Ridgeland, Mississippi Weekend Escapes: 10 Short Road Trips Nearby

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10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips Near Ridgeland, Mississippi

Looking for fun day trips near Ridgeland, MS that get you out of Madison County for a bit? You’re in luck. Within about an hour’s drive, you can find small-town charm, state parks, museums, and some seriously good Southern food. Whether you’re planning a Saturday drive, a family outing, or a low-key date, these short road trips give you plenty of things to do near Ridgeland without a long haul. All of these ideas are in the surrounding counties: Attala, Hinds, Holmes, Leake, Rankin, Scott, and Yazoo.

1. Explore Mississippi History in Downtown Jackson (Hinds County)

About 15–25 minutes from Ridgeland, depending on traffic, downtown Jackson is an easy first stop. Head to the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and the Museum of Mississippi History, which share the same complex. You can easily spend half a day here walking through interactive exhibits, videos, and powerful stories from across the state. After the museums, stroll around the Old Capitol Museum area and take in the historic buildings.
  • Drive time: ~15–25 minutes
  • Best for: History lovers, teens and adults, thoughtful day trip
  • Tip: Go earlier in the day to avoid crowds and have time for both museums.
If you’re traveling with kids, ask them what exhibit hit them the hardest on the way home. It usually sparks a really meaningful conversation.

2. Catch a Game or Concert at Mississippi Coliseum (Hinds County)

If you like live events, the Mississippi Coliseum in Jackson is one of the easiest “out-of-county” adventures from Ridgeland. Depending on the season, you might find:
  • Rodeos and livestock shows
  • Basketball and other sporting events
  • Concerts and touring shows
  • Trade shows and festivals
Check the event schedule before you go, then plan dinner at a nearby restaurant in Jackson.
  • Drive time: ~20–25 minutes
  • Best for: Couples, friend groups, older kids
  • Tip: Arrive early; parking lots can get busy on big event nights.
This one is great if you want a night out that still gets you home before midnight.

3. Relax at Roosevelt State Park in Morton (Scott County)

Want trees, water, and quiet without driving all day? Head east on I-20 to Roosevelt State Park in Morton. Here you’ll find:
  • Peaceful lake views
  • Pier and boat rentals (seasonal)
  • Swimming pool (check seasonal hours)
  • Nature trails and picnic spots
Bring a cooler with sandwiches, grab a picnic table, and make a simple day of it. If you’re into photography, the views around the lake at sunset are beautiful.
  • Drive time: ~45–55 minutes
  • Best for: Families, nature lovers, casual hikers
  • Tip: Pack bug spray and a light jacket if you stay until evening.

4. Step Back in Time in Yazoo City’s Historic District (Yazoo County)

For a colorful, small-town road trip, head northwest to Yazoo City. Its historic Main Street is known for bright, painted storefronts that make you feel like you’ve stepped onto a movie set. You can:
  • Walk through the historic downtown
  • Check out local shops and small cafes
  • Visit the famous Yazoo City cemetery with its local legends
If you enjoy Southern ghost stories and tall tales, this town has plenty of them. Even just walking around and taking photos makes for a fun half-day.
  • Drive time: ~45–55 minutes
  • Best for: Couples, solo explorers, photography fans
  • Tip: Bring cash—some small shops may not be card-only friendly.

5. Cruise the Natchez Trace Beyond Madison County (Leake & Attala Counties)

The Natchez Trace Parkway runs right by Ridgeland, but if you keep driving north, you’ll quickly leave Madison County and roll into Leake and Attala Counties. Make a slow day of it:
  • Drive a stretch of the Trace with the windows down.
  • Stop at pull-offs and wayside exhibits past Madison County.
  • Pack snacks or a picnic to enjoy at one of the scenic stops.
This is one of those drives where the journey really is the destination. No big agenda—just a peaceful road, tall trees, and time to breathe.
  • Drive time: As long or short as you want (30–90 minutes one way)
  • Best for: Relaxed drives, couples, anyone needing a mental reset
  • Tip: Fill up on gas before you get too far; services are limited along the Trace.

6. Visit Kosciusko, a Classic Mississippi Town (Attala County)

Keep heading north and you’ll reach Kosciusko, a friendly small town in Attala County with a classic courthouse square. Things to do:
  • Stroll around the town square and browse local shops.
  • Grab a bite at a mom-and-pop restaurant.
  • Drive a bit of the Natchez Trace near town for extra scenery.
It’s the kind of place where folks still wave at you from their front porch. If you’ve grown up in a big city, this can feel like stepping into another pace of life entirely.
  • Drive time: ~1 hour–1 hour 15 minutes
  • Best for: Casual day trip, low-key exploring
  • Tip: Try to visit on a weekday or Saturday when shops are more likely to be open.

7. Walk the Trails at Leake County Water Park (Leake County)

Looking for a simple, outdoorsy escape without crowds? Check out areas around Leake County Water Park near Carthage. Depending on water levels and season, you can:
  • Enjoy scenic views along the water
  • Walk, relax, and let kids burn off energy
  • Pack a picnic for a budget-friendly outing
It’s not a flashy destination, but that’s kind of the charm. Sometimes the best road trips from Ridgeland are the quiet ones.
  • Drive time: ~50–60 minutes
  • Best for: Families with younger kids, picnics, peaceful hangs
  • Tip: Call ahead or check local info for current hours and conditions, especially in off-season.

8. Enjoy the Water Near the Ross Barnett Reservoir (Rankin County Side)

Even though Ridgeland sits on the Madison County side of the Ross Barnett Reservoir, you can cross over to the Rankin County side for a fresh perspective and new spots. Options include:
  • Public access areas and boat ramps (if you have a boat or kayak)
  • Fishing spots along the shoreline
  • Scenic pull-offs to watch the sunset over the water
On a nice afternoon, you can just drive around the Rankin side of the Reservoir, stop when something catches your eye, and enjoy the view.
  • Drive time: 15–30 minutes, depending on where you go
  • Best for: Quick after-work escape, sunset watchers, anglers
  • Tip: Bring a light jacket—the breeze off the water can feel cooler than the forecast.

9. Visit a Small-Town Festival in Rankin or Scott Counties

If you time it right, you can pair your road trip with a local festival or fair in Rankin or Scott County. Many Mississippi towns host:
  • Food festivals
  • Seasonal fairs and carnivals
  • Holiday parades
  • Community markets
Check community calendars for towns like Brandon, Pearl, Flowood (Rankin County) or Morton and Forest (Scott County). These events are great for:
  • Trying local food
  • Letting kids ride simple fair rides
  • Listening to live music
  • Drive time: ~25–60 minutes, depending on the town
  • Best for: Families, food lovers, casual weekend fun
  • Tip: Bring cash for vendors and parking at smaller events.

10. Experience Delta Edges and Outdoor Spots in Yazoo County

Yazoo County sits at the edge of the Mississippi Delta, and even a short drive out from Yazoo City can give you wide, open views and that big-sky feeling. Try:
  • Scenic back roads for photography
  • Pull-offs near fields and tree lines for golden hour photos
  • Small local eateries for plate lunches or barbecue
If you grew up around hills and trees, the flatter landscapes of this area can feel almost like another state. It’s a nice change of scenery that’s still close to Ridgeland.
  • Drive time: ~50–70 minutes from Ridgeland, depending on your route
  • Best for: Scenic drives, photographers, couples
  • Tip: Start your drive a couple of hours before sunset for the best light.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Ridgeland Road Trips

To keep your short road trips near Ridgeland easy and fun, it helps to:
  • Plan a simple theme – history day, picnic day, lake day, or “just drive and explore.”
  • Check hours – especially for museums, parks, and seasonal attractions.
  • Pack a small “road trip kit” – water, snacks, phone charger, wipes, and sunscreen.
  • Budget for small extras – museum tickets, parking, or festival food.
One nice thing about these trips: most are under an hour away, so you don’t have to book a hotel or burn a whole weekend. You can get out, explore someplace new, and still sleep in your own bed at night.

What’s Your Favorite Road Trip from Ridgeland?

Now it’s your turn. Have you taken any of these day trips near Ridgeland, Mississippi? Do you have a favorite small-town restaurant, scenic overlook, or hidden park in Attala, Hinds, Holmes, Leake, Rankin, Scott, or Yazoo County?
  • Drop a comment and share your go-to spots.
  • Know someone in Ridgeland looking for weekend ideas? Share this post with them.
The more we swap ideas, the easier it gets to turn an ordinary Saturday into a little adventure just down the road.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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