Canton, Mississippi: 10 Short Road Trips for Easy Weekend Getaways

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10 Easy Road Trips From Canton, Mississippi (All Outside Madison County)

Looking for fun, easy day trips from Canton, Mississippi that take you out of Madison County for a bit? If you’re craving a change of scenery, a good meal, or a little history, you’re in luck. Within about an hour’s drive, you can find small-town charm, state parks, civil rights history, and classic Mississippi food. All of these ideas are in surrounding counties: Attala, Hinds, Holmes, Leake, Rankin, Scott, and Yazoo. Nothing here is in Canton or Madison County itself, so you really do get “out of town” for the day.

1. Jackson, MS – Museums, Food, and Music (Hinds County)

Jackson is an easy drive straight down I‑55 from Canton, usually around 25–35 minutes depending on traffic. It’s the biggest city near Canton and makes a great full-day or half-day trip. Some classic spots to piece together your own mini tour:
  • Mississippi Civil Rights Museum – A powerful, emotional look at the Civil Rights Movement. The exhibits are moving and very interactive. Plan at least 2–3 hours.
  • Museum of Mississippi History – Right next door, with everything from Native American history to blues and agriculture.
  • Mississippi Museum of Art – Rotating exhibits, a calm outdoor garden, and a nice little café.
  • Fondren District – Colorful murals, local restaurants, coffee shops, and record stores. Great for strolling and people-watching.
If you love food, Jackson is a must. You can easily make this a “museum in the morning, lunch and coffee in Fondren in the afternoon” kind of day. Travel tip: Try to arrive by mid-morning to snag easier downtown parking near the museums.

2. Ross Barnett Reservoir – Water Views and Relaxed Vibes (Rankin County)

If you look at a map east of Jackson, you’ll see a huge blue patch. That’s the Ross Barnett Reservoir, often just called “the Rez.” Parts touch Madison County, but plenty of shoreline and park areas sit in Rankin County, which keeps you safely out of Madison. On the Rankin side, you’ll find:
  • Pelahatchie Shore Park – Picnic tables, shoreline views, and room for kids to run.
  • Boat ramps and marinas – Even if you don’t own a boat, it’s fun just to watch the action on a sunny day.
  • Waterfront restaurants – Grab seafood or burgers with a view of the lake.
It’s the kind of place where you roll down the windows, breathe in the air off the water, and instantly feel your shoulders relax. Good for: Low-key afternoons, sunset drives, picnics, and quick “we need out of the house” trips.

3. Mississippi Petrified Forest & Flora Area (Hinds County)

Northwest of Jackson, near the small community of Flora in Hinds County, sits a quirky and surprisingly cool stop: the Mississippi Petrified Forest. You can:
  • Walk a short nature trail and see massive petrified logs that are millions of years old.
  • Visit a small museum with rocks, fossils, and gems from around the world.
  • Pick up a unique souvenir in the gift shop.
It’s not a long hike, so this is a good choice if you’re traveling with kids or anyone who doesn’t want to walk for miles. The whole visit might take 1–2 hours, which makes it easy to combine with lunch in Jackson or a scenic drive through the countryside. Tip: Wear comfy shoes; even though it’s short, it’s still a nature trail with roots and uneven spots.

4. Yazoo City – Colorful Downtown and Tall Tales (Yazoo County)

Head northwest from Canton and you’ll reach Yazoo City in Yazoo County, known for its bright, colorful downtown buildings and a few legendary local stories. Things to check out:
  • Historic Main Street – Bold, painted storefronts that are fun for photos and a casual stroll.
  • Local shops and diners – Old-fashioned charm, Southern cooking, and friendly folks.
  • Glenwood Cemetery – Home to the famous “Witch of Yazoo” grave and some beautiful old headstones. A little spooky, a lot interesting.
Yazoo City has the feel of a classic Mississippi small town with a little extra personality. It’s easy to wander for a few hours, grab lunch, and be back in Canton by dinner. Driving note: Expect around a 45–60 minute drive, depending on your route.

5. Kosciusko – Natchez Trace and Small-Town Charm (Attala County)

To the northeast, in Attala County, you’ll find Kosciusko, a cozy town tied to the historic Natchez Trace Parkway and known as Oprah Winfrey’s hometown. Here’s what makes it a nice road trip:
  • Downtown Kosciusko – A traditional courthouse square, local shops, and a relaxed pace.
  • Natchez Trace access – Scenic pull-offs, short walks, and pretty views not far from town.
  • Local diners – Good, filling Southern meals that won’t break the bank.
If you enjoy quiet roads, rolling hills, and small-town America, Kosciusko hits all the right notes. It’s also easy to combine with another little Trace stop on your way back. Idea: Pack a small picnic, find a pull-off along the Natchez Trace near Attala County, and just enjoy the stillness for a while.

6. Morton and Roosevelt State Park – Woods, Water, and Camping (Scott County)

Looking for more nature? Point your car east toward Scott County and make your way to the Morton area and Roosevelt State Park. At Roosevelt State Park you can:
  • Walk short trails through pine woods.
  • Rent a paddle boat or fish in the lake (check current rules and rentals).
  • Spread out a blanket for a lazy afternoon by the water.
  • Stay in cabins or camp if you feel like turning it into an overnight trip.
The park has that classic “state park” feel: peaceful lake, campgrounds, and families grilling under pavilions. It’s the kind of place that feels a world away, even though you haven’t driven that far. Best seasons: Spring and fall, when the temps are milder and the trees are changing color.

7. Brandon – Family-Friendly Fun Near Jackson (Rankin County)

Just east of Jackson in Rankin County, Brandon has grown into a busy, family-friendly community with plenty of ways to fill an afternoon. Depending on the time of year, you might:
  • Catch an event or concert at the Brandon Amphitheater.
  • Let kids burn off energy at local parks and playgrounds.
  • Stroll around the historic downtown area for a small, walkable outing.
Brandon is also loaded with casual restaurants, coffee shops, and dessert spots. If your idea of a great road trip is “drive, eat, walk a little, drive home,” Brandon fits perfectly. Bonus: You can pair Brandon with a stop at the Ross Barnett Reservoir (Rankin County side) for a full day out.

8. Forest – Scott County’s Small-Town Stop-Off

Continue a bit farther east into Scott County, and you’ll reach the town of Forest. It’s not flashy, but that’s really the charm. Forest is a good “slow down and breathe” kind of stop:
  • Walk or drive through quiet neighborhoods and around the courthouse area.
  • Grab some classic Southern comfort food at a local café or BBQ spot.
  • Use it as a base to explore more of the Scott County countryside.
Sometimes the best road trip memories come from little towns where you didn’t have a strict plan. Forest is perfect for that “let’s just see what we find” mindset. Tip: If you’re already visiting Roosevelt State Park, Forest makes an easy lunch stop going to or from the park.

9. Lexington – History and Heritage in Holmes County

To the northwest in Holmes County lies Lexington, a town with deep roots and a strong sense of Mississippi history. There, you can:
  • Wander around the town square and admire older buildings and churches.
  • Talk with locals who can share stories about the area’s past and culture.
  • Drive the backroads in Holmes County to see farmland, fields, and rural life up close.
If you’re into photography, you’ll find plenty of interesting scenes: small churches, barns, and long country roads that seem to go on forever. Good pairings: Combine Lexington with a stop in Yazoo City or a scenic loop through Yazoo and Holmes counties.

10. Carthage – Courthouse Square and Country Drives (Leake County)

Northeast of Canton, in Leake County, you’ll find Carthage, another classic Mississippi county seat with a low-key feel. Expect:
  • A traditional courthouse square and small downtown.
  • Local spots to grab a burger or plate lunch.
  • Quiet country roads perfect for a Sunday drive.
Carthage also works well as a starting point or midpoint if you like just cruising around rural Mississippi. You can roll through Carthage, loop over toward Attala County or along the Natchez Trace, and then circle back to Canton by a different route. Road trip idea: Canton → Carthage → Kosciusko → Natchez Trace → back toward Canton, making it a lazy loop instead of an out-and-back drive.

Tips for Planning Your Out-of-County Road Trips from Canton

To make the most of these short Mississippi road trips:
  • Check hours – Small-town museums, shops, and restaurants may have limited days or close early.
  • Fuel up – Some stretches between towns are pretty rural. Better to top off your gas tank first.
  • Bring snacks and water – Especially if you’re exploring parks, the Natchez Trace, or quieter backroads.
  • Keep cash handy – A few small diners or older gas stations may still prefer cash.
And don’t forget: part of the fun of a road trip from Canton is what you discover between these destinations. If you see a roadside produce stand, an old church, or an interesting sign, pull over (safely) and check it out.

Where Will You Go Next?

From Jackson’s museums to Yazoo City’s colorful streets, Roosevelt State Park’s quiet lake to the small-town squares of Kosciusko, Lexington, and Carthage, there’s a lot to see within a short drive of Canton, Mississippi—without ever repeating the same day trip. Which of these 10 out-of-county road trips from Canton would you try first?
  • Are you more into history and museums?
  • Or do you prefer lakes, trees, and picnic tables?
  • Maybe you just want a good plate of fried catfish and a scenic drive?
Share your favorites! If you’ve taken a fun day trip from Canton—or you have a secret spot in Attala, Hinds, Holmes, Leake, Rankin, Scott, or Yazoo County—drop it in the comments so other travelers can discover it too. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends and family who are planning a visit to Canton, MS or looking for easy road trip ideas nearby. Your share might inspire someone’s next great little adventure.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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