Tupelo, Mississippi: 10 Unforgettable Things To Do Nearby

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10 Fun Things To Do In and Around Tupelo, Mississippi (Lee County)

If you’re looking for a laid-back Southern getaway with music history, great food, and friendly people, Tupelo, Mississippi should be on your list. This small city in Lee County is famous as the birthplace of Elvis Presley, but there’s a lot more to enjoy here than just rock ’n’ roll. Below are 10 of the best things to do in and near Tupelo to help you plan your trip, whether you’re coming for a weekend or a full-on Mississippi road trip.

1. Visit the Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum

If you come to Tupelo and skip the Elvis spots, you’re missing the heart of the city. The Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum is the star attraction. You can tour the small two‑room house where Elvis was born in 1935, walk through the church where young Elvis heard gospel music, and explore exhibits filled with photos, outfits, and stories from his early life. What makes this place special is how simple it is. The home isn’t flashy. It feels humble, almost like a time capsule from the 1930s. Standing in that tiny bedroom, it hits you just how far a kid from Tupelo went.
  • Plan 1–2 hours here.
  • Great for music lovers and families.
  • Be sure to walk the garden paths and see the statues outside.

2. Drive (or Bike) the Natchez Trace Parkway

The Natchez Trace Parkway runs right through Tupelo and might be one of the most relaxing drives in the South. This scenic roadway stretches 444 miles from Natchez, Mississippi, to near Nashville, Tennessee, but you can enjoy just a short section near Tupelo and still get the experience. You won’t find billboards or truck traffic here—just smooth pavement, gentle curves, and lots of trees. In fall, the colors light up, and in spring, wildflowers pop out along the roadside. If you like being active, bring a bike or even a picnic.
  • Stop at the Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center in Tupelo for maps and info.
  • Plenty of short hiking trails just off the parkway.
  • Perfect for a peaceful morning or sunset drive.

3. Hike and Explore Tombigbee State Park

About a 10–15 minute drive from downtown Tupelo, Tombigbee State Park is a quiet escape into nature. It’s built around a small lake, with wooded trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds. You can:
  • Walk gentle forest trails.
  • Go fishing in the lake (don’t forget your license).
  • Bring a picnic and relax by the water.
If you like staying active outdoors, this is a great place to stretch your legs after a day of sightseeing. The park isn’t huge, but that’s part of its charm—it feels calm and uncrowded.

4. Stroll Through Downtown Tupelo & Fairpark

Downtown Tupelo is easy to walk and full of local flavor. Think brick sidewalks, storefronts with personality, and plenty of spots to grab a burger, barbecue, or a good cup of coffee. A few ideas while you’re downtown:
  • Check out Fairpark, a public park and event space with fountains and open green areas.
  • Explore local shops for Mississippi-made gifts and Elvis-themed souvenirs.
  • Look for the colorful murals and public art scattered around downtown.
On certain weekends, you’ll find events, food trucks, and live music in and around Fairpark. If you like to “feel” a city instead of just checking off tourist stops, give yourself time to wander here.

5. Follow the Elvis Guitar Trail

One of the most fun (and free) things to do in Tupelo is searching for the Elvis guitar statues around the city. These are large, colorfully painted guitars that mark important locations from Elvis’s early life. You’ll find them at:
  • The site of his first paid performance.
  • Places he shopped or hung out as a kid.
  • Key spots that shaped his childhood in Tupelo.
It’s almost like a scavenger hunt. Kids love spotting the guitars, and adults enjoy the bits of history on each plaque. Stop by the visitor center or check online for a map, then see how many you can find.

6. Learn Local History at the Oren Dunn City Museum

If you’re curious about the story of Tupelo and Lee County, head over to the Oren Dunn City Museum. It’s set in a former dairy barn in Ballard Park and covers everything from early Native American history to the 1936 Tupelo tornado and the rise of modern industry. You’ll see:
  • Historic photos and artifacts from around Tupelo.
  • Displays about railroads and local businesses.
  • A small “village” of relocated historic buildings outside.
It’s a nice way to understand how this part of Mississippi has changed over time. The museum is small, friendly, and easy to explore in about an hour.

7. Catch a Show at the BancorpSouth Arena & Conference Center

For live entertainment in Tupelo, the BancorpSouth Arena (also known as the Cadence Bank Arena) is the main stage. Big touring acts, country stars, rock bands, and even family shows like ice skating and circuses roll through here. If you enjoy live music, check the schedule before you visit. You might be able to:
  • See a concert by a major artist.
  • Watch a comedy show.
  • Catch a sporting event or expo.
There’s something special about seeing a big show in a smaller city—parking is easier, crowds are friendlier, and you’re not stuck in traffic for hours afterward.

8. Discover Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo

If you’re traveling with kids—or if you just love animals—put the Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo on your list. It’s one of the more unique things to do near Tupelo. Here you can:
  • See a herd of buffalo roaming the grounds.
  • Visit a mix of animals, from zebras to camels and more.
  • Take a guided tour to learn about the animals and their care.
It’s not a huge city zoo, and that’s exactly why many people like it. You get closer to the animals, and it feels more personal. Plan a couple of hours here, especially if your group includes younger children.

9. Walk, Bike, or Play at Veterans Park & Ballard Park

Tupelo has several parks, but two local favorites are Veterans Park and Ballard Park. Veterans Park features:
  • A moving Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall replica.
  • Walking paths and green space.
  • Areas to sit, think, and pay your respects.
Ballard Park offers:
  • Lakeside views and paved walking trails.
  • Playgrounds for kids.
  • Sports fields and picnic spots.
If you’re doing a road trip across Mississippi, these parks make great places to stretch your legs, get some fresh air, and let the kids burn off energy.

10. Eat Your Way Through Tupelo’s Southern Food Scene

No trip to Tupelo is complete without tasting some Mississippi comfort food. The city has a growing food scene, from old-school meat‑and‑three diners to modern Southern restaurants. Look for:
  • Fried catfish with hushpuppies.
  • Barbecue ribs or pulled pork with coleslaw and baked beans.
  • Biscuits and gravy for breakfast.
  • Homemade pies and banana pudding for dessert.
Ask locals where they like to eat—you’ll often end up in a crowded spot with plastic cups, paper napkins, and some of the best food you’ll have on your entire trip.

Tips for Planning Your Tupelo, Mississippi Trip

A few quick tips to make travel planning easier:
  • Best time to visit: Spring and fall for milder weather and colorful scenery on the Natchez Trace Parkway.
  • Getting around: You’ll want a car to explore Tupelo and the rest of Lee County comfortably.
  • Trip length: A weekend is enough for the top highlights, but 3–4 days lets you see more at a relaxed pace.

Ready to Explore Tupelo?

From the Elvis Presley Birthplace to the quiet woods of Tombigbee State Park, Tupelo offers a mix of history, music, food, and outdoor fun that fits just about any traveler. If you’ve been to Tupelo or Lee County before, what was your favorite thing to do? Did you discover a great local restaurant or a hidden spot along the Natchez Trace? Share your tips and experiences in the comments so other travelers can make the most of their trip. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with a friend who’s planning a Mississippi getaway or a Southern road trip.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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