Yazoo City, Mississippi: 10 Must-Do Attractions and Nearby Adventures

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10 Fun Things To Do In & Around Yazoo City, Mississippi

If you’re looking for a laid-back Southern getaway with a little mystery, a little history, and a lot of charm, Yazoo City, Mississippi, in Yazoo County, is a surprisingly fun place to explore. Whether you’re road-tripping through the Mississippi Delta, driving up from Jackson, or you call Mississippi home and just want a weekend escape, this guide to things to do in Yazoo City will help you plan an easy, low-stress trip.

1. Wander the Colorful Downtown Yazoo City

Downtown Yazoo City is small, but it has a personality all its own. Many of the brick buildings are painted in bright, bold colors, so just walking down Main Street can feel like stepping onto a movie set. Take your time and:
  • Stroll along Main Street and the surrounding blocks
  • Pop into local shops and boutiques for gifts and antiques
  • Grab a bite at a local café or diner
  • Snap photos of the colorful storefronts (they look great on Instagram)
If you enjoy slow travel and like to really soak in small-town life, plan at least an hour or two here. Park the car, stretch your legs, and just enjoy the feel of a classic Mississippi town that hasn’t lost its charm.

2. Visit the Historic Glenwood Cemetery & The Witch’s Grave

Glenwood Cemetery is one of the most talked-about attractions in Yazoo City, mainly because of its legendary “witch’s grave.” Local legend says that a woman accused of witchcraft cursed Yazoo City, promising to return and destroy the town. Interestingly, a massive fire did sweep through downtown in 1904. Many locals still connect that fire to the curse. At Glenwood, you can:
  • Visit the iron-fenced grave linked to the witch legend
  • Walk among beautiful old headstones and moss-draped trees
  • Enjoy peaceful views over the Yazoo River area
Even if you don’t believe in ghosts or curses, the cemetery is a quiet and hauntingly beautiful spot. If you like Southern history, folklore, or slightly spooky places, this is a must-see.

3. Learn Local History at the Triangle Cultural Center

Housed in a former school building, the Triangle Cultural Center is a great stop if you’re curious about Yazoo City’s past. This spot often hosts:
  • Local history exhibits
  • Community events and meetings
  • Art and cultural programs
You’ll find information about Yazoo City’s role in Mississippi history, the river, and life in this part of the state over the years. If you like your trips to have a little bit of learning mixed with fun, this is an easy, low-key stop that doesn’t feel like a typical museum.

4. Explore the Mississippi Delta at Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

About a 25–35 minute drive from Yazoo City (depending on which entrance you use), Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge gives you a taste of the wild, swampy side of Mississippi. This huge refuge covers tens of thousands of acres and is one of the largest bottomland hardwood forests in the country. Here you can:
  • Drive the gravel refuge roads and enjoy the scenery
  • Look for deer, alligators, birds, and other wildlife
  • Go hunting in season (with proper permits)
  • Try fishing in certain areas
The land is flat, damp, and wild—exactly what you might picture when you think of the Mississippi Delta. Bring bug spray, sturdy shoes, and a sense of adventure.

5. Walk the Yazoo River Levee & Enjoy the Views

Rivers are a big part of life in this part of Mississippi, and Yazoo City sits along the Yazoo River. One simple but satisfying thing to do is drive out toward the river and check out the levee system that helps protect the city from flooding. Activities here include:
  • Walking along levee areas where it’s allowed
  • Taking in views of the river and fields
  • Snapping photos of big Mississippi skies, especially at sunset
It’s a good reminder that this region is shaped as much by water as by anything else. If you’re traveling with kids, this can also be a great way to explain how levees work in a very real, visual way.

6. Discover Local Flavors at Yazoo City Restaurants

You can’t talk about things to do in Yazoo City without talking about food. This is Mississippi, after all. While specific restaurants may change over time, you can usually find:
  • Down-home diners serving fried catfish, barbecue, and meat-and-three specials
  • Local cafés with burgers, sandwiches, and sweet tea
  • Comfort food like cornbread, greens, and banana pudding
One tip: ask locals where they eat. Gas station attendants, shop owners, and hotel staff usually know the best BBQ or catfish in town. It might not look fancy from the outside, but that’s often where you find the most memorable meals.

7. Take a Scenic Drive Through Yazoo County Backroads

Sometimes the best part of a trip isn’t one single attraction—it’s the drive itself. Yazoo County is full of rural roads that wind through:
  • Cotton, soybean, and corn fields
  • Bottomland woods and swampy areas
  • Small churches and country stores
If you enjoy slow drives with the windows down and your favorite playlist on, set aside an afternoon to just cruise. Loop out of Yazoo City, pass through smaller communities in Yazoo County, and circle back before dark. It’s a simple way to see real Mississippi life outside of the big cities and tourist hubs.

8. Browse Antiques & Local Shops

If you enjoy treasure hunting, Yazoo City and the surrounding area can be a fun place to look for:
  • Vintage signs and décor
  • Old records and books
  • Local crafts and handmade items
Small-town shops often keep odd hours, so it’s a good idea to check online or call ahead if you’re driving in from a distance. But that’s also part of the charm—you never quite know what you’ll find. Plus, when you buy something from a local shop, you’re directly supporting families and small businesses in Yazoo County.

9. Enjoy Local Festivals & Events (When You Can)

Depending on the time of year, you may catch special events in Yazoo City or around Yazoo County, such as:
  • Seasonal festivals with music and food
  • Holiday parades and downtown events
  • Community fairs or craft markets
If you’re planning a visit, it’s worth checking city or county tourism pages and social media to see what’s happening. Showing up during an event can completely change the feel of your trip—in a good way. More music, more food, more people, and more fun.

10. Take a Day Trip to Jackson or the Delta Blues Country

One of the nice things about Yazoo City is its location. You can use it as a quiet home base and still reach bigger attractions in a reasonable drive. A couple of easy options:
  • Jackson, MS (about 45–55 minutes south)
    Explore museums, the Mississippi State Capitol, and a wider range of restaurants.
  • Deeper into the Mississippi Delta
    Drive toward Greenwood, Indianola, or Clarksdale to dig into blues history, juke joints, and more Delta scenery.
Then you can head back to Yazoo City in the evening for a quieter, more relaxed night.

Tips for Visiting Yazoo City, Mississippi

To make the most of your trip to Yazoo City in Yazoo County, keep these simple tips in mind:
  • Bring bug spray – Especially if you’re visiting Panther Swamp or spending time near the river in warmer months.
  • Check hours ahead – Small-town museums, shops, and restaurants may have limited or changing hours.
  • Pack for the weather – Summers are hot and humid, winters are mild but can be chilly, and spring/fall can be perfect for outdoor exploring.
  • Fill up on gas – If you’re heading into rural parts of Yazoo County, don’t assume there’s a gas station every few miles.

Is Yazoo City Worth a Visit?

If you love:
  • Authentic small-town Southern charm
  • Local legends and a bit of spooky folklore
  • Quiet scenic drives and rural landscapes
  • Wildlife refuges and Delta scenery
…then yes, Yazoo City is absolutely worth at least a day or a weekend. It’s not a place of flashing lights or giant theme parks. Instead, it offers simple pleasures: good food, colorful streets, friendly faces, and stories you’ll remember long after you leave.

Share Your Yazoo City Experience

Have you been to Yazoo City, Mississippi? Did you visit the witch’s grave, drive through Panther Swamp, or find an amazing local restaurant? I’d love to hear about it.
  • What was your favorite thing to do in Yazoo City?
  • Did you discover any hidden gems in Yazoo County?
  • Would you go back?
Drop your thoughts and tips in the comments so other travelers can benefit from your experience. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with a friend planning a Mississippi road trip or post it on your favorite social media platform. Your share helps more people discover this unique corner of the Magnolia State.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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