6 Best Small Towns in Mississippi for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Its location in the country's Southeastern region, along with its generally mild climate, makes Mississippi one of the best places to visit in the USA for year-round outdoor pursuits. Bordered to the south by the coastline of the Gulf of Mexico and featuring a mix of flat coastal plains, river delta, and rolling hills, Mississippi is home to numerous small towns boasting fun things to do outside.
From the lush landscapes of Indianola in the heart of the Mississippi River Delta to the river bluffs in places like Vicksburg, each of these towns presents a unique blend of historical significance, cultural richness, and natural beauty that makes them ideal destinations for those seeking fun outdoor experiences in Mississippi.
Indianola
Swamp bayou scene in Mississippi featuring bald cypress trees in fall near Indianola, Mississippi, USA.
Its location 90 minutes north of the state capital of Jackson, close to the border with Arkansas, makes Indianola a great day trip or weekend getaway destination for outdoor adventurers. The mighty Mississippi River has shaped Indianola's landscape and features a network of streams and rivers – a 300-mile-long tract known as the Mississippi Delta – that has created a lush environment that's perfect for nature lovers. Using Indianola as a base, it's easy to explore places like Holt Collier National Wildlife Refuge, a great spot for birdwatching and hiking. Visitors can also connect with the area's vibrant ecosystem at Leroy Percy State Park and Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge.
This charming town is also famous for its association with legendary blues musician B.B. King, a native son whose legacy is evident throughout the community. Visit the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center, a state-of-the-art facility that honors the life and music of the legendary bluesman and also tells the broader story of the "Delta blues." The museum's exhibits include interactive displays, memorabilia, and a substantial collection of blues music history, as well as the King's gravesite.
Vicksburg
Vicksburg is located 40 miles west of Jackson on the border with Louisiana. Its strategic location on the Mississippi River made the town of vital importance in the American Civil War, particularly during the Siege of Vicksburg, a turning point in the conflict. One of the city's most visited attractions is the Vicksburg National Military Park. In addition to its monuments, museums, and historic sites, this 1815-acre site boasts some of the best walking, hiking, and biking in Mississippi, especially along the Al Scheller Hiking Trail.
The city's riverfront area is also a popular spot for walks. In addition to scenic views of the Mississippi River, outdoors-types can enjoy fishing, kayaking, and other water activities. Open year-round, the Linden Plantation Gardens offer a gentler outdoor experience with displays of spring azaleas in spring and those oh-so-pretty fall colors.
Laurel
Famous for its starring role in the hit HGTV show Home Town, Laurel is as delightful a destination for sightseers as it is for outdoors types. Popular outdoor escapes here include exploring the De Soto National Forest, a massive 810 square miles (518,587 acres) area of outstanding natural beauty full of majestic pine forests. Lake Bogue Homa is another must-visit. Known officially as Bogue Homa State Lake, it's a popular spot for camping, fishing, boating, and kayaking.
Gentler outdoor activities in Laurel include exploring the town's pretty historic district on foot. Boasting pleasant shady streets lined with beautifully restored homes, a stroll in Laurel will also take you past pleasant green spaces like Daphne Park with its tennis and pickleball courts.
Bay Saint Louis
Its location mid-way between Mobile and New Orleans makes Bay Saint Louis the perfect spot for some fun in the open air. Beach lovers enjoy visiting this picturesque coastal town as its beautiful sand stretches for miles and makes for a great spot to enjoy activities like swimming, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and windsurfing. Those who enjoy fishing should head for the Jimmy Rutherford Fishing Pier or can even book a fishing charter for some deep-sea angling in the Gulf of Mexico.
Other popular things to do in Bay Saint Louis include visiting Buccaneer State Park, a 400-acre waterfront park offering nature trails and camping, as well as the increasingly popular game of disk golf.
Woodville
Woodville is located just a few miles north of the state border with Louisiana and just 55 miles north of Baton Rouge. The big draw for outdoor enthusiasts is the nearby Homochitto National Forest, a vast 191,839-acre re-forested woodland that provides recreational activities, including hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking. Another popular feature near Woodville is the Clark Creek Natural Area, which spans over 700 acres and is famous for its over 50 waterfalls ranging from 10 to over 30 feet in height. Fun nature trails cross the park, and covered picnic sites are available.
Other fun things to do in Woodville include exploring the Rosemont Plantation, a historic home built in 1814 that can be toured, and exploring the old commercial buildings along the town's Main Street.
Columbus
Marketed to tourists as Mississippi's friendliest town, Columbus also just so happens to be one of the state's prettiest places to visit. Founded in 1821 on the banks of the Tombigbee River, gentle outdoor pursuits include walking the downtown historic district with its beautifully preserved antebellum homes. Highlights include the Tennessee Williams Home and Welcome Center, the birthplace of the famous Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright.
Urban outdoor adventures continue along the lovely Columbus Riverwalk, a four-and-a-half-mile-long scenic walking and biking trail that follows the Tombigbee River from the downtown core. Other outdoor activities here include concerts and picnics or stopping in at the Columbus Soccer Complex with its fascinating butterfly garden.
These six small towns each offer a unique and enriching experience that blends the natural beauty of the Mississippi landscape with the state's rich cultural and historical heritage. From the musical roots of Indianola to the historic battlefields of Vicksburg, the coastal charm of Bay Saint Louis, and the lovely natural settings of Woodville, these popular small towns roll out the welcome mat to outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
