Explore the Historic Roots of Jackson, Mississippi

A Historic Walk Through Time

Jackson, Mississippi might not (yet) be on your list of great places to explore this fall, but we think it should be!  There are plenty of fantastic things to do in Jackson, Mississippi. It's the state's capital, but more importantly, it encompasses a wide diversity of attractions related to the Civil Rights Movement and integral to our nation's history. 

From visiting top attractions like the Medgar Evans Home Museum and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum to touring the gorgeous Capitol building and taking hikes through beautiful state parks, you'll find a surprising number of things to do in Jackson, Mississippi. 

Getting out and exploring new destinations you might not have heard of yet - or maybe just haven't had the time to visit -  is one of the things we love most about traveling around the country with Select Registry Bed and Breakfasts.

Staying with Select Registry Bed and Breakfasts is not only easy, but it's rewarding, too.  Every night you spend at one of our member properties, you'll earn towards $100 off a future stay. Rewards offer a great incentive to travel, but the experience awaiting you are the real reason to carve out the time to visit our incredible Jackson, Mississippi Bed and Breakfast.

Like all Select Registry experiences, you'll be treated to top-notch accommodations, plenty of amenities, and hospitality that far exceeds anything you'd experience at a traditional hotel chain. Get out and explore some of the lesser-known destinations right here in our own backyard this fall - make your booking at this great Mississippi Bed and Breakfast, where you'll enjoy all the top things to do in Jackson, Mississippi, today!

Top Things to do in Jackson, Mississippi

In a city defined by history, it's no surprise that many of the top things to do in Jackson, Mississippi, revolve around historic people and events. Jackson calls itself "the city with soul," and the description is apt. Jackson is a soulful city and one with a rich and, at times, turbulent history. 

There are 29 museums spread out around the city, three cultural and historic districts to explore, plenty of excellent restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife scene. There's no reason you should run out of things to do in Jackson, Mississippi! As you embrace this city's perseverance and triumphant spirit, here's a list of the top things to do in Jackson, Mississippi. 

1. One of the top-rated things to do in Jackson, Mississippi, is to visit the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, which we'll cover in detail below. 
2. After you've learned about Jackson's role in the Civil Rights Movement at the Museum, take the time to visit the Medgar Evers Home Museum - it's one of the top-rated things to do in Jackson, Mississippi - and for a good reason. 
3. Take a tour of the Mississippi State Capitol.
4. When you need a break from history, take a walk through the beautiful LaFleur Bluff State Park.  It's one of the most beautiful things to do in Jackson, Mississippi.
5. In a city with so much soul, it's probably no surprise that there are plenty of great live music venues - talk about one of the best things to do in Jackson, Mississippi, at night! 
6. Visit the Tougaloo College compass, and learn more about its storied past relating to the Civil Rights Movement. 
7. Exploring the Farish Street Historic District is one of the best things to do in Jackson, Mississippi. This charming late-nineteenth-century neighborhood was built with a grid pattern and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It's filled with over 100 years of rich African-American heritage and is home to legendary music-industry staples like the Alamo Theater and Johnny T’s.
8. Walk or bike along the Museum Trail, which connects the Mississippi Farmers Market to the Mississippi Agriculture Museum, with access to three parks and six museums. It's a great way to explore and connect the top-rated things to do in Jackson, Mississippi. 
9. Visit the prize-winning author Eudora Welty's House and Garden, pictured above. 
10. Art Lovers won't want to miss the extraordinary Mississippi Museum of Art. It's one of the best things to do in Jackson, Mississippi. It houses a fantastic collection of American art from the 19^th and 20^th centuries by some of the country’s most prominent artists, including Robert Henri, Georgia O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol, and Radcliffe Bailey.

If you're looking to explore the Civil Rights History of this area even further, consider the Jackson Freedom Trail sites and the more comprehensive Civil Rights Driving Tour. We've only begun to scratch the surface of great things to do in Jackson, Mississippi - and we'd love to share the best of it with you at one of the best Mississippi Bed and Breakfasts.

The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum

It won't take long to see why the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum is one of the top-rated things to do in Jackson, Mississippi. Not only will you learn about famous Mississippians who played a critical role in the Civil Rights Movement - like Medgar Evers, Fannie Lou Hamer, and Vernon Dahmer - but you'll also gain a much deeper appreciation for the incredible work and effort that helped shape the nation. 

Once you've thoroughly explored the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, we invite you to continue the journey in learning more about this pivotal time in history by visiting the various historic attractions and sights around the city and the entire state of Mississippi. 

There are a total of eight galleries at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, each of which provides a different focus on the years spanning 1945 - 1976. During those years, Mississippi was considered "ground zero" for the Civil Rights Movement. The galleries include the following: 

• Gallery One: Mississippi Freedom Struggle - an introduction setting the stage and context for the Civil Rights Movement ahead. 
• Gallery Two: Mississippi in Black and White explores the differences and struggles between Mississippi's black and white families. 
• Gallery Three: This Little Light of Mine is the heart of the museum, featuring a soaring space filled with natural light and exhibits to honor Civil Rights activists. 
• Gallery Four: A Closed Society explores how Black service in WWII helped fuel the Civil Rights Movement. 
• Gallery Five: A Tremor in the Iceberg explores a new generation of activists and a burgeoning of the national Civil Rights Movement. 
• Gallery Six: I Question America covers 1963 - 1964 when local movements slowly grew and expanded into state campaigns.
• Gallery Seven: Black Empowerment explores the years after 1965 when Black Empowerment took root in communities, exploring the successes and tragedies that resulted. 
• Gallery Eight: Where Do We Go From Here encourages reflection on everything you've just encountered and serves to inspire continued conversations about the successes of the Civil Rights Movement and the challenges the country still faces. 

The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum is open Tuesday - Saturday from 9 am - 5 pm and Sundays from 11 am - 5 pm. You can purchase tickets in advance or at the museum.