Brandon, Mississippi: 10 Short Road Trips for Weekend Adventures

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10 Easy Road Trips From Brandon, Mississippi (That Take You Out of Rankin County)

If you live in Brandon, MS (in Rankin County) and you’re itching to get out of town for a day, you’re in a great spot. In less than an hour or so, you can reach quiet small towns, historic downtowns, family‑friendly attractions, and peaceful country drives in the surrounding counties of Hinds, Madison, Scott, Simpson, Smith, and Copiah. This guide sticks to one rule: no stops in Brandon or Rankin County. Everything on this list is an out‑of‑county road trip, perfect for a Saturday drive or a simple “let’s just go somewhere” afternoon. Let’s hit the road.

1. Jackson’s Museum Trail & Capitol Views (Hinds County)

If you only have half a day, a road trip from Brandon to Jackson in Hinds County is an easy win. It’s close, but still out of Rankin County, and there’s a surprising amount to see. You can build your own “museum crawl” with free or low‑cost stops like:
  • Mississippi Civil Rights Museum & Museum of Mississippi History – Powerful, modern museums that tell the story of the state, side by side.
  • Mississippi Museum of Art – Rotating exhibits plus a nice outdoor art garden to stroll.
  • Mississippi State Capitol – Take a free tour and see the marble, murals, and dome up close.
If you enjoy walking, park once and explore a few spots on foot. On a nice day, it’s easy to spend a few hours just wandering, grabbing coffee, and people‑watching. Tip: Head over in the morning to beat the heat and the traffic, then be back in Brandon by dinner.

2. Fondren Arts & Food District – Jackson (Hinds County)

While you’re thinking about Jackson, don’t skip the Fondren District, also in Hinds County. It has a cool, artsy vibe but still feels laid‑back and very Mississippi. Here you’ll find:
  • Colorful murals and street art (perfect if you like snapping photos).
  • Locally owned restaurants, coffee shops, and dessert spots.
  • Vintage shops and small boutiques where you can browse without pressure.
One thing I like about Fondren is that it’s easy to just park once and wander. No strict schedule needed. Grab lunch, walk a few blocks, see what you find. If you’ve been stuck in a routine in Brandon, even a few hours here can feel like a mini vacation.

3. Scenic Drive to Canton’s Historic Square (Madison County)

Want that classic small‑town courthouse square feel? Head to Canton in Madison County, about 30–40 minutes from Brandon depending on your route. Canton’s historic downtown square is known for:
  • Old‑fashioned storefronts and a photogenic courthouse.
  • Seasonal festivals, especially around Christmas.
  • Antique stores and local shops where you can hunt for treasures.
Even if there’s no event going on, it’s a relaxing place to stroll, grab a burger or a plate lunch, and slow down. If you like road trips that feel like stepping back in time, this is a good one. Road trip idea: Take the slower roads instead of the interstate one way. It adds a bit of time, but you’ll see more open fields, barns, and that classic Mississippi countryside.

4. Madison the City: Lakeside Strolls & Shopping (Madison County)

While Canton is all about the old‑time charm, Madison the City has more of a modern suburb feel, and that can be fun too. From Brandon, it’s an easy drive into Madison County for a change of scenery. Things you might enjoy:
  • Lakes and walking paths in pretty residential areas.
  • Shopping centers with chain stores mixed with some local spots.
  • Plenty of sit‑down restaurants if you want a “date night” style outing.
This is a nice choice if you don’t necessarily need big attractions, but you want somewhere different to run errands, grab dinner, and take a short walk by the water. Tip: Time your visit around sunset and look for a lakeside view; the reflections in the water can be beautiful on a clear evening.

5. Morton & the Bienville National Forest Gateway (Scott County)

If you’re craving trees, quiet roads, and that pine‑forest smell, point your car toward Morton in Scott County. Morton sits near the Bienville National Forest, and while the deepest parts of the forest stretch across multiple counties, you can start your nature escape from the Scott County side. On a short road trip here you can:
  • Take a slow drive through forested backroads.
  • Pack a simple picnic and find a peaceful spot to eat.
  • Look for trailheads and small recreation areas in and near the forest.
Have you ever rolled down the windows and just listened to the wind in the trees while you drive? That’s the kind of trip this is. Simple, but really refreshing after a busy week. Safety note: Fill up your gas tank in town before you start wandering deeper into rural areas, and download your maps in case the signal drops.

6. Forest, Mississippi: Small‑Town Stop on Your Eastbound Drive (Scott County)

Still in Scott County, Forest is another easy road‑trip target from Brandon, especially if you’re heading east along I‑20. It’s a classic Mississippi small town with a relaxed pace. Reasons to go:
  • Walk through the small downtown and see local businesses.
  • Grab some country cooking at a local restaurant.
  • Use it as a “stretch your legs” stop on a longer journey.
This is one of those trips where the goal isn’t a huge attraction. It’s about the drive, the change of scenery, and maybe discovering a spot you’d otherwise just pass by at 70 miles per hour.

7. Mendenhall’s Courthouse & Country Roads (Simpson County)

Head south from Brandon and you’ll soon cross into Simpson County. Mendenhall, the county seat, is a nice little target for a low‑stress afternoon road trip. You can:
  • See the courthouse and a bit of historic architecture downtown.
  • Drive the surrounding backroads and enjoy rolling fields and woods.
  • Stop at a local café or diner for pie or a plate lunch.
One personal trick I use on trips like this: I pick a local spot that clearly isn’t a big chain, and I ask the staff, “If you had a free afternoon around here, where would you go?” You’d be surprised how many hidden little parks, bridges, or fishing spots you can discover that way.

8. Magee: Classic Highway Stop With Small‑Town Flavor (Simpson County)

Also in Simpson County, Magee sits on Highway 49 and has that familiar “busy small town” feeling that’s perfect for a casual outing from Brandon. On a quick road trip to Magee, you can:
  • Walk around the central part of town and see everyday local life.
  • Check out small businesses and shops along the main routes.
  • Grab a bite to eat and then take the long way home.
It’s not a flashy destination, but that’s part of the charm. For many people in central Mississippi, towns like Magee are tied to childhood memories of road trips, gas station snacks, and backseat naps.

9. Raleigh: Quiet County Seat Getaway (Smith County)

When you want somewhere calm and almost completely free of crowds, try Raleigh in Smith County. It’s another classic Mississippi county seat that makes for a peaceful drive from Brandon. Here’s what to expect:
  • A slower pace and friendly faces.
  • A courthouse square and a handful of local businesses.
  • Rural scenery on all the roads leading in and out of town.
This kind of road trip is good when you simply need to unplug. No big checklist. No rush. Just drive, look around, maybe treat yourself to a snack or drink at a local store, then wander back home a different way than you came. Idea: Turn this into a photography day. Old signs, weathered buildings, and wide‑open skies can make for great photos, even with just a phone camera.

10. Hazlehurst: Rail History & Small‑Town Stroll (Copiah County)

Round out your list of Brandon day trips with a drive down to Hazlehurst in Copiah County. It’s south of Jackson and makes a nice change from your usual routes. Things to look for:
  • Historic buildings and a small‑town downtown area.
  • Railroad history and that classic “old depot” atmosphere nearby.
  • Local spots to grab lunch or a quick coffee.
If you like exploring places that feel a bit “off the beaten path” but still easy to reach, Hazlehurst checks that box. It’s low‑key, but that’s exactly what many people want in a short road trip.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Brandon Road Trips

To keep your out‑of‑county adventures fun and stress‑free, a little planning goes a long way:
  • Check hours for museums and small shops before you go. Some close early or aren’t open every day.
  • Keep cash on hand for mom‑and‑pop spots that may not take cards.
  • Bring water and snacks so you’re not rushed to find a store.
  • Take the backroads when you can. The drive itself is often the best part.
  • Be flexible – if you see a roadside stand, old church, or pretty overlook, pull over (safely) and check it out.
From Brandon, you’re within easy reach of Hinds, Madison, Scott, Simpson, Smith, and Copiah Counties. That means there’s always somewhere new to explore without needing a plane ticket or a long hotel stay.

Where Will You Go Next?

These 10 short road trips from Brandon, Mississippi give you a mix of:
  • City museums and art districts
  • Historic small towns and courthouse squares
  • Forest drives and peaceful country roads
If you’ve been saying, “We should get out of the house more,” this is your sign. Which of these counties are you heading to first – Hinds, Madison, Scott, Simpson, Smith, or Copiah? Have you already done any of these drives from Brandon? Did I miss one of your favorite out‑of‑county spots? Share your go‑to day trips in the comments, and feel free to send this post to a friend or family member who’s always up for a drive. The more ideas we swap, the better our Mississippi road trips will be.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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