on
Yazoo City
- Get link
- X
- Other Apps
- Get link
- X
- Other Apps
10 Easy Road Trips From Greenville, Mississippi: Best Things To Do Nearby
If you’re in Greenville, Mississippi (in Washington County) and feeling a little restless, you’re in luck. You’re surrounded by small towns, quiet backroads, and hidden gems that make for fun, short day trips and weekend road trips. The best part? Every spot on this list is outside Washington County, just a quick drive away in nearby counties like Bolivar, Sunflower, Sharkey, Issaquena, Humphreys, and across the river in Chicot County, Arkansas. So grab a coffee, fill up the gas tank, and let’s hit the road.1. Cross the River to Lake Village, Arkansas – Delta Views & Pie (Chicot County, AR)
Drive time from Greenville: About 15–20 minutes (via U.S. 82 across the Mississippi River) Just over the bridge, Lake Village in Chicot County sits along the shore of Lake Chicot, one of the largest oxbow lakes in North America. It’s an easy, low-stress escape from Greenville with a different view of the Delta. What to do:- Stroll or drive along the Lake Chicot Scenic Byway and soak in those wide-open water views.
- Bring a rod and try your luck fishing for bass, crappie, or catfish.
- Stop into a local diner or café for classic Southern plate lunches and homemade pie.
2. History & Blues in Cleveland, Mississippi (Bolivar County)
Drive time from Greenville: About 45–55 minutes south on Highway 61 If you love music, history, and good food, Cleveland in Bolivar County is a must. It’s one of the most popular Mississippi Delta road trip stops, and it’s still an easy day trip from Greenville. What to do:- Visit the GRAMMY Museum Mississippi to explore interactive exhibits about American music, from the blues to hip-hop.
- Wander around downtown Cleveland’s shops, boutiques, and restaurants.
- Check the local calendar for live music, festivals, and events tied to Delta culture.
3. Deep-Delta Blues & Backroads Around Boyle & Merigold (Bolivar County)
Drive time from Greenville: About 40–50 minutes (south on Highway 61) Just north of Cleveland, the little towns of Boyle and Merigold are perfect for a slow drive when you want to see the “real” Mississippi Delta. What to do:- Follow a portion of the Mississippi Blues Trail and look for markers that tell stories of local blues legends.
- Take the backroads and photograph old churches, cotton fields, and weathered barns.
- Grab lunch at a local spot and chat with folks who’ve lived in the Delta their whole lives.
4. Indianola: Home of B.B. King (Sunflower County)
Drive time from Greenville: About 35–45 minutes southeast on Highway 82 and 49W Just down the road in Sunflower County, Indianola is a small town with a huge musical legacy. What to do:- Tour the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center to learn about the life of the “King of the Blues” and the history of the Delta.
- Walk around downtown Indianola and peek into local shops and cafés.
- Visit a nearby Mississippi Blues Trail marker and connect the dots with other places you’ve seen.
5. Moorhead & Sunflower – Where the Blues Lines Cross (Sunflower County)
Drive time from Greenville: About 45–60 minutes, depending on your route Moorhead might look like a quiet little town, but it holds a special place in music history. This is where the Southern Railway and the Yellow Dog line met—something you’ll hear about in old blues songs. What to do:- Find the spot where the railroad lines crossed and read up on how it inspired blues legends.
- Drive nearby country roads toward the town of Sunflower for classic Delta scenery.
- Pack snacks and turn it into an easy afternoon exploring backroads and small towns.
6. Anguilla & Rolling Fork: Big Sky & Big History (Sharkey County)
Drive time from Greenville: About 45–60 minutes south In Sharkey County, the towns of Anguilla and Rolling Fork sit right in the heart of the Delta’s wide, flat farm country. It’s a great area if you love open skies, wildlife, and quiet drives. What to do:- Take a slow drive through farmland and look for birds, deer, and other wildlife along the ditches and treelines.
- Stop in Rolling Fork to see local tributes to Teddy Roosevelt and the famous “teddy bear” story connected to a Mississippi Delta bear hunt.
- Explore nearby country churches and historic cemeteries if you enjoy photography.
7. Midnight & Belzoni: Catfish Capital & Delta Quirks (Humphreys County)
Drive time from Greenville: About 1–1.25 hours southeast Head into Humphreys County to find Belzoni, known as the “Catfish Capital of the World”. If you love small-town charm and local food, this is an easy win. What to do:- Look for catfish-themed art and statues around Belzoni.
- Plan your road trip around the annual World Catfish Festival (usually in the spring) for food, music, and crafts.
- Drive through Midnight, Mississippi (yes, that’s really its name) just for the fun of saying you’ve been there.
8. Issaquena County Backroads: The Quietest Drive You’ll Take (Issaquena County)
Drive time from Greenville: About 45–60 minutes south/southeast Want to truly get away from it all? Issaquena County is one of the least-populated counties in the entire United States. That means wide-open roads, almost no traffic, and a peaceful, rural landscape. What to do:- Take a long, slow scenic drive along levee roads and farm routes.
- Look for old homesites, abandoned buildings, and fields stretching to the horizon—perfect for photography.
- Pack a cooler and have a tailgate-style picnic at a safe pull-off or shady roadside spot.
9. Sunflower River Towns: Marks & Drew (Sunflower/Bolivar Area)
Drive time from Greenville: Roughly 1–1.25 hours If you like to mix a bit of history with a lot of scenic driving, plan a loop that takes you past small Sunflower River communities like Marks or Drew (depending on your route). What to do:- Follow the Sunflower River via backroads and see how the landscape changes.
- Stop in tiny downtowns, grab a drink, and chat with locals.
- Connect your route with Cleveland, Indianola, or Moorhead to make a full Delta day trip.
10. Lake Chicot State Park – Camping, Cabins & Water Views (Chicot County, AR)
Drive time from Greenville: About 25–35 minutes (across the river, a bit north of Lake Village) If you’re craving trees and water more than buildings and streets, Lake Chicot State Park in Arkansas is an easy getaway. What to do:- Rent a cabin or book a campsite for a simple weekend escape from Greenville.
- Enjoy fishing, boating, hiking, or just sitting by the water with a book.
- Bring binoculars and watch for birds and other wildlife around the lake.
Tips for Planning Your Delta Road Trips From Greenville
- Check the weather: Rain can make some rural roads muddy or tricky.
- Fuel up first: Some stretches between towns don’t have many gas stations.
- Bring cash: Smaller spots and local eateries don’t always take cards.
- Take your time: These drives are about the journey as much as the destination.
Share Your Favorite Greenville Road Trips
Have you taken any of these short road trips from Greenville, MS? Do you have a favorite café, fishing spot, or backroad view in one of these nearby counties?- Drop a comment with your tips, stories, or questions.
- Share this post with friends or family who live in or near Greenville and are always saying, “There’s nothing to do.”
Comments
Post a Comment