In a lot of states, the winter season means brutally cold weather and being stuck indoors. But here in Mississippi, the mild winters provide the perfect opportunity for getting out and exploring our amazing state. Ready to channel your inner explorer? Here are 12 great places to check out in Mississippi in December, or really any time this winter.

1. St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuge, Adams County

At over 24,000 acres, this refuge is perfect for fishing, hunting, photography, hiking, and bird-watching. And thanks to extensive management programs, the refuge provides an excellent winter habitat for waterfowl, making the cooler months a prime time to visit. St. Catherine Creek is now part of Theodore Roosevelt National Wildlife Refuge Complex, and you can find out all the most up-to-date information to help plan your visit on their Facebook page.

2. Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge, Hollandale

One of several wildlife refuges opened in order to provide for the wintering needs of ducks and geese in the Mississippi Flyway, the Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge is an ideal place for some bird-watching, especially during the winter. And thanks to two new observation areas, visitors can view wildlife like never before. Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge is also part of the Theodore Roosevelt National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

3. Nesbit Blueberry Plantation

Please note, Nesbit Blueberry Plantation is no longer open during the winter months.

A trip to a blueberry farm isn’t normally the first thing that comes to mind during the winter months; however, just because the cooler weather has arrived, it doesn’t mean you can’t get your hands on some locally grown blueberries. Throughout the winter months, Nesbit Blueberry Plantation is open every Saturday so that patrons can stop by and purchase fresh-frozen berries.

4. Wister Gardens, Belzoni

Established in 1937, Wister Gardens is the only botanical garden located in the state’s Delta region. And while the garden is in full bloom during the warmer months, a trip to Wister this winter will definitely not disappoint as there is a year round, glassed-in garden on the property. Additionally, each December, the gardens typically turn into a "Winter Wonderland of Lights," which can be viewed nightly.

5. The DeSoto County Greenway Trails

The DeSoto County Greenways program is made up of trails perfect for everything from walking and hiking to horseback riding and biking. Visit the area in December or January and you’ll up your chances of spotting bald eagles, waterfowl, and a variety of gulls. And be sure keep your eye on the sky since formations of ducks, geese, pelicans, gulls, herons, shorebirds, and songbirds are common sights during the fall and winter. You can check out the DeSoto County website for additional information.

6. The Greenville Cypress Preserve

The beautiful 16-acre preserve offers breathtaking sights anytime of the year. The cool winter weather provides a much-needed break from pesky mosquitoes, making it an ideal time of the year to visit this treasure known as the Greenville Cypress Preserve.

7. Tishomingo State Park

Rated one of the top state parks in the nation, Tishomingo attracts visitors from all over the country, and the winter months are no exception. Aside from the swimming pool, the park’s facilities are open year-round, which means the cooler weather is a great time to enjoy all that Tishomingo has to offer.

8. The Crosby Arboretum, Picayune

Contrary to popular belief, a visit to an arboretum doesn’t have to be postponed until spring. During the winter, there is still lots to see and do at Picayune’s Crosby Arboretum. Fall foliage can still be seen on several trees and shrubs, and the venue is known for hosting seasonal events, such as the annual Holiday Open House. Check out the Crosby Arboretum Facebook page for all the details to plan your visit.

9. The Vicksburg National Military Park

In Mississippi, any outdoor activity is best reserved for the fall or winter, and the Vicksburg National Military Park is no exception. The cooler winter months provide the perfect opportunity for comfortably taking in the park and all it has to offer.

10. The Natchez Trace

The scenic Natchez Trace is breathtaking at any time of the year. The longer days of summer provide extra time for exploring; the fall season brings colorful foliage, and the winter brings with it open vistas, allowing for visitors to easily see into the forests. Check out the Natchez Facebook page for more details.

11. The Mississippi Gulf Coast

During the winter, the cities along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast transform from quintessential coastal communities to winter wonderlands. Bay St. Louis celebrates the season with its "Snowflakes in the Bay," Biloxi’s annual "Christmas on the Water" and "Christmas at Beauvoir" are much-loved celebrations, and Gulfport "Harbor Lights Winter Festival" is anticipated each year – and these are just a portion of the Gulf Coast’s seasonal events. For a complete listing of all the holiday events going on in coastal Mississippi in December, check out the events sections of Coastal Mississippi's website.

12. Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, Starkville

The 42,500-acre refuge is filled with an array of wildlife, including both year-round and seasonal residents. White-tailed deer, grey and fox squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, opossums, alligators, beavers, muskrats, nutrias, and several types of birds and snakes can be seen year-round; while bald eagles, horned owls, black vultures, and red-shouldered hawks are most likely to be spotted between December and February.

What did you think? Have you visited any of the places listed? Know of another spot that shouldn't be ignored in Mississippi in winter? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!