Clarksdale, Mississippi: 10 Must-Do Activities in the Heart of the Delta

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10 Awesome Things To Do In And Around Clarksdale, Mississippi (Coahoma County)

If you love live music, small towns, and real Southern flavor, Clarksdale, Mississippi should be on your travel list. This Delta town in Coahoma County calls itself the “Home of the Blues,” and it truly feels like the music never stops. Whether you’re planning a road trip down Highway 61 or looking for a weekend getaway packed with local culture, this guide covers 10 fun things to do in and near Clarksdale.

1. Dive Into Delta Blues at the Delta Blues Museum

If you’re visiting Clarksdale, the Delta Blues Museum is the perfect starting point. Located in an old freight depot downtown, this museum tells the story of Delta blues music and the people who created it. You’ll find:
  • Instruments played by legendary blues musicians
  • Exhibits on Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, and more
  • Photos, posters, and stage outfits from the early days of the blues
Set aside at least an hour or two. If you’re a music fan, you might end up staying longer than you planned. Travel tip: Visit earlier in the day, then walk to lunch or a nearby juke joint. The museum is right in downtown Clarksdale, so it’s easy to pair with other stops.

2. Experience Live Music Every Night on the “Blues Alley” Scene

One of the most unforgettable things to do in Clarksdale is simply… go out at night. Downtown Clarksdale’s “Blues Alley” area is full of bars and clubs that host live blues music, often seven nights a week. Some favorites include:
  • Red’s Lounge – A classic juke joint with low lights, plastic chairs, and world-class blues.
  • Ground Zero Blues Club – Co-owned by Morgan Freeman, this spot mixes strong drinks, Southern food, and loud, soulful music.
  • Bluesberry Café – A cozy place where you can catch live music with a more laid-back vibe.
Many visitors say hearing blues in Clarksdale feels different than anywhere else. The musicians aren’t playing for tourists; they’re playing because this is their life. Personal note: Don’t be surprised if you end up talking with the band on a break. Folks here are friendly and love sharing stories.

3. Stand at the Famous Crossroads of Highways 61 & 49

Heard the legend of bluesman Robert Johnson selling his soul to the devil at the crossroads? This is that crossroads—at least according to local lore. Near downtown Clarksdale, you’ll find:
  • A large blue guitar sign marking the Highway 61 & Highway 49 crossroads
  • Easy parking for quick photo stops
  • A glimpse of the real Delta highways that inspired countless songs
Is this the exact crossroads from the stories? No one truly knows, and that’s part of the fun. But it makes a great photo op, and if you’re doing a Mississippi blues trail road trip, it’s a must-see.

4. Stay in a Sharecropper Shack at the Shack Up Inn

For one of the most unique places to stay in the USA, check out the Shack Up Inn just outside Clarksdale. This quirky lodging is set on an old plantation and offers:
  • Restored sharecropper shacks turned into rustic guest rooms
  • On-site music events and jam sessions
  • A casual, laid-back atmosphere (expect vintage signs, old tractors, and lots of character)
The rooms are intentionally rustic—think funky, not fancy—but they’re cozy and full of personality. If you want a “just like home” chain hotel, this probably isn’t your spot. But if you want to feel like you’re waking up inside a blues song, it’s perfect. Tip: Book early on festival weekends. The Shack Up Inn fills up fast.

5. Taste Real Delta Food at Local Restaurants

Clarksdale might be small, but it has a big food scene, especially if you love Southern, soul, and Delta-style dishes. Some spots to try in and around downtown:
  • Abe’s Bar-B-Q – A local institution at the crossroads, serving barbecue since the 1920s.
  • Ground Zero Blues Club – Go for the music, stay for fried catfish, burgers, and hearty Southern plates.
  • Yazoo Pass – A more modern café with coffee, sandwiches, and salads, great for breakfast or lunch.
  • Ramon’s – Old-school Italian and steaks, popular with locals.
Don’t leave the Mississippi Delta without trying:
  • Fried catfish
  • Collard greens or turnip greens
  • Hot tamales (a Delta specialty)
  • Pecan pie or homemade cobbler
Food in Clarksdale isn’t fancy, but it’s comforting, filling, and full of history—just like the music.

6. Tour the Mississippi Delta on Scenic Back Roads

Clarksdale is surrounded by flat, wide-open Delta farmland, stretching for miles. It might sound simple, but taking a slow drive on the rural roads is one of the best things to do near Clarksdale. Why it’s worth your time:
  • Endless cotton and soybean fields create big-sky views, especially at sunset.
  • Old churches, barns, juke joints, and small-town stores tell the story of the region.
  • You’ll feel how isolated and powerful the landscape is—and why so many deep, soulful songs were born here.
Pick a couple of hours, fill up the gas tank, and just go. Highways like 61 and 49, plus smaller county roads, show a side of Mississippi most people never see. Safety tip: Some roads are narrow with few lights. Daytime or early evening drives are best if you’re not used to country roads.

7. Explore the Mississippi Blues Trail Markers Around Coahoma County

The Mississippi Blues Trail is a collection of historical markers across the state that tell stories about the musicians, clubs, and events that shaped the blues. In Clarksdale and Coahoma County, you can find several markers near:
  • Downtown Clarksdale (dedicated to local legends and venues)
  • Nearby churches and small communities where artists first performed
  • Historic neighborhoods tied to the early days of Delta blues
Each marker includes photos and detailed text. It’s like a free outdoor museum. You can turn it into a self-guided tour:
  • Look up “Mississippi Blues Trail markers Clarksdale” before your trip.
  • Pin a few to your map app.
  • Spend half a day driving from spot to spot.
It’s a great way to explore the county, not just the city center.

8. Shop Local Art, Vinyl, and Vintage Finds Downtown

When you need a break from live music and driving, stroll through downtown Clarksdale. Within a few blocks, you’ll discover:
  • Art galleries featuring Delta-inspired paintings, photos, and folk art
  • Record and gift shops with vinyl, blues CDs, and local souvenirs
  • Vintage and antique shops with old signs, furniture, and collectibles
This is the kind of town where you might walk into a store and end up in a 20-minute conversation with the owner. Ask about the local music scene, festivals, or their favorite places to eat—you’ll usually get great tips. Fun idea: Pick up a local blues CD or vinyl record as a souvenir. Then, when you’re back home, you can hit play and feel like you’re right back in Clarksdale.

9. Time Your Visit for a Clarksdale Blues Festival

If you really want to see Clarksdale come alive, plan your trip around one of its blues festivals. The town hosts several throughout the year, often featuring both local and international musicians. Some well-known events include:
  • Juke Joint Festival – One of Clarksdale’s biggest weekends, with music in clubs and on the streets, plus family-friendly daytime events.
  • Sunflower River Blues & Gospel Festival – A long-running festival celebrating both blues and gospel traditions.
  • Smaller seasonal events and annual celebrations tied to the blues.
During festival weekends, the whole town turns into one big stage. You’ll hear music pouring out of doorways, see street performers, and bump into visitors from all over the world. Plan ahead: Book your hotel or shack well in advance for festival dates. Rooms in Clarksdale and nearby Coahoma County towns can sell out quickly.

10. Take a Day Trip to Other Delta Towns

While there’s plenty to do in Clarksdale itself, it also makes a great base for exploring more of the Mississippi Delta. Within an easy drive (usually under an hour or so), you can reach:
  • Cleveland, MS – Home to the GRAMMY Museum Mississippi, with interactive music exhibits.
  • Tutwiler & other small towns in Coahoma and neighboring counties – Places tied to the roots of blues, gospel, and Southern history.
  • More Mississippi Blues Trail markers scattered across the region.
Day trips like these help you understand that Clarksdale is part of a larger story—the story of the Delta itself. Road trip idea: Start in Clarksdale, visit nearby towns, and make your way down Highway 61 toward other Mississippi music hubs.

Final Thoughts: Why Clarksdale Belongs on Your Travel List

Clarksdale, Mississippi, may not have skyscrapers or theme parks, but it offers something deeper:
  • Live music almost every night
  • Rich African American and Southern history
  • Friendly locals and laid-back vibes
  • Endless Delta scenery just beyond the city limits
If you’re planning a Southern road trip, a music-focused vacation, or just want to experience a different side of the USA, Clarksdale and Coahoma County are absolutely worth exploring.

What About You?

Have you ever been to Clarksdale or anywhere else in the Mississippi Delta? Did you catch a show at Red’s Lounge or stay in a shack at the Shack Up Inn? I’d love to hear your stories, questions, or plans.
  • Drop a comment below and share your favorite things to do in Clarksdale.
  • If you found this guide helpful, please share it with a friend planning a Mississippi or Southern road trip.
The more people discover this little blues town, the more its music and culture can keep thriving—one visit at a time.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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