Do you think the Natchez Trace Parkway, Vicksburg National Military Park, and Tishomingo State Park are all you’ll find in Mississippi that offer lots to do? If so, think again! Our great state of Mississippi is brimming with hidden gems just waiting to be explored. From historic sites to amazing restaurants, take a look below to learn all about 13 little-known places in Mississippi you’ll want to visit when you think you’ve already experienced everything in the “Magnolia State.”

1. Explore a historic town.
Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum, 1150 Lakeland Dr, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
Janie Fortenberry/Photography with a Southern Accent, Vicksburg, Mississippi
Traveling back in time is as easy as visiting the Agriculture and Forestry Museum in Jackson, Mississippi. In addition to a ton of exhibits related to its namesake, the museum includes Small Town Mississippi, which happens to be a life-size replica of a small town from the 1920s. Tour this tiny town and you’ll find historically accurate buildings that are intricately decorated inside and out. There are also plenty of authentic artifacts, making for a truly unforgettable experience. It's one of the best hidden gems in Mississippi.
2. Tour a haunted prison.
Susan C. Allen/Used with permission. © scwallen 2016 - May not be reproduced or reposted without permission.
Though hauntings in Mississippi are most commonly associated with homes, there are plenty of other sites with reputations for being paranormal hot spots, and the old Natchez jail is one of them. The dated Victorian building, which sits on State Street, served as the jail from 1891 until 1975. Stories of strange happenings began swirling almost as soon as construction was complete. Today, the building houses city offices. However, that doesn’t mean the eerie occurrences have come to a halt.
3. Search for hidden treasures at an epic flea market.
Ripley's First Monday Trade Day, 10590 MS-15, Ripley, MS 38663, USA
First Monday Trade Days and Flea Market/Facebook
There aren't many things that can compare with the feeling of finding a great deal. And if it’s a great deal you’re after, there’s no better place to start the search than First Monday Trade Days in Ripley. Held the first weekend of each month, the enormous sale encompasses more than 50 acres and features over 1,000 vendors. The grounds even include dining facilities and campsites, which means you could literally spend an entire weekend at this enormous flea market.
4. Check out Mississippi’s oldest general store.
The Simmons - Wright Company, 5493 Highway 11 and 80, Toomsuba, MS 39364, USA
google/Rob Fella
Established in 1884, the Simmons-Wright Company in Kewanee, Mississippi takes the title as the oldest general store in the state. The two-story shop is filled with everything from antiques and memorabilia, to tools and food. Speaking of food, the store also includes a restaurant that serves up delicious meals daily. In addition to the interior, you’ll also want to spend some time exploring the grounds, which include several historic buildings, including a cotton gin and blacksmith shop. A walk through this store will certainly take you back to Mississippi's earlier days.
5. Dine at a hidden eatery.
H.D. Gibbes & Sons, 140 Main St, Learned, MS 39154, USA
Janie Fortenberry/Photography with a Southern Accent/Vicksburg, Mississippi
Speaking of general stores, another must-visit is H.D. Gibbes and Sons. Tucked away in the small town of Learned, it’s been serving as the local general store since 1892. At some point, several tables were added, creating a makeshift restaurant. In addition to perfectly cooked steaks, the fare includes seafood dishes, hearty sides, and lamb chops that are said to be incredibly delicious. This is certainly one of the many little-known places in Mississippi that are worth discovering.
6. Check out an incredible farmers market.
Mississippi Farmers Market, 929 High St, Jackson, MS 39202, USA
umc.edu/
Held inside an 18,000-square-foot building, the Mississippi Farmers Market in Jackson has been named "One of the South's Best Farmers Markets" by Southern Living, and the "Best Farmers Market in Mississippi" by Mississippi Magazine. In addition to thousands of square feet of merchandise, the market also features an on-site restaurant, cooking demonstrations, and more. A visit to Mississippi Farmers Market is perfect for a day trip.

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7. Dine in unforgettable surroundings.
Cowboy Jim's Riverside Restaurant, MS-35, Collins, MS 39428, USA
tripadvisor/Flipper13
Situated on the banks of the Bouie River, and centered in the middle of a certified wildlife habitat, Cowboy Jim’s Riverside Restaurant is an absolute must-visit. In addition to beautiful views and a secluded setting, the eatery offers mouthwatering fare that includes everything from hamburger steak and chicken tenders to filet mignon and seafood. There's something for everyone.
8. Visit one of the top burger restaurants in the U.S.
Phillips Grocery, 541 E Van Dorn Ave, Holly Springs, MS 38635, USA
Michele W./TripAdvisor
Situated in the small town of Holly Springs, Phillips Grocery first opened in 1892 as a saloon. Less than three decades later, a couple purchased the building and began serving burgers made from a top-secret recipe that’s still used to this day. In addition to being described as "culinary gems," the mouthwatering burgers have been recognized in several publications and have won numerous awards. After just one bite, you'll understand why these burgers can't be beat!
9. Take an in-state vacay to one of the nation’s coolest towns.
Cleveland, MS 38732, USA
wikimedia commons/Chillin662
Described as a "hip little town in the Mississippi Delta," Cleveland is brimming with things to do. Between a lively downtown that’s known for its great shopping and festivals, to historic sites and museums, there’s something for everyone to do in this Mississippi town.
10. Spend the day exploring a Seminary landmark.
Shady Acres Village, 624 US 49, Seminary, MS 39479, USA
shadyacresvillage.com
Tucked away in the small town of Seminary, Shady Acres Village is as charming as it sounds. The "oasis of hospitality" includes a restaurant, which happens to be a stop on the Mississippi BBQ Trail. After filling up on amazing food, you’ll definitely want to devote some time to exploring the rest of Shady Acres Village, which includes a bakery, gift shop, and general store.
11. Go on an unforgettable riverfront hike.
Natchez, MS 39120, USA
Gary Wright
If you’re looking for an enjoyable way to take in the wonder that is the Mississippi River, look no further than Natchez’s Nature Trail. The one-of-a-kind trek includes a 200-foot descent, provides unparalleled views of the Mighty Mississippi, and leads straight to Natchez’s historic district, Under-the-Hill. Don't forget to bring along a water bottle to stay hydrated during your hike.
12. Fill up on amazing food at one of the nation’s top eateries.
Darwell's Cafe, 127 E 1st St, Long Beach, MS 39560, USA
google/damita stokley
Darwell’s Café is located in Long Beach, Mississippi and is one of the nation's best restaurants. Once you try their amazing food, you’ll undoubtedly agree.
13. Go on a safari.
Tara Wildlife, 6791 Eagle Lake Shore Rd, Vicksburg, MS 39183, USA
tarawildlife.com/
Encompassing thousands of acres, guests at Tara Wildlife in Vicksburg, Mississippi can take part in everything from hiking to exciting wildlife tours. It's an experience like no other!

Have you ever visited any of these little-known places in Mississippi? If so, what did you think about them? Were they everything you thought they would be? Please feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below. Also, if you can think of any other little-known places in Mississippi that are worthy of a visit, please feel free to share those with us as well.

If you’re not a resident of Mississippi, have you ever thought about moving here? There are plenty of reasons why everyone should move to Mississippi. If you’ve considered it, but you’re still a bit hesitant, you’ll certainly want to take a look at our list.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Best Things To Do In Mississippi

Jennifer Young | July 28, 2023

What are three of the best things to do in Mississippi for anyone who loves spending time outdoors?

When it comes to the outdoors, Mississippi doesn't disappoint! There are several things to do in Mississippi that are perfect for anyone who enjoys being outdoors, including the three we've listed below.

1. Explore the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge.

The Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge, which was established in 1975, is located in Gautier. It's the only place in the world where you can see a Mississippi sandhill crane. Speaking of cranes, there are more than 100 cranes that currently live at the refuge.

2. Visit Dunn's Falls, Mississippi's tallest waterfall.

Dunn's Falls Waterpark is located in Enterprise and is one of Mississippi's best outdoor attractions. Its main feature is Dunn's Falls. With a height of 65 feet, Dunn's Falls is Mississippi's tallest waterfall. It can be viewed from both the ground and from above.

3. Explore the Clark Creek Primitive Trail, one of Mississippi's best hikes.

There are plenty of hiking trails in Mississippi of all lengths and difficulty levels. One of the best trails is the Clark Creek Primitive Trail near Woodville. It's a 4.9-mile loop trail with a moderate rating of difficulty, and it belongs at the top of everyone's hiking bucket list.

What's one of the most unique places to visit in Mississippi?

There are many unique places located in Mississippi. One of the most unique of them all is the Red Water Artesian Well in Shubute. A few of the things that make this well unique include the following:

  • It pumps out red water.
  • It's rich in sodium bicarbonate, which gives it its red color.
  • The water is reportedly potable.
  • It was once believed to have healing powers.

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