Corinth, Mississippi (Alcorn County) 10 Must-Do Activities and Attractions

10 Fun Things To Do Near Corinth, Mississippi (Alcorn County)

Planning a trip to Northeast Mississippi? Don’t skip Corinth, Mississippi, tucked away in Alcorn County near the Tennessee border. This small Southern town is full of Civil War history, railroad heritage, and down‑home charm, with plenty of things to do within a short drive. Whether you’re a history buff, a road tripper passing through on Highway 72, or just looking for a laid-back weekend getaway, Corinth has something for you. Below are 10 things to do in and around Corinth, MS that locals love and visitors remember.

1. Step Back in Time at Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center

If you only have time for one stop in Corinth, make it the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center, part of the Shiloh National Military Park system. This isn’t your typical dry history museum. The exhibits tell the story of the Battle of Corinth and the critical railroad junction that made this town so important during the Civil War.
  • Immersive indoor exhibits with maps, artifacts, and videos
  • Outdoor courtyard with symbolic water features and sculptures
  • Short trails with signs explaining troop movements and key events
Even if you’re not a big history person, the storytelling here is easy to follow. The staff and park rangers are friendly and full of local stories—ask them about how the railroads changed Corinth forever.

2. Explore Historic Downtown Corinth on Foot

Downtown Corinth is compact, walkable, and filled with character. Park your car and wander a few blocks—you’ll find:
  • Restored brick buildings and old storefronts
  • Local boutiques and antique shops
  • Coffee shops and family-owned restaurants
Try timing your visit for late morning or early afternoon. Grab a coffee, pop into a few shops, and just soak up the small-town Southern atmosphere. If you like photography, the old signage and architecture make for great pictures. Look for murals and historic markers as you walk. You’ll see how often the town’s railroads and Civil War history show up in everyday life here.

3. Visit the Crossroads Museum & Historic Depot

Right in downtown, the Crossroads Museum sits inside a historic train depot at the famous railroad crossing that once made Corinth a major transportation hub. Inside, you’ll find:
  • Railroad artifacts and model trains
  • Local history exhibits, including Civil War items
  • Rotating displays about Corinth and Alcorn County life
Outside, you can watch real freight trains roll by the tracks just a few yards away—which is especially fun if you’re traveling with kids or a train lover. The museum is small, so it won’t take up your whole day, but it’s a great way to understand why this little Mississippi town mattered so much in the 1800s.

4. Take a Short Drive to Shiloh National Military Park (TN)

Just across the state line, about a 25–30 minute drive from Corinth, sits one of the most important Civil War sites in the country: Shiloh National Military Park. Even if you’re not a history fan, Shiloh is worth the trip:
  • Well-kept driving tour with marked stops
  • Peaceful fields, forests, and the Tennessee River views
  • National cemetery and historic monuments
Pick up a map at the visitor center and follow the driving route. You can spend as little as an hour or make a half‑day of it. It’s a quiet, reflective place, and the contrast between the peaceful landscape and the heavy history is powerful. Many visitors stay in Corinth and use it as a base to explore both Shiloh and the Corinth Civil War sites in one weekend.

5. Taste the Famous Corinth Slugburger

You can’t talk about things to do in Corinth, Mississippi without mentioning its most unique food: the slugburger. Don’t worry—there are no slugs involved. A slugburger is an old-fashioned Depression‑era burger made from beef mixed with a filler, then deep-fried and served on a bun with pickles, onions, and mustard. It was once cheap enough to cost a “slug,” an old slang term for a nickel. Today, it’s a local classic. Several small diners and burger joints in Corinth serve their own versions. Ask a local where they go for their favorite slugburger—you’ll likely get different answers, and that’s part of the fun. If you’re in town in the summer, check whether the Slugburger Festival is happening. It’s a quirky, very Corinth experience with food, music, and family activities.

6. Relax at Corinth City Park & Local Green Spaces

Sometimes you just need a quiet spot to stretch your legs during a road trip. Corinth City Park and other local parks in Alcorn County offer:
  • Walking paths
  • Playgrounds for the kids
  • Open grassy areas for a picnic or a quick break
Bring a picnic lunch from a local deli or grab some takeout and enjoy it under a shade tree. On nice days, you’ll see local families, walkers, and people just enjoying the fresh air. If you like to run or walk in the mornings, parks around Corinth are a peaceful way to start the day before you dive into the museums and historic sites.

7. Drive the Scenic Backroads of Alcorn County

Corinth isn’t just about museums and battlefields. The countryside around Alcorn County offers that classic rural Mississippi feel—rolling fields, churches, family farms, and winding roads. Consider setting aside an hour or two just to drive the backroads:
  • Head out of town on a two‑lane highway and turn down smaller county roads.
  • Watch for old barns, country stores, and historic churches.
  • Stop safely at scenic spots for photos.
If you visit in late spring or early fall, the changing leaves or blooming fields can be surprisingly beautiful. It’s a simple activity, but many travelers say these quiet drives are what they remember most.

8. Hunt for Antiques and Local Treasures

If you enjoy picking through old stuff to find that one special piece, Corinth is a fun stop. The town and county have antique shops, thrift stores, and small markets where you can browse for:
  • Vintage signs and railroad memorabilia
  • Old books and records
  • Southern-style home décor and collectibles
Antique hunting in a place like Corinth feels a bit like time travel. You never know when you’ll find something tied to local railroad history or the old days of downtown. Ask shop owners if they know any stories behind the pieces. In small towns, there’s often a personal history attached to what’s on the shelves.

9. Enjoy Classic Southern Comfort Food

One of the best things to do in Corinth, Mississippi, is just…eat. You’ll find plenty of Southern comfort food in and around town:
  • Fried catfish and hushpuppies
  • Barbecue with all the sides
  • Biscuits, gravy, and hearty breakfasts
  • Homemade pies and cobblers
Many restaurants are family-owned, with menus that haven’t changed much in years—and that’s a good thing. Portions tend to be generous, and the atmosphere is usually relaxed and friendly. If you’re not sure what to order, ask your server what locals like best. You might end up trying something you’ve never had before.

10. Catch Local Events, Festivals, and Live Music

Corinth may be small, but it has a lively community scene. Depending on when you visit, you might find:
  • Seasonal festivals and downtown events
  • Live music at local venues or restaurants
  • Holiday parades or community gatherings
Before your trip, check local tourism or city websites, or search social media for “Corinth MS events.” You might be able to line up your visit with a festival weekend or outdoor concert. These events are a great way to meet locals, taste regional food, and get a feel for everyday life in Alcorn County.

Planning Your Visit to Corinth, Mississippi

Here are a few quick tips to make your trip smoother:
  • Getting there: Corinth sits in Northeast Mississippi, near the Tennessee border, along U.S. Highway 72. It’s an easy drive from places like Memphis, Tupelo, and Florence.
  • How long to stay: You can see the highlights in a day, but a weekend gives you time to visit both Corinth and Shiloh at a relaxed pace.
  • Who it’s good for: History fans, road trippers, families, and anyone who enjoys small-town Southern culture.
If you’re planning a longer Mississippi road trip, Corinth makes a nice stop between larger cities, giving you a quieter, more personal look at the state.

Share Your Corinth, MS Experience

Have you visited Corinth, Mississippi or other spots in Alcorn County? Did you try a slugburger, tour the Civil War sites, or discover a favorite local restaurant? I’d love to hear about it.
  • Drop a comment with your favorite thing to do near Corinth.
  • Share this post with friends or family planning a road trip through Mississippi or Tennessee.
Your tips and stories help other travelers discover new places and make the most of their time in this historic little corner of Mississippi.

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