7 Most Charming River Towns in Mississippi to Visit in 2024

Mississippi is blessed with so many vital rivers. Although the Mississippi River is the most famous of them, there are others like the Jourdan River and the Tallahatchie River. These rivers cut across several towns throughout the state, creating beautiful waterfront scenery and opportunities for many adventures. Add that to the less crowded aura and the slow-paced setting of these towns, and they will become great places to make unforgettable memories. Want something unique? Step away from the chaos of larger cities in Mississippi and visit these charming river towns today.

Vicksburg

Vicksburg perches on a high bluff overlooking the Mississippi River and at its meeting point with the Yazoo River. While the town is naturally beautiful and charming, history buffs will be delighted here as the town features attractions like the National Military Park, which is a great place to learn about the Civil War Battle of Vicksburg. The Old Depot Museum is another interesting historic attraction here featuring exhibits that reflect the area’s railroad and Civil War history. For something different, check out the Biedenharn Coca-cola Museum, where Coca-Cola was first bottled in 1894, and see various artifacts on display that unveil the evolution of the iconic soft drink. Next, visit the Riverfront Mural to see beautiful murals that depict the town’s history. Before leaving, be sure to recline at the Yazoo River, admire the steel bridge, stroll on its banks, and capture nature's raw beauty with a camera.

New Albany

New Albany is a small quaint town along the Little Tallahatchie River that echoes natural beauty and charm. Once here, visitors can head to the park along the river - the town’s largest park- to hike its trails winding below lush green trees and across the Tallahatchie River. They can also walk along the bridge for more scenery. The park also features picnic areas and a playground, making it a sweet spot to hang out with family and friends. For more adventures, rent a bike or put on some hiking boots and explore the 43.6-mile-long Tanglefoot Trail, which starts from New Albany and snakes through the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in the Mississippi Hills National Heritage Area. End with some history by visiting the Union County Heritage Museum to learn everything about the town's past through educative programs, exhibits, and artifacts.

Waveland

Waveland is a coastal town on the Mississippi Sound that promises a relaxing vacation with lots of water activities. Visitors here will be welcomed by over five miles of gorgeous sugar-white sand shoreline, which is perfect for picnics, sunbathing, and sunset watching. Additionally, the beach is home to a pier for fishing, the Waveland Lighthouse, and the Garfield Ladner Memorial Pier. The Buccaneer State Park - the town’s highlight attraction- is also located on the beach and features a 1.8-mile nature trail, a 4.5-acre water park, a large playground, a disc golf, and picnic areas. In addition, there are hundreds of campsites in this park, and there are opportunities for unique activities like birdwatching and kayaking. Afterward, visitors should visit some historic landmarks like - the Veterans Memorial Monument (dedicated to service men and women) and Waveland’s Ground Zero Hurricane Museum (a great place to learn about the hurricane that once devastated Waveland).

Greenville

Greenville is a charming town located in the Mississippi River Delta region with so much to offer. The town is home to Lake Ferguson and while here, visitors can hike the 1.7-mile trail overlooking the lake to relish the waterfront scenery or proceed to enjoy a boat ride in the water. Next, visitors can head to Warfield Point Park to enjoy overnight camping, wildlife watching, and bird watching. The park also offers incredible views of the Mississippi River as well as picnic facilities directly on the river banks. Immerse in more natural experiences at the 16-acre Greenville Mississippi Cypress Preserve, featuring elegant cypress trees, with walking trails to explore the area. Before leaving town, experience something unique by visiting the Winterville Indian Mounds, which is an archaeological site featuring 12 earth mounds built by Native Americans that thrived in the area between 1000 and 1450 CE.

Bay St. Louis

Bay St. Louis is a picturesque town surrounded by the Jourdan River to the north, and the bay of St. Louis empties into Mississippi Sound. This river town knows how to keep visitors glued within its borders, mainly as it features a beautiful beach with charming white sands and gorgeous sunsets. Away from the beach, the town invites visitors to embark on a historic walking or biking tour around to see exciting attractions such as the 100 Men Hall (a great place to learn about the town’s history in exciting ways) and Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church (a great place to worship). Also, be sure to shop for a few things at the Shops of Century Hall while exploring the town. Next, delve into the waters of Bay St. Louis via boat tours to see occasional dolphins, quaint waterfront homes, and seagulls, among other pleasant sights. Afterward, relax at the North Beach or Avocado's Restaurant to relish delectable dishes that stun the taste buds.

Greenwood

Greenwood is a beautiful delta town along the Yazoo River with a rich blues history, a colorful downtown, and plenty of recreational facilities to keep visitors busy at all times. Start by taking a self-guided tour of the Downtown area and see landmarks like the Alluvian Hotel (dating to 1917), the City Hall (built in 1930), and the Fountain Building (once home to the largest department store in the Delta). Do not miss out on a walk or drive through Grand Boulevard - the most beautiful neighborhood in the town. Next, rekindle the spirit of the blues by visiting the gravesite of the legendary blues player Robert Johnson, located in the Little Zion Church. Afterward, head to the Museum of the Mississippi Delta to learn some history about the Delta region. Before leaving, purchase some souvenirs at the Mississippi Gift Company and have a taste of Delta wine at the Williams Landing Winery.

Natchez

Natchez is one of Mississippi's most beautiful and popular river towns, and it is worth visiting anytime. This town is located along the banks of the lower Mississippi River, which is a paradise for boating and kayaking. Visitors are also invited to take a steamboat ride around the river to experience more natural scenery. Also, Natchez features Bluff Park, which is a great place to stroll and witness incredible views of the Mississippi River, especially at sunset. For some history, visitors are welcome to check out attractions like Longwood (built in the 1800s), and Stanton Hall (built in 1851). The Natchez National Historical Park is also a must-see, as it offers a trip back in time to the early days of the town. Before leaving Natchez, stop by Pig Out Inn to munch on some juicy meals and then proceed to Natchez Brewing Company to top it up with some high-quality craft beer and pizza.

Discover Mississippi's Enchanting River Towns

Mississippi State is blessed with nature's finest offers, and the towns are some of the best places to enjoy them. These towns sit majestically on the banks of the Mississippi River and its deltas, lakes, or tributaries, offering priceless waterfront beauties and several water-based adventures like fishing, kayaking, and adventures. Beyond the waterfronts and their scenic charms, there are parks, museums, restaurants, art galleries, shops, and historic attractions to explore in these towns. Clearly, visitors are often spoilt for choices in these charming destinations, and with fewer crowds, the experiences are convenient and memorable.