Jackson, Mississippi: 10 Best Things To Do Near The Capital

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10 Fun Things To Do In And Around Jackson, Mississippi (Hinds County)

If you’re planning a trip to Jackson, Mississippi in Hinds County, you’re in for more than just a quick stop off the interstate. Jackson is a mix of soulful music, powerful history, Southern food, and easy-going charm. Whether you’re on a family road trip, a weekend getaway, or visiting friends, here are 10 things to do in and near Jackson, MS that are worth your time.

1. Explore the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum

If you do only one thing in Jackson, make it the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. It’s powerful, emotional, and unforgettable. You’ll walk through galleries that share real stories from the Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi. From brave Freedom Riders to everyday people fighting for basic rights, the exhibits are honest and moving.
  • Location: Downtown Jackson
  • Good for: History lovers, families with teens, first-time visitors
  • Plan for: 2–3 hours (you may want more time)
A tip: give yourself some quiet time afterward. The museum is deeply emotional, and many visitors say they leave changed.

2. Pair It With the Museum of Mississippi History

Right next door is the Museum of Mississippi History, and it’s worth doing both on the same day. One ticket often covers entry to both, so it’s a great value. This museum takes you from early Native American cultures, through the Civil War era, into modern times. There are a lot of interactive exhibits, so kids and adults stay engaged.
  • Great combo: Civil Rights Museum + Museum of Mississippi History
  • Best for: Visitors who want the “big picture” of Mississippi’s story
Walking through both museums gives you a fuller understanding of Jackson and the entire state.

3. Stroll the Mississippi State Capitol

Love architecture or just curious about how government works in Mississippi? The Mississippi State Capitol is a beautiful building and an easy stop while you’re in downtown Jackson. You can walk inside, see the grand dome, and sometimes even sit in on legislative sessions when they’re in season.
  • Cost: Often free to visit
  • Highlights: Marble floors, stained glass, impressive rotunda
  • Time needed: Around 45 minutes to 1 hour
It’s also a nice spot for photos, especially on a sunny day when the dome really shines.

4. Get Outside at LeFleur’s Bluff State Park

Need to stretch your legs a bit? LeFleur’s Bluff State Park is right in the Jackson area and feels like a green escape inside the city. You can:
  • Walk or hike on easy wooded trails
  • Go fishing on Mayes Lake
  • Have a picnic under the trees
  • Let the kids burn off energy on the playgrounds
If you’re on a long road trip, this is a perfect place to relax for a few hours. Bring comfortable shoes and maybe a small cooler with drinks and snacks.

5. Explore the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science

Inside LeFleur’s Bluff, you’ll find the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, a favorite for families and nature fans. Expect:
  • Huge aquariums with native fish and turtles
  • Alligator exhibits
  • Dinosaur fossils and skeletons
  • Hands-on science displays for kids
It’s indoors and air-conditioned, which makes it a great idea for those hot and humid Mississippi days or rainy afternoons.

6. Visit the Mississippi Children’s Museum

Traveling with kids? Do them (and yourself) a favor and spend a few hours at the Mississippi Children’s Museum, also near LeFleur’s Bluff. Everything here is built for play and learning:
  • Imaginative play areas
  • STEM and art exhibits
  • Outdoor activities and seasonal events
If you’re looking for family-friendly things to do in Jackson, this spot is a must. Let the kids explore while you catch your breath and enjoy watching them have fun.

7. Walk (and Eat) Your Way Around Fondren

If you want to get a feel for the local vibe, head to the Fondren neighborhood, just north of downtown Jackson. Fondren is artsy, colorful, and walkable. You’ll find:
  • Murals and public art
  • Local restaurants and coffee shops
  • Unique boutiques and vintage stores
  • Live music on certain nights
This is a great place for an evening in Jackson. Grab dinner, wander around, and maybe end the night with dessert or a drink. It’s one of the best areas to feel the creative side of the city.

8. Dive Into Blues and History at the Mississippi Blues Trail Markers

Jackson is an important stop on the Mississippi Blues Trail. If you enjoy music—or just want to understand Mississippi culture—track down a few of the Blues Trail markers around the city. You’ll see signs and plaques that share stories about:
  • Legendary musicians who played in Jackson
  • Historic clubs and venues
  • The roots of blues, soul, and gospel music
It’s like a self-guided tour through one of America’s greatest music traditions, and it’s one of the more unique things to do in Jackson, MS.

9. Tour the Eudora Welty House & Garden

If you love books, Southern stories, or quiet historic homes, don’t skip the Eudora Welty House & Garden. Eudora Welty was a famous Mississippi writer, and her home in Jackson has been carefully preserved. You can:
  • Walk through the rooms where she wrote and lived
  • See her massive personal book collection
  • Enjoy the flower-filled garden outside
It’s a calm, reflective spot in the middle of the city—a nice change of pace after busier attractions.

10. Enjoy a Southern Food Crawl Around Jackson

You can’t talk about things to do near Jackson, Mississippi without talking about the food. The city has classic Southern comfort dishes, soul food, and modern twists on old favorites. Depending on where you go, you might find:
  • Fried catfish and hush puppies
  • Barbecue ribs and pulled pork
  • Buttermilk biscuits and fried chicken
  • Sweet tea, of course
One fun idea: turn it into your own “food crawl.” Try breakfast at a local diner, a meat-and-three plate for lunch, and maybe barbecue or soul food for dinner. Ask locals where they like to eat—you’ll often discover the best hidden spots that way.

Planning Your Jackson, MS Trip

Here are a few quick tips to make your visit easier:
  • Best time to visit: Spring and fall are usually most comfortable. Summers can be hot and humid.
  • Getting around: Having a car makes it much easier to explore Jackson and Hinds County.
  • Trip length: You can see the main highlights in 2–3 days, but you’ll need more if you want a slower pace.
Jackson is a city that grows on you. It’s not flashy, but it’s real—full of stories, music, and people who are proud of where they’re from.

What Will You Do First in Jackson?

Are you more excited about the civil rights museums, the state park and outdoor trails, or the Southern food scene? I’d love to hear your plans.
  • Have you been to Jackson, Mississippi before?
  • Do you have a favorite restaurant, museum, or hidden gem in Hinds County?
Share your thoughts and tips in the comments so other travelers can discover new ideas too. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with a friend or on social media—someone planning a road trip through Mississippi might be looking for exactly this kind of list.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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