Center is right on Jackson’s main road and is known for being one of the best shopping areas in the area.
The unique thing about Highland Village Shopping Center is that it is made up of a wide range of small shops that represent the different cultures and skills of Mississippi.
Also, everyone can find something they like at Highland Village Shopping Center.
This shopping area has everything, from classic items to the newest styles.
People know Highland Village Shopping Center for the amazing artists who live in shops that are set up in a fun way.
Along with the amazing shops, there are also lots of delicious places to eat.
There is a popular bagel shop, a cozy cafe, a French kitchen, and a classy winery in Highland Village Shopping Center. This is the best place to try new, creative local food.
A “Mommy & Me Tea” for Mother’s Day and story time with Santa’s elves at Christmas are just a few of the special events that happen at the center.
Address: 4500 Interstate 55 North Frontage Rd Suite 281, Jackson, MS 39211, United States
22. Municipal Art Gallery
This city-owned art gallery has a great mix of old and new works by local artists.
The art in the gallery was all made by local artists, and each one is seen as a mirror of both American and Mississippian values and ways of life.
The Municipal Art Gallery is an important place in Jackson for local artists to use as a starting stone for their future work.
You’ll enjoy looking around the building that the museum is in as much as the creative and thought-provoking work of local artists.
The museum is in a restored home from the 1860s. The house itself and its grounds are just as interesting to look at as the things inside.
This is a very old building in town.
The best part is that everyone can go for free because it’s a small city gallery.
Address: 839 N State St, Jackson, MS 39202, United States
23. Duling Hall
The best place to see a show in Jackson is at this theater arts center.
Duling Hall is on the National Register of Historic Landmarks because it was built in 1927.
Tudor-style architecture can be seen in the old school building that is now Duling Hall. Just looking at the architecture is almost as fun as seeing a show at Duling Hall.
Duling Hall is in the middle of the busy Fondren District, and there are lots of things to do and see nearby.
Duling Hall is a great place to see shows because it always has the best acts, from big bands to amazing theater productions and everything in between.
The Molly Ringwalds, The Red Clay Strays, and even some hilarious comedy acts are coming to the venue soon.
If you’re in Fondren and want to do something fun after dinner, go see a show at Duling Hall.
Address: 622 Duling Ave, Jackson, MS 39216, United States
24. Mississippi Petrified Forest
The Mississippi Petrified Forest is a one-of-a-kind place to visit. It’s just outside of Jackson, and even though it’s privately owned, the public can take free walks of it.
This beautiful outdoor area looks like it came from a magical movie, but it was actually made by nature a very long time ago.
The fossil forest was found in the middle of the 1800s. It is a naturally occurring log jam that was left behind by a flooded river.
The tree logs that have turned into stone or fossilized matter look like they were deposited thousands of years ago.
Sometimes it’s hard to believe that these trees, which look like stones, were once alive.
You can follow a signed hiking trail through the forest to get to the opening of the petrified log jam. This is a peaceful spot to take pictures and look around.
There is also a museum on the site with petrified wood artifacts and science displays about the Earth.
Last but not least, the land has a place to mine gems, a picnic area, and a gift shop.
Address: 124 Forest Park Rd, Flora, MS 39071, United States
25. Museum of Mississippi History
The Museum of Mississippi History opened in 2017 to honor both the Civil Rights Movement and the 200th anniversary of the state.
Its theme, “One Mississippi, Many Stories,” is wonderfully shown through the order of the local artifacts that are shown.
The museum has displays about more than 15,000 years of history, so they cover a lot of ground.
All students can learn about the past of the state because the exhibits are interesting and some can be interacted with.
Some of the museum’s displays are about the first peoples, how they came to live in the United States, cotton fields, the hard times they lived through, and technology.
There is also a memorial gallery for Emmit Till, the 14-year-old black boy who was allegedly hurt and killed for whistling at a white lady.
Not only does the Museum of Mississippi History have this important exhibit, but it also has a cute gift shop and a lovely cafe where you can grab a bite to eat in the middle of your walk.
Address: 222 North St #1206, Jackson, MS 39201, United States
26. Mississippi Museum of Natural Science
This must-see museum is tucked away in Jackson’s LeFleur Bluff State Park.
The park is driven by nature, much like the exhibits in the museum, and is surrounded by beautiful scenery.
Numerous glass windows in the museum provide views of the amazing 300-acre park.
Its surroundings, which include a magnificent amphitheater, enjoyable hiking routes, and verdant forests, are as bit as remarkable as the museum itself.
There are around 200 live species in the museum, along with a sizable aquarium.
When you visit the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, you can see some incredible displays featuring animals, fossils, and other endangered species.
The museum also features a 1,700-square-foot greenhouse called “The Swamp,” a display on several native habitats in Mississippi, and a dinosaur exhibit.
The museum offers a preschool program, a dinosaur path, and a neighboring playground, among other attractions that make it a fantastic place to take kids.
Address: 2148 Riverside Dr, Jackson, MS 39202, United States
27. Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum
This living history farm is an exact replica of a business from the 1920s.
The Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum, one of the many fantastic Jackson attractions ideal for sightseeing, was founded in 1969 with the goal of preserving and disseminating the town’s rich history.
The museum was established and now houses a vast collection of antiquities, many of which are related to the cotton business in the region.
The museum is situated on a 39-acre tract that includes several farmhouses, a fully realized hamlet, and a section devoted to forestry research.
In addition to exploring and taking in the sights of this restored Jacksonian village, visitors may pay a visit to the Heritage Center, which houses over 500 antique farming implements.
You’re going to be in for a tremendous feast, from 19th-century farming tools to model trains.
This is the spot to go if you’re seeking for inexpensive things to do; adult entrance is less than $10 per person.
Make sure to browse the General Store, which is on-brand and stocked with amazing mementos, before leaving the museum.
Address: 1150 Lakeland Dr, Jackson, MS 39216, United States
28. Jackson Zoo
Since its founding in 1919, the Jackson Zoo has grown to become one of the state’s most visited tourist destinations.
A day spent at the Jackson Zoo, which is home to an amazing variety of animal species, is well spent.
The Jackson Zoo has about 250 animals representing over 120 species, so there is a lot to see.
Mammals like the American beaver, birds like the ostrich, reptiles like the leopard tortoise, and insects like the Madagascar Hissing Cockroach are among the most well-liked exhibits at the zoo.
The zoo’s exhibits of all its creatures replicate their natural habitats, which gives your trip an additional element of interest.
In addition, there are other attractions in the zoo. The Jackson Zoo offers a wildlife theater, an engaging playground, the Elephant Cafe, and a gift store, to name a few.
Visit the Jackson Zoo at any time of day—today, tomorrow, or this weekend.
Address: 2918 W Capitol St, Jackson, MS 39209, United States
29. Russell C. Davis Planetarium
Most notably, the Russell C. Davis Planetarium is credited with creating the first space movie.
The Russell C. Davis Planetarium is a cutting-edge facility and one of the largest planetariums in Mississippi.
The amazing hemispheric theater, which provides the feeling that you are exploring the cosmos in real time, is the planetarium’s main attraction.
You will have an unparalleled, immersive planetary experience thanks to the “4k full-dome projection system.”
The mind-blowing displays at the planetarium offer up-close, educational content that is engaging for viewers of all ages.
The Russell C. Davis Planetarium, ranked among the top ten family-friendly attractions, is a must-see.
The Russell C. Davis Planetarium offers exhibits on astronomy, celestial navigation, and other topics, so there’s always something new to discover.
The planetarium’s ability to show the night sky from the past or present is another amazing feature.
The Russell C. Davis Planetarium is one of the many awesome things to do in Jackson that is both educational and enjoyable.
Address: 201 E Pascagoula St, Jackson, MS 39201, United States
30. LeFleur’s Bluff State Park
Situated on the Pearl River’s beaches, LeFleur’s Bluff State Park is a Jackson recreation area that is considered to be one of the most picturesque spots in the United States.
Watersports are a popular activity in LeFleur’s Bluff State Park, which has a 50-acre lake.
You may go fishing, boating, and swimming at the lake.
Visiting the playground, hiking, picnicking, and playing disc golf are some of the other enjoyable things to do at the park.
In addition to these amenities, LeFleur’s Bluff State Park offers fantastic camping spots and an exciting 9-hole golf course.
There are cabins, RV spaces, and rustic campsites all around the lake for camping.
The campsites are equipped with picnic tables, covered shelters, restrooms, and more.
LeFleur’s Bluff State Park offers a plethora of unique camping experiences close to Jackson, with enough to see within the park.
Address: 3315 Lakeland Terrace, Jackson, MS 39216, United States