Posted in Mississippi June 05, 2019 by

The 11 Very Best Day Trips You Can Possibly Take In Mississippi

Ever asked yourself, “What is there to do in Mississippi?” Well, we’ve got news for you; Mississippi is home to a ton of wonderful sites and attractions. From zip-lining through the treetops and sailing away to a tropical island to shopping at one of the state’s most massive flea markets and swimming in a hidden lagoon, here are 11 of the very best day trips in Mississippi.

During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
1. Strawberry Plains Audubon Center
Strawberry Plains Audubon Center/Facebook
Encompassing thousands of acres, this nature sanctuary is brimming with natural beauty and lots to see and do, making it one of the best day trips from Holly Springs. Explore the grounds and you’ll find an Antebellum home, 15 miles of walking trails, wildlife viewing areas, a hummingbird garden, fields of wildflowers, and much more.

Address: 285 Plains Road, Holly Springs, MS, 38635
2. Elevate
Elevate Red Creek/Facebook
Please note, Elevate Red Creek no longer has an aerial obstacle course.

This "aerial adventure park" is made up of a series of treetop courses, which include plenty of challenges, obstacles, and zip lines. Aside from adrenaline-pumping fun, you’ll be treated to unparalleled views as you zip between the treetops and directly over Red Creek.

Address: 5106-A Vestry Road, Perkinston, MS, 39573
3. Hattiesburg Zoo
High Ropes Course at Hattiesburg Zoo/Facebook
At only 12 acres, this zoo may be on the small side, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in fun. Aside from more than 80 species of animals from around the world, the zoo also includes a splash pad, the Asbury Discover Center, which is described as a "room of wonders and oddities," and the High Ropes Adventure Course. Open Friday through Sunday, the course is four-stories high and packed with obstacles…and fun.

Address: 107 S 17th Avenue, Hattiesburg, MS, 39401
4. Shady Acres Village
shadyacresvillage.com
At this "oasis of hospitality," you’ll find a mouthwatering restaurant, charming general store, bakery, gift shop, and gardening center. Grab a bite in the restaurant and then spend some time perusing the shelves at the general store and gift shop, where you can stock up on jams, jellies, homemade sweets, Mississippi pottery, and more.

Address: 624 US 49, Seminary, MS, 39479
5. Petrified Forest
DM/Flickr
Far from a typical forest, this one is filled with ancient trees that have been transformed into stone. Nature trails and lots of informative signage make exploring the area a breeze. There’s also an onsite museum, where you’ll find examples of petrified wood from all over the country.

Address: 124 Forest Park Road, Flora, MS, 39071
6. The Flea Market
The Flea Market, Mississippi's Trade Place/Facebook
With over 75,000 square feet of merchandise, you’ll definitely want to devote an entire day to this flea market. Open every Saturday and Sunday, The Flea Market features numerous vendors, selling everything from furniture and antiques to video games and pottery.

Address: 1325 Flowood Drive, Flowood, MS, 39232
7. Ship Island
Q.M./Yelp
The perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day, Ship Island is a tropical paradise, complete with gorgeous white beaches and beautiful blue water. Ship Island Excursions offers daily transportation to the island; tickets can be purchased in advance or at the small crafts harbor in Gulfport, which is where the boat departs.

Address: 1040 23rd Avenue, Gulfport, MS, 39501
8. Old Bridge Beach
Doug Whaley/Facebook
Aside from crystal clear water and a stretch of gorgeous white sand, this hidden gem includes a playground, fishing pier, picnic tables, grills, and volleyball court, making it a great spot for some fun in the sun.

Address: Highway 4 and Prentiss County Road 3501, New Site, MS, 38859
9. Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo
Visit Mississippi/Flickr
This Tupelo park is home to nearly 300 animals, and the best way to see them all is a guided tour, which will get you up-close and personal with buffalo, camels, zebras, giraffes, and more. There’s also a petting zoo, pony rides, and numerous exhibits.

Address: 2272 N Coley Road, Tupelo, MS, 38801
10. Aquatics Department at the Kroc Center
krocmscoast.org
Located inside Biloxi’s Kroc Center, this indoor water park is a great place to spend a summer day – rain or shine. Perfect for all ages, it includes a water slide, splash pad, lazy river, and pool.

Address: 575 Division Street, Biloxi, MS, 39530
11. Paradise Ranch and Resort
Paradise Ranch and Resort/Facebook
The next time you’re searching for great getaway ideas in and around Mississippi, look no further than Paradise Ranch and Resort. A hidden gem worth seeking out, it features a 105-acre campground, stocked lake, and lagoon. The man-made lagoon, which is known as Blue Lagoon, is fed by an artesian well and surrounded by a white sand beach, creating one of the best swimming holes in the state.

Address: 660 MS-48 W, Tylertown, MS, 39667

Ever been to any of the places listed above? Have another idea for an awesome day trip destination in Mississippi? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

Looking for the best day trips to take one tank of gas? Click here.

The OIYS Visitor Center

What Is There To Do In Mississippi?

June 19, 2019
Daniella DiRienzo

What is there to do on a rainy day in Mississippi?

A rainy day doesn’t have to be a boring day, especially here in the Magnolia State. There are a ton of things to do in Mississippi when it’s raining outside. For one, the state is full of museums – and not just any museums. In addition to typical museums, like history and science-based museums, Mississippi has several specialty museums, like the world’s only apron museum or the Birthplace of Kermit the Frog Museum, that are definitely worth a visit. Aside from museums, Mississippi is home to several indoor play centers and an indoor water park, which is located at the Kroc Center in Biloxi.

What do you do with kids In Mississippi?

There are plenty of things to keep kids entertained in Mississippi. Any one of Mississippi’s 21 state parks would make a great day-trip destination. There are also plenty of city-operated parks, like Merit Water Park and Dunn’s Falls Water Park, that are perfect for a day of fun with kids. In addition to outdoor fun, the state has several children’s museums, including Health Works in Tupelo and the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center in Gulfport.

What do you do with kids In Mississippi without spending money?

The best part about a day out with kids in Mississippi is that it doesn’t have to cost you a dime. That’s right; there are a lot of options for free fun in the Magnolia State. Several of the state’s museums, including the Armed Forces Museum at Camp Shelby, are free to visit. Just about any attraction along the Natchez Trace Parkway can be visited for no charge. A few notable sites include the historic Windsor Ruins, Native American sites, the Cypress Swamp Trail, and the abandoned town of Rocky Springs.