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10 Easy Road Trips From Pearl, Mississippi: Fun Things To Do Just Outside Rankin County
If you live in Pearl, Mississippi, or you’re just visiting, you don’t have to drive far to find new adventures. In fact, some of the best day trips near Pearl are just a short ride away in the counties that surround Rankin: Hinds, Madison, Copiah, Scott, Simpson, and Smith. The best part? You can leave after breakfast, be there in under an hour or so, and still be home in time to sleep in your own bed. Below are 10 short out-of-county road trips from Pearl that are perfect for families, couples, or friends looking for an easy getaway.1. Explore the Mississippi Museum of Art & Downtown Jackson (Hinds County)
Just across the river in Hinds County, downtown Jackson makes an easy first stop. From Pearl, you can be there in about 15–20 minutes, depending on traffic. One of the best places to start is the Mississippi Museum of Art. It’s big enough to feel special, but not so huge that you get lost or worn out.- Walk through galleries featuring Southern artists and rotating exhibits
- Enjoy the peaceful art garden outside (great spot for photos)
- Check the calendar for special events, live music, and family days
2. Step Back in Time at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum (Hinds County)
While you’re in Jackson, make time for one of the most powerful places in the state: the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. This isn’t just a history stop for school kids. It’s deeply moving for adults, too. The displays, videos, and personal stories paint a raw, honest picture of the Civil Rights struggle in Mississippi. Expect to:- Walk through immersive exhibits with sound, light, and video
- See real artifacts and hear first-hand accounts
- Leave with a new understanding of Mississippi’s past
3. Wildlife, Trails, and Boardwalks at LeFleur’s Bluff State Park (Hinds County)
If you want something outdoorsy but still close to Pearl, head to LeFleur’s Bluff State Park in Jackson. It’s tucked along the Pearl River and feels like a little pocket of nature inside the city. Here’s what you can do:- Walk easy trails and boardwalks through wetlands
- Fish in the lake (check local regulations first)
- Let the kids to run off energy at the playgrounds
- Enjoy a simple picnic with a nice view
4. Hands-On Fun at the Mississippi Children’s Museum (Hinds County)
Right next door to LeFleur’s Bluff, you’ll find the Mississippi Children’s Museum, another great family road trip from Pearl. This is one of those places where kids don’t realize they’re learning because they’re too busy having fun. Inside, you’ll find:- Interactive science and health exhibits
- Imagination play areas and creative spaces
- Rotating seasonal exhibits and special events
5. Shop, Dine, and People-Watch at Renaissance at Colony Park (Madison County)
Ready for a change of scenery without going too far? Drive about half an hour north from Pearl to Renaissance at Colony Park in Ridgeland, over in Madison County. This outdoor shopping and dining area has a relaxed, European-style vibe with:- Popular national stores and smaller boutiques
- Plenty of restaurants, from casual to date-night nice
- Seasonal events like outdoor concerts and holiday lights
- A casual afternoon stroll
- Date night dinner and drinks
- Back-to-school or holiday shopping
6. Hit the Water at the Ross Barnett Reservoir (Madison County)
The Ross Barnett Reservoir (locals just say “the Rez”) is one of the best outdoor playgrounds near Pearl. Parts of it touch both Madison County and other nearby areas, and it’s an easy drive—usually around 25–35 minutes depending on where you go. Around the Madison County side of the Rez, you can:- Walk or bike along the waterfront trails
- Fish from the bank or a boat
- Launch a kayak or paddleboard
- Catch a beautiful sunrise or sunset over the water
7. Quiet Country Time in Mendenhall (Simpson County)
Head south from Pearl and you’ll reach Mendenhall in Simpson County, a laid-back small town that gives you that classic Mississippi country feel. While it’s not a big tourist town, that’s part of the charm. This is a good road trip if you’re craving slower pace and simple pleasures like:- Driving quiet back roads with plenty of tree-lined views
- Grabbing a bite at a local diner or café
- Browsing small shops and walking the town area
8. Discover Rural Mississippi in Magee (Simpson County)
A bit farther along in Simpson County, Magee is another small town that’s easy to reach from Pearl. The drive itself is part of the experience—open spaces, fields, and that wide Mississippi sky. Things to do in and around Magee might include:- Stopping at local restaurants for classic Southern comfort food
- Checking out any community events or festivals (they’re big in small towns)
- Taking a slow drive around town and nearby country roads
9. Get Off the Beaten Path in Forest (Scott County)
To the east of Pearl, you’ll find Scott County, with the town of Forest serving as a central stop. It’s an easy drive and gives you a peek at another side of central Mississippi. Forest is a good base for:- Exploring rural scenery and back roads
- Grabbing lunch at local spots where everybody seems to know everyone
- Connecting your trip with nearby outdoor areas in the region
10. Slow Down in Raleigh and Taylorsville (Smith County)
To the southeast of Pearl, in Smith County, you’ll find small towns like Raleigh and Taylorsville. These are true “slow down and breathe” kind of places. Why go?- Experience authentic small-town Mississippi life
- Look for local events, fairs, or markets during certain times of year
- Take scenic drives through farmland and pine forests
Bonus Idea: Scenic Drives Through Copiah County
Just southwest of the Pearl area lies Copiah County, home to towns like Hazlehurst and Crystal Springs. Even if you don’t have a specific attraction in mind, it’s a great area for a simple country drive. Think:- Rolling two-lane highways
- Timberland and farmland views
- Small-town stops for gas, snacks, and conversation
Tips for Short Road Trips From Pearl
To make these out-of-county trips from Pearl smoother, keep a few basics in mind:- Check hours for museums and attractions before you go.
- Bring cash as some small-town spots may not take cards or may have card minimums.
- Pack the car with water, snacks, and maybe a light jacket if you’re inside museums or outdoors near the water.
- Fill up on gas in Pearl if you’re heading into more rural areas.
Share Your Favorite Road Trips From Pearl
That’s a quick look at 10 easy out-of-county road trips from Pearl, Mississippi across Hinds, Madison, Copiah, Scott, Simpson, and Smith counties. From museums in Jackson to small-town drives through Simpson and Smith County, there’s a lot you can do without going far. Now I’m curious:- Have you taken any of these trips from Pearl?
- Do you have a favorite small town, park, or hidden gem nearby?
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