Top 10 Mississippi Towns To Visit In 2025
While Mississippi is home to bustling metropolises with a cosmopolitan flair, vibrant downtown districts, and state-of-the-art stadiums, this is not where it gets its personality. The smaller, almost unknown towns in the backcountry better represent the true heart and soul of the Magnolia State. Together, they demonstrate the trademark Southern hospitality, captivating cultural heritage, unmatched war history, and alluring outdoor scenery the state has become synonymous with.
From admiring well-maintained antebellum architecture in Natchez to visiting Civil War sites and monuments in Vicksburg, the top Mississippi towns to visit in 2025 set the stage for an exciting getaway way from the bustling city hubs. Between the tranquil shores of the Gulf of Mexico and the lush banks of the Mississippi River, there is no shortage of delightful communities to include in your upcoming tour of the state.
Natchez
Natchez is a small community along the Mississippi River steeped in history and reputed for its trove of heritage treasures and stunning antebellum mansions. The downtown district is adorned with Victorian-era structures and their old-world architecture, such as Stanton Hall. This palatial Greek Revival home was constructed in the mid-18th century and portrays its classic opulence with marble mantles, large pier mirrors, and original Stanton Family artifacts. The Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture brings into the context the African American experience in the region. Its interactive exhibits portray three centuries of history, from the Colonial days through the slavery period to the American Civil War.
Natchez is also served by the namesake Natchez Trace Parkway, a scenic recreational route with immense historical significance. The path is perfect for hikers and bikers looking to enjoy the outdoor scenery while learning local lore. Meanwhile, the best time to experience Natchez's diverse culture is during one of its popular festivals, including the Natchez Balloon Festival in October 2025.
Hattiesburg
Home to the University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg is another colorful college town with diverse points of interest portraying its rich history, lively arts, and delectable dining scene. Historically inclined tourists are in for an immersive experience, with a chance to delve into African American war heritage at the African American Military History Museum. The facility was constructed in 1942 as a USO club but it currently stores exhibits chronicling various military contributions by African Americans.
The arts are alive in Hattiesburg, and guests can find compelling theatrical productions to watch inside the Hattiesburg Saenger Theater. Audiences gather in its rustic interior to catch classic films and live performances, ranging from concerts to plays. Finally, the Hattiesburg Zoo is a must-visit, promising guests close-up encounters with over 100 native and exotic species across its 12-acre property. The venue will also host the Renaissance Festival on February 22, 2025.
Cleveland
This precious jewel in the Mississippi Delta stands out for its art scene, musical heritage, and small-town flair. Many consider the Grammy Museum Mississippi to be its top point of interest. The interactive music-based museum holds one-of-a-kind exhibits paying tribute to icons in the Mississippi music scene. The multi-use Bologna Performing Arts Center brings together art lovers with a lineup of entertaining performances throughout the year. It presents world-class concerts, Broadway shows, films, and other performances tailored for the whole family.
Elsewhere, use your free time to explore Cleveland's past at the Martin & Sue King Railroad Museum. The museum brings to life local railroading heritage with a stockpile of related memorabilia and artifacts, including a model train layout.
Corinth
Corinth is a tiny town along the border of Tennessee boasting a rich heritage intertwined with the Civil War and the railroad. It maintains multiple markers and monuments to preserve the past, such as Battery Robinette. This Civil War site from 1862 was constructed by the Federal Army after the Siege of Corinth. The Crossroads Museum highlights several notable occurrences in the town over the years. Its intriguing exhibits relate to the Civil War, aviation, railroad, prehistory, and more for a broad perspective of the community's rich heritage.
Corinth's history harmoniously coexists with a vibrant present and promising future. At the Crossroads Arena, music enthusiasts meet up inside a modern venue with a 7,500 capacity to revel in great performances by some of the leading artists in the industry.
Brandon
This quaint suburb, less than 15 minutes outside the capital, offers the best of both worlds with its mix of small-town feel and big-city attractions. Brandon showcases its urbanized side with the state-of-the-art Brandon Amphitheatre, an 8,400-capacity event venue with modern facilities and amenities for guests coming to watch world-class concerts. Performance art lovers can catch compelling stage productions at the Black Rose Theatre Company. This intimate location only seats 100 people but features an upbeat atmosphere when townsfolk congregate to watch classic plays and modern dramas.
Despite its nearness to Jackson, Brandon maintains a rural atmosphere through lovely green spaces like Brandon Park. The family-friendly space has amenities like picnic spaces, a playground, and sports fields for the public's amusement. If you love cultural encounters, don't miss the Krewe de Roux festival at the end of February 2025.
Ocean Springs
This coastal community's reputation of historical heritage, artistic allure, and small-town flair precedes itself. Guests are drawn to Ocean Springs by its laid-back coastal vibe and toasty weather, best experienced on the sandy shores of Front Beach. This is a popular spot for sunbathers, swimmers, and sunset watchers, favored for its secluded and serene environment. The Ocean Springs Fresh Market invites tourists to sample farm produce, seafood, meats, and other assorted merchandise. The atmosphere is always festive and provides an opportunity for amiable interactions with local vendors.
If you appreciate the arts, spare time to browse an impressive collection at the Walter Anderson Museum of Art. The venue showcases intimate works by the three Anderson brothers, featuring ceramics, oil paintings, watercolors, and drawings. But for a more immersive art experience, schedule your trip to coincide with the Spring Arts Festival on March 22, 2025.
Bay St. Louis
Bay St. Louis lies on the Gulf Coast in Hancock County and charms vacationers with its artsy vibe, beautiful beaches, and eclectic restaurant scene. Bay St. Louis Beach is a go-to spot for many first-timers and offers the ideal mix of sun, sand, and sea. Here, people take advantage of a tranquil setting and breathtaking views by sunbathing, swimming, and lazily strolling along the smooth sand shoreline. The bustling downtown region houses diverse points of interest, including art venues like the Alice Moseley Folk Art Museum. Inside, you can peruse over 100 original paintings by the celebrated humorist and storyteller.
Elsewhere, those who gravitate towards performance arts will be more comfortable watching a play at the Bay St. Louis Little Theatre. Lastly, be sure to revel in luscious local flavors at Field's Steak & Oyster Bar featuring Southern-style seafood inside a rustic location.
Vicksburg
One of the most historic Mississippi towns to visit in 2025, Vicksburg is a popular stop for Civil War historians and packs a punch of related sites, landmarks, and monuments. The vast Vicksburg National Military Park preserves the location where the Battle of Vicksburg played out and harbors more than 1,000 monuments and markers. A walk through the reserve reveals Confederate forts, a vintage cannon, and Union weapons, with the highlight being the U.S.S. Cairo Museum. You can uncover more of Vicksburg's rich heritage at the Old Courthouse Museum, an 1850s structure with a plethora of curious exhibits from the Civil War and antebellum periods.
Beyond history, guests can get a feel for local arts and culture at the Attic Gallery. This intimate location specializes in Southern folk art and contemporary fine pieces and displays everything from handmade jewelry to pottery and glassware. However, it will all come to a head during the Bicentennial Music & Culture Festival on April 26, 2025.
Oxford
This vibrant college town in Lafayette County offers a charming mix of experiences to entertain its visitors and is known to host diverse events throughout the year. For movie lovers, the most anticipated is the Oxford Film Festival on February 27, 2025, which highlights top films from around the world to boost the local movie-making culture. The University of Mississippi has elevated Oxford to an arts and culture hub. This is thanks to the University of Mississippi Museum, where enthusiasts gather to browse one of the most comprehensive collections of fine art pieces and artifacts in the region.
Nature lovers constantly congregate on the quiet grounds of Lamar Park to enjoy its lakeside serenity through lazy strolls along tree-lined footpaths and nonchalant picnics on shaded garden grounds. Meanwhile, you can't miss out on an electric stadium experience at Vaught Hemingway Stadium, which hosts college football home games for the Mississippi Rebels.
Greenville
Greenville is a must-stop for vacationers in the Mississippi Delta region, known for its outdoor beauty, lively arts, and fine Southern cooking. The Greenville Cypress Preserve presents an escape for nature lovers to be in their element. Sprawled over 16 acres, it has scenic walking trails through tranquil forests and wetland habitats. Meanwhile, art enthusiasts constantly converge at EE Bass Cultural Arts Center for an array of events, exhibitions, and performances. It houses a theater stage, film room, and office spaces split among its three floors.
Finally, your trip is incomplete without tasting the rich flavors served in the downtown restaurants. If you have a thing for tamales, Hot Tamale Heaven and Grille has a bagful of surprises for you featuring tamale-based dishes like hot tamale pies and extreme tamale nachos.
Final Thought
Whether a culture vulture, culinary connoisseur, history lover, or outdoor thrill seeker, these charming Mississippi towns to visit in 2025 prove that there is no shortage of fun options in the state's rural destinations. They provide all the incentives to skip the busy city scene of the United States and find peace and comfort while exploring these hidden gems. From chilling on the beach while watching the spectacular sunset in Bay St. Louis to enjoying tasty Southern eats in a quaint family-run diner in Greenville, you will appreciate the perks of small-town living.
