8 National Parks In Mississippi That You’ve Got To Visit
In 2016, the National Park Service celebrated its 100th birthday. Having been around for more than a century, it seemed like an appropriate time to take a look at the state’s national parks. Lucky for us, there are several national parks to visit in Mississippi. And they don’t disappoint! Offering everything from scenic roads and sandy beaches to Civil War battlefields and historic architecture, the state’s national parks are easily among the best parks in Mississippi. So, what are you waiting for?! Read on to learn about the amazing national parks to visit in Mississippi.
1. Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield Site, Baldwyn
Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield, 128 MS-370, Baldwyn, MS 38824, USA
The battle that took place on these grounds in June of 1864 may have been a victory for the Confederate army, but it had long lasting effects that eventually cost them the war. Head to this site and learn all about the significant battle. Start your tour at the Visitor and Interpretive Center, where you can grab an informational pamphlet on the entire site, and then explore the grounds, which include a memorial monument, informative markers, church, cemetery, and interpretive trails. For more info, click here.
2. Gulf Islands National Seashore, Gulf Breeze, FL to Ocean Springs
Davis Bayous Area Gulf Islands National Seashore, 3500 Park Rd, Ocean Springs, MS 39564, USA
This national seashore spans from Gulf Breeze, FL to Ocean Springs and features white sandy beaches, pristine water, historic forts, recreational activities, and more – which means you’ll probably want to dedicate some time to this national park. The Davis Bayou Area, which is accessible by car, includes a nature trail, campground, boat launch, and fishing. The area is located just 3 miles from Ocean Springs at U.S. 90 and Park Road. Access West Ship Island from Jones Park, 1022 23rd Avenue, Gulfport. The other islands are only accessible by private or charter boat. For more info, click here.
3. Grand Gulf Military Monument Park, Port Gibson
Grand Gulf Military State Park, 12006 Grand-Gulf Rd, Port Gibson, MS 39150, USA
There’s no shortage of sites to see and things to do at this 400-acre park, which features forts, a cemetery, museum, campgrounds, picnic areas, hiking trails, an observation tower, and several restored buildings. Begin your visit at the museum, where you’ll find historic photos, artifacts, Civil War memorabilia, and even a Mastodon bone. Then, take an auto tour of the park; must-see sites include a church that was transported from the ghost town Rodney, a historic cabin, and an old submarine that was once used by moonshine runners during prohibition. For more info, click here.
4. Natchez National Historical Park, Natchez
Natchez National Historical Park, 210 State St, Natchez, MS 39120, USA
Natchez is full of historically significant sites and impressive architecture – a fact that hasn’t been lost on the National Park Service, which deemed it the city with "the richest history on the Mississippi River." This historical park is made up of the Melrose Plantation, the William Johnson House, Fort Rosalie, and an area known as the preservation district. For more info, click here.
5. Natchez Trace Parkway, Natchez to Nashville, TN
Natchez Trace Parkway, Natchez Trace Pkwy, Natchez, MS, USA
History and natural beauty abound along the Natchez Trace. The 444-mile trail was traveled by traders, missionaries, early settlers, and Native Americans for thousands of years. Today, visitors can drive along the famous parkway, taking part in everything from hiking and horseback riding to exploring historic sites, such as Native American mounds and the ghost town of Rocky Springs. For more info, click here.
6. Tupelo National Battlefield, Tupelo
Tupelo National Battlefield, 2005 W Main St, Tupelo, MS 38801, USA
From July 14 – 15, 1864, more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers battled at this very site. The extremely bloody fight and the hundreds of men, who lost their lives that day, are commemorated through the monuments and informative markers that presently fill the battlefield. And just to help get younger visitors interested, the park has Civil War trading cards available for children. For more info, click here.
7. Vicksburg National Military Park, Vicksburg
Vicksburg National Military Park, 3201 Clay St, Vicksburg, MS 39183, USA
This military park, which has over 1,340 monuments, markers, tablets, and plaques, is one of the most densely monumented battlefields in the entire world. But that’s not all you’ll find when exploring this popular site. There is also a Visitor Center, which includes life-sized exhibits and artifacts, a museum, outdoor exhibits, and live re-enactments. For more info, click here.
8. Shiloh National Military Park, Corinth and Shiloh, TN
Shiloh National Military Park, 1055 Pittsburg Landing Rd, Shiloh, TN 38376, USA
Although Shiloh National Military Park is actually located in Tennessee, it boasts several historic sites, including a separate unit in Corinth. The Corinth Battlefield Unit contains 14 historic sites associated with the siege, battle, and occupation of the city during the Civil War. While there, you’ll definitely want to check out the Corinth Contraband Camp. At one time, 6,000 ex-slaves called the camp home. Today, you can walk through a preserved portion of the camp, which includes life-size sculptures depicting the camp’s former inhabitants. For more info, click here.
When it comes to national parks to visit in Mississippi, the above parks definitely fit the bill – don’t you agree? Get more info on the state’s national parks here.
Know of other fun things to do outside in Mississippi? What are your favorite hiking trails in Mississippi? Tell us!
As far as the best parks in Mississippi go, the parks mentioned above are just a portion of what you’ll find in the Magnolia State. Check out “10 Absolutely Amazing State Parks in Mississippi” to learn about the state’s other must-visit parks.
Address: Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield, 128 MS-370, Baldwyn, MS 38824, USA
Address: Davis Bayous Area Gulf Islands National Seashore, 3500 Park Rd, Ocean Springs, MS 39564, USA
Address: Grand Gulf Military State Park, 12006 Grand-Gulf Rd, Port Gibson, MS 39150, USA
Address: Natchez Trace Parkway, Natchez Trace Pkwy, Natchez, MS, USA
Address: Tupelo National Battlefield, 2005 W Main St, Tupelo, MS 38801, USA
Address: Vicksburg National Military Park, 3201 Clay St, Vicksburg, MS 39183, USA
Address: Shiloh National Military Park, 1055 Pittsburg Landing Rd, Shiloh, TN 38376, USA
Address: Natchez National Historical Park, 210 State St, Natchez, MS 39120, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
National Parks To Visit In Mississippi
January 20, 2022
Daniella DiRienzo
What are the best parks in Mississippi?
Aside from national parks in Mississippi, there are lots of other parks in the state. But if you’re searching for the best parks in Mississippi, you’ve got to visit Clark Creek Natural Area. Located in southwestern Mississippi, in the small town of Woodville, Clark Creek Natural Area is often referred to as “one of the Magnolia State’s most beautiful outdoor treasures.” Living up to its reputation, the 700-acrea area is brimming with incredible beauty, including roughly 50 waterfalls, which range in height from 10 feet to more than 30 feet.
What are some other things to do outside in Mississippi?
There are tons of things to do outside in Mississippi. One place that belongs on all residents’ bucket lists is the Petrified Forest. Easily among the state’s best natural wonders, the forest is filled with ancient trees that have been transformed into stone. Not only stunning, the forest is pretty rare – it’s the only forest of its kind in the eastern part of the U.S. When it comes to fun things to do outside in Mississippi, Sky Lake Wildlife Management Area also fits the bill. Located in the small town of Belzoni, the area is home to ancient trees – some of which are over 1,000 years old! A 1,700-foot boardwalk winds through Sky Lake, making it easy to explore all it has to offer.
Where are the best hiking trails in Mississippi?
Hiking trails in Mississippi are plentiful and offer everything from scenic sights to interesting relics from the past. Some trails, like Tuxachanie Hiking Trail, offer both. Located in Saucier, the 13.8-mile trail traverses an array of habitats, including longleaf pine-covered ridges, pitcher plant savannas, and tupelo/bald cypress swamps. As far as historic sites go, the trail has got a couple of those, too, including an old abandoned logging railroad built by Irish immigrants in the early 1900s as well as an abandoned POW camp from WWII. Learn more about the Tuxachanie Hiking Trail here.
Address: Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield, 128 MS-370, Baldwyn, MS 38824, USA
Address: Davis Bayous Area Gulf Islands National Seashore, 3500 Park Rd, Ocean Springs, MS 39564, USA
Address: Grand Gulf Military State Park, 12006 Grand-Gulf Rd, Port Gibson, MS 39150, USA
Address: Natchez Trace Parkway, Natchez Trace Pkwy, Natchez, MS, USA
Address: Tupelo National Battlefield, 2005 W Main St, Tupelo, MS 38801, USA
Address: Vicksburg National Military Park, 3201 Clay St, Vicksburg, MS 39183, USA
Address: Shiloh National Military Park, 1055 Pittsburg Landing Rd, Shiloh, TN 38376, USA
Address: Natchez National Historical Park, 210 State St, Natchez, MS 39120, USA
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Though Daniella was born in New York and has lived in a couple of other states, Mississippi has been her home for the past 25 years. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Daniella began to hone her writing skills through various internships, working for The Royal Obsession and Anatomie clothing. In the years since, she’s had the privilege of having her articles appear in several publications, such as Parents & Kids Magazine and Girl Meets Strong. She’s also had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience.
