Clinton, Mississippi: 10 Short Road Trips Perfect for Weekend Getaways

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10 Easy Road Trips from Clinton, Mississippi: Fun Things To Do Just Outside Hinds County

Looking for fun day trips from Clinton, Mississippi that don’t require a hotel stay or a long drive? You’re in a great spot. Clinton sits right by several counties packed with small-town charm, history, and outdoor fun. The best part? Most of these places are within about an hour’s drive. Perfect for a Saturday adventure or a last‑minute Sunday drive. Below are 10 short road trips from Clinton that take you into nearby counties: Claiborne, Copiah, Madison, Rankin, Simpson, Warren, and Yazoo. None of the ideas are in Hinds County itself, so you’re truly getting “out of town” while staying close to home.

1. Explore History at Windsor Ruins (Claiborne County)

About an hour southwest of Clinton, near Port Gibson in Claiborne County, you’ll find one of the most dramatic historic sites in Mississippi: Windsor Ruins. These towering columns are all that’s left of a massive pre–Civil War mansion that burned in the late 1800s. Today, the ruins stand in a quiet clearing, and honestly, it feels almost like a movie set.
  • Drive time: Around 1 hour from Clinton
  • Best for: History lovers, photographers, couples
  • What to do:
    • Walk around the columns and read the historical markers.
    • Take photos at sunrise or late afternoon for the best light.
    • Pair the trip with a drive through historic Port Gibson.
Personal tip: If you like peaceful spots, come on a weekday. I once stopped here late on a Monday afternoon and had the entire place to myself. It felt like stepping back in time.

2. Take a Scenic Drive on the Natchez Trace Parkway (Claiborne & Madison Counties)

If you’re craving a relaxed day with pretty views, the Natchez Trace Parkway is hard to beat. This historic route runs near Clinton, then continues through both Claiborne and Madison Counties. You can hop on the Trace near Clinton and head:
  • South toward Port Gibson and the Grand Gulf Military Park area, or
  • North toward Madison County and beyond.
  • Drive time: As short or long as you want; it’s a choose‑your‑own route kind of day
  • Best for: Scenic drives, picnics, cyclists, families
  • What to do:
    • Pack a picnic and pull off at one of the scenic overlooks.
    • Walk a short portion of the Old Trace footpath.
    • Enjoy the changing seasons—wildflowers, fall color, or just green summer shade.
If you’ve had one of those crazy weeks, a slow drive along the Trace with the windows cracked and some good music might be exactly what you need.

3. Family Day at the Mississippi Petrified Forest (Madison County)

Head about 30–40 minutes north of Clinton into Madison County, near Flora, and you’ll find a surprisingly cool little stop: the Mississippi Petrified Forest. Here, you can walk along a short trail and see massive petrified logs that are millions of years old. It’s like a mini time-travel trip, but in the trees.
  • Drive time: Around 35–45 minutes from Clinton
  • Best for: Families, nature lovers, curious kids
  • What to do:
    • Walk the forest trail and learn how wood turns into stone.
    • Visit the small museum and gift shop.
    • Snap a photo with the giant petrified logs.
If you’re trying to sneak a little learning into a fun outing with the kids, this is a great pick.

4. Shop, Eat, and Stroll in Madison & Ridgeland (Madison County)

If “road trip” to you means shopping, coffee, and good food, head north into Madison County. The Madison–Ridgeland area offers a more urban, yet still laid‑back day out.
  • Drive time: Around 25–40 minutes from Clinton
  • Best for: Couples, friends, shoppers, foodies
  • What to do:
    • Browse boutiques and shops around Madison and Ridgeland.
    • Check out local cafés and grab lunch or dessert.
    • Walk or bike a stretch of the nearby trails if you want to burn off those calories.
Think of this as your “easy button” day trip: not too far, plenty of options, and you can tailor it to your mood.

5. Get on the Water at the Ross Barnett Reservoir (Rankin & Madison Counties)

The Ross Barnett Reservoir spreads across parts of Rankin and Madison Counties and makes a perfect warm‑weather escape. Whether you’re into boating, fishing, or just sitting by the water with a picnic, the “Rez” is a favorite day trip spot for folks all around central Mississippi.
  • Drive time: Around 30–45 minutes from Clinton, depending on where you go
  • Best for: Families, anglers, boaters, sunset watchers
  • What to do:
    • Launch a boat or rent one from a local marina.
    • Fish for bass, crappie, and catfish.
    • Spread out a blanket and watch the sun go down over the water.
If you’ve been cooped up inside, an afternoon at the reservoir feels like a mini vacation without leaving central Mississippi.

6. Small‑Town Charm in Brandon & Flowood (Rankin County)

Just east of Hinds County lies Rankin County, home to popular spots like Brandon and Flowood. This is a comfortable, close‑to‑home road trip when you want a change of scenery but don’t want to burn much gas.
  • Drive time: Roughly 20–35 minutes from Clinton
  • Best for: Date nights, casual outings, families
  • What to do:
    • Catch a local event or concert if one’s happening.
    • Explore parks and walking paths.
    • Enjoy a relaxed meal at a local restaurant, then grab dessert nearby.
When you don’t want a “big adventure,” but you’re tired of your usual spots, Brandon and Flowood make an easy, low‑stress option.

7. Step Back in Time at Vicksburg National Military Park (Warren County)

Less than an hour west of Clinton, in Warren County, you’ll find one of the most important Civil War sites in the country: Vicksburg National Military Park. Even if you’re not a major history buff, this park is powerful. The rolling hills, historic markers, and monuments tell the story of the Siege of Vicksburg in a way that books just can’t.
  • Drive time: About 45–55 minutes from Clinton
  • Best for: History fans, families, road‑schooling, photographers
  • What to do:
    • Drive the park loop and stop at major viewpoints.
    • Visit the USS Cairo gunboat and museum.
    • Walk a few short trails and read the interpretive signs.
If you can, bring kids or teens along. It’s a powerful way to help them understand how important Vicksburg was to American history.

8. Wander the Streets of Historic Vicksburg (Warren County)

While you’re in Warren County, don’t just stop at the park—make time for downtown Vicksburg too. The historic district has old buildings, river views, and a slower pace that makes it perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
  • Drive time: Around 45–55 minutes from Clinton
  • Best for: Couples, friends, slow travelers
  • What to do:
    • Stroll through downtown, check out the public art and murals.
    • Pop into local shops and antique stores.
    • Enjoy dinner with a view of the Mississippi River if you time it right.
On a cool fall afternoon, wandering those streets with a coffee in hand is pretty hard to beat.

9. Get Wild at the Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge Area (Yazoo County)

Northwest of Clinton, in Yazoo County, you’ll find several spots where nature takes center stage. While the exact access points and refuges can vary, the broader Yazoo region is a gateway to rich wetlands, bottomland hardwood forests, and Delta scenery.
  • Drive time: Roughly 1–1.5 hours from Clinton, depending on your exact stop
  • Best for: Bird‑watchers, nature photographers, quiet time
  • What to do:
    • Bring binoculars and look for migratory birds and other wildlife.
    • Drive slow backroads and enjoy the wide‑open Delta views.
    • Pack snacks and plenty of water; services can be spread out.
If you’ve ever wanted to just unplug and listen to birds, frogs, and wind in the trees, this corner of Yazoo County makes that easy.

10. Slow Down in Small‑Town Simpson & Copiah Counties

South of Clinton, Simpson County and Copiah County offer a different kind of day trip: quiet backroads, small towns, and a slower pace that feels a world away from the interstate. You won’t find huge attractions every mile, and that’s kind of the point.
  • Drive time: Around 45–75 minutes from Clinton, depending on your route
  • Best for: Scenic drives, Sunday cruising, “no-plan” days
  • What to do:
    • Take the backroads and enjoy rolling hills and farmland.
    • Stop in a small town café for lunch or pie.
    • Check community boards for local festivals, markets, or ball games.
Some of the best Mississippi memories come from simple drives like this—windows down, music up, and no rush to be anywhere.

Tips for Planning Your Clinton, MS Road Trips

To make your short road trips from Clinton smooth and fun:
  • Check hours before you go. Historic sites, museums, and small shops may have limited days.
  • Keep cash handy. Some rural spots and small eateries may not take cards.
  • Pack a “road kit.” Water, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, and a light jacket can save the day.
  • Fill up first. Gas stations are more spread out in rural Claiborne, Yazoo, Simpson, and Copiah Counties.
A little planning goes a long way, especially if you’re exploring less‑traveled backroads.

Ready to Hit the Road from Clinton?

You don’t have to drive across the country to have an adventure. From Windsor Ruins in Claiborne County to the Ross Barnett Reservoir in Rankin and Madison Counties, and from Vicksburg in Warren County to the quiet backroads of Simpson, Copiah, and Yazoo Counties, there’s a surprising amount to see within an easy drive of Clinton, Mississippi. Which road trip are you going to try first? The history of Vicksburg, the mystery of Windsor Ruins, or a relaxing day by the water at the Rez? If you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends or family who live in the Clinton or Jackson area and are looking for new things to do nearby. And I’d love to hear from you:
  • Have you taken any of these day trips from Clinton?
  • Do you have a favorite hidden gem in Claiborne, Copiah, Madison, Rankin, Simpson, Warren, or Yazoo County?
Drop your tips, stories, and questions in the comments—let’s help each other discover more great road trips near Clinton, Mississippi!
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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