10 Easy Road Trips From Yazoo City, Mississippi (All Outside Yazoo County)
If you’re based in
Yazoo City, Mississippi and feel like you’ve “done it all” close to home, don’t worry—there’s a whole world of fun just a short drive away. The best part? You don’t even have to leave central Mississippi to find great day trips and weekend ideas.
In this guide, we’ll look at
10 easy, out-of-county road trips from Yazoo City to nearby spots in:
- Hinds County
- Madison County
- Warren County
- Holmes County
- Attala County
- Humphreys County
- Sharkey County
- Issaquena County
All of these are within a reasonable drive. Think: grab a coffee, fill up the tank, and you’re off.
1. Explore Downtown Jackson & The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum (Hinds County)
Looking for a meaningful day trip? Head about an hour southeast to
Jackson, in
Hinds County, the state capital of Mississippi.
One of the biggest draws is the
Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. It tells powerful stories from the Civil Rights Movement with real photos, videos, and exhibits. It’s one of those places that stays with you long after you leave.
While you’re in Jackson, you can also:
- Walk around downtown Jackson for murals and historic buildings
- Stop at a local soul food spot for fried catfish or hot tamales
- Take photos by the Mississippi State Capitol
If you’ve got kids or just love history, this is a must-do day trip from Yazoo City.
2. Relax by the Water at Ross Barnett Reservoir (Madison County)
If being near the water is your happy place, drive east toward
Madison County and check out the
Ross Barnett Reservoir, often just called “the Rez.”
You’ll find:
- Boat ramps and marinas
- Picnic areas with shady trees
- Walking paths along the shoreline
- Casual restaurants with water views
On a sunny afternoon, you’ll see people fishing, kayaking, or just hanging out by the shore. Bring a folding chair, a cooler, and maybe a good book. It’s a simple, laid-back escape that’s perfect when you don’t want a big, busy schedule—just fresh air and open water.
3. Step Back in Time in Canton’s Historic Square (Madison County)
Also in
Madison County, the town of
Canton feels like stepping onto the set of an old movie—in fact, several films have been shot there.
The
Canton Courthouse Square Historic District is the heart of town, with:
- Charming storefronts and antiques shops
- Locally owned boutiques
- Seasonal festivals and markets
Take a slow walk around the square, snap photos of the courthouse, and pop into a café for a slice of pie or some sweet tea. If you like old buildings, small-town charm, and easy parking, Canton is a great half-day trip from Yazoo City.
4. Walk the Vicksburg National Military Park (Warren County)
For history buffs,
Vicksburg National Military Park in
Warren County is one of the most important Civil War sites in the country. It’s only about an hour southwest of Yazoo City.
At the park, you can:
- Drive the scenic tour road past hundreds of monuments
- See the restored USS Cairo ironclad gunboat
- Walk short trails with views of rolling hills and battlefields
Even if you’re not a huge history fan, the park is beautiful. The drive alone is worth the trip, especially in spring and fall when the trees are really showing off.
5. Wander the Streets of Historic Vicksburg (Warren County)
While you’re in Vicksburg, don’t stop at just the battlefield. The
historic downtown area is full of charm and surprises.
Some ideas:
- Check out the colorful Vicksburg Riverfront Murals along the floodwall
- Watch barges and boats on the Mighty Mississippi River
- Explore antique shops and art galleries
- Dine at a local restaurant with river views
Vicksburg is one of those towns where you can park once and just wander. If you like photography, you’ll find great shots on nearly every block.
6. Hit the Trail in Ridgeland on the Natchez Trace (Madison County)
If you enjoy biking, jogging, or just a good walk, head over to
Ridgeland in
Madison County, where the
Natchez Trace Parkway and nearby trails make for a pretty active day trip.
In Ridgeland, you can:
- Walk or bike the multi-use trail that parallels the Natchez Trace
- Enjoy scenic overlooks and wooded sections
- Combine your outing with shopping or dining at the Renaissance or other nearby centers
It’s a nice mix of nature and convenience. You can get your steps in, then reward yourself with a burger or ice cream right down the road.
7. Discover Small-Town History in Lexington (Holmes County)
North of Yazoo City, in
Holmes County, you’ll find the quiet town of
Lexington. It’s a good choice if you like old courthouses, churches, and small-town Mississippi history.
Things to do here include:
- Drive around the Holmes County Courthouse square and nearby streets
- Look for historic homes and churches
- Stop into local spots for lunch or dessert
This is more of a slow-paced drive than a big attraction, but sometimes that’s exactly what you need—a day where you roll the windows down, cruise through the countryside, and enjoy a change of scenery.
8. Tour Kosciusko, Birthplace of Oprah Winfrey (Attala County)
Head northeast into
Attala County to
Kosciusko, a town that many people know as the birthplace of Oprah Winfrey.
While there, you can:
- Stroll around the historic downtown square
- Check out local shops and cafés
- Drive a portion of the Natchez Trace Parkway near town
The Natchez Trace near Kosciusko offers pull-offs and picnic spots, making it a great combo of history, scenery, and small-town charm. If you’re looking for an easy day trip with a mix of driving and walking, this one fits the bill.
9. Experience Delta Life in Belzoni, the “Catfish Capital” (Humphreys County)
West of Yazoo City, in
Humphreys County, sits
Belzoni, known as the
“Catfish Capital of the World.” If you like learning about local culture and food, this is a fun and very “Mississippi” kind of adventure.
In and around Belzoni, you can:
- See catfish-related displays and local art
- Try some fresh fried catfish at a local restaurant
- Take a drive through the surrounding Delta farmland
Driving the backroads here gives you that wide-open Delta feeling—flat land, big skies, and long, straight roads. It’s simple, but there’s something peaceful about it.
10. Go Deep Delta: Rolling Fork & the Backroads of Sharkey & Issaquena Counties
If you’re ready to really unplug, point your car toward the rural heart of the Mississippi Delta in
Sharkey County and nearby
Issaquena County.
A good base for exploring is
Rolling Fork (in Sharkey County). From there, you can:
- Drive the backroads and soak in classic Delta scenery
- Look for wildlife in nearby refuges and along rural highways
- Stop in tiny communities and local stores for snacks and conversation
Issaquena County is one of the least populated places in Mississippi, so don’t expect crowds or big attractions. Think of this trip like a long, slow exhale: just you, the road, and the landscape.
Tips for Planning Your Yazoo City Road Trips
To make your
Yazoo City day trips smoother, keep these quick tips in mind:
- Fuel up early: Some rural areas don’t have frequent gas stations.
- Carry cash: A few small-town spots may not take cards.
- Check hours: Museums and local shops can have limited or seasonal hours.
- Bring a cooler: Great for drinks, snacks, and leftovers from those catfish dinners.
Ready to Hit the Road from Yazoo City?
You don’t have to drive across the country to find new experiences. Within a short distance of
Yazoo City, Mississippi, you can:
- Walk historic battlefields in Vicksburg
- Explore museums in Jackson
- Relax by the water at Ross Barnett Reservoir
- Discover small towns like Canton, Lexington, and Kosciusko
- Get a taste of Delta life in Belzoni, Rolling Fork, and beyond
Each one of these
10 out-of-county road trips offers a different side of Mississippi—history, nature, food, or simple small-town charm.
Share Your Favorite Road Trip from Yazoo City
Have you tried any of these drives from Yazoo City? Do you have a favorite restaurant, overlook, or hidden gem along the way?
I’d love to hear about your experiences.
- Which nearby town surprised you the most?
- What’s your go-to day trip when you just need to get out of Yazoo City for a few hours?
Drop your tips and stories in the comments so other travelers can discover new places too.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family who are looking for easy road trip ideas from Yazoo City. Your share might be the nudge someone needs to plan their next little adventure.
Comments
Post a Comment