10 Towns in Mississippi that Were Ranked Among US Favorites
The mighty Mississippi River splits the United States in two from East to West, but only the Deep South state of Mississippi shares its name. Nicknamed the Magnolia State and the Hospitality State, it is an ideal place to visit to experience small-town southern charm and unique places. In Mississippi, you'll discover the birthplace of famous authors and musicians, Civil War battlefields, rich wildlife, and more. Not to mention, you'll find many idyllic river towns in the state. Here are the 10 top-rated small towns in Mississippi in 2024.
Natchez
Natchez prides itself on a deep history, welcoming atmosphere, and cultural monuments. For example, the town is the site of Fort Rosalie, a French military settlement and the oldest settlement on the lower Mississippi River. This area saw many different European groups settle, such as the Spanish. Natchez sits on the Natchez Trace Parkway, a massive trail that was built over old Native American trails. Within this parkway, you can go outdoors and see several unique sites, such as Emerald Mound, which was built by the Mississippian people between 1200 to 1730. You'll also want to check out the beautiful lakes in the area, such as Lake St. John and Lake Concordia.
Vicksburg
When it comes to Civil War history, the Battle of Gettysburg is the most well-known, but during the same time, there was an equally important battle raging: the Battle of Vicksburg. When Ulysses S. Grant won this battle and took over Vicksburg, he split the Confederacy in two and paved the way for a Union victory. Civil War buffs will have a lot to explore in Vicksburg, from the Civil War Museum, Vicksburg National Military Park, Vicksburg National Cemetery, and the Old Courthouse Museum. Beyond these sites, you'll want to explore the parks in town, such as Catfish Row Art Park and Vicksburg City Park. After a day of exploring, relax with a meal at Lovey's Seafood & Grill or 10 South Rooftop Bar & Grill.
Holly Springs
Located in the Northern part of the state, Holly Springs is filled with antebellum structures and picturesque lakes and farms to explore. Some of these houses include the Burton Place from the 1840s, the gothic revival style Magnolia Mansion from 1852, the Montrose in 1858, and others. Within Holly Springs, you can visit Rust College, a liberal arts college founded in 1866 for Black residents. There are several beautiful outdoor facilities as well sucha s the Strawberry Plains Audubon Center, complete with the Davis Home built in 1839. In addition, at Chewalla Lake Recreation Center, you can pitch a tent and camp and go for a swim. The lake also offers canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.
Laurel
First established as a lumber town in 1882, Laurel is a quaint town that is ideal for travelers looking for a slow-paced adventure. For art lovers, you'll discover many hidden treasures in Laurel at the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art. Within it, you'll discover American art, Native American baskets, Japanese Ukiyo-e prints, and British Georgian silver. Also in town is Landrum's, a living history museum built in the style of a late 1800s village, complete with a general store, Native American village, blacksmith shop, and other historic buildings. For other places to discover, visit the Veterans Memorial Museum or take a walking tour of the historic district downtown. This area is known for its wide range of architectural styles, such as the 1910 Italianate Renaissance Revival house White Oak and the Colonial Revival style Sweet Olive home.
Biloxi
Biloxi is one of the oldest towns in the entire state, first established by French explorers in 1699. Since then, there have been six nations in control over the region: France, England, Spain, the Republic of West Florida, the Confederate States of America, and, of course, the United States itself. Today, the town is a picturesque beach resort that is ideal for a day of soaking in the sun at Biloxi Beach itself. You'll also want to see the Biloxi Lighthouse, first built in 1848 as one of the first cast-iron lighthouses in the southern United States. At the Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art, you can see ceramics made by the Mad Potter of Biloxi, George E. Ohr, along with other pieces of art. The town is also home to a unique museum: the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum, which is a must-visit for seafood lovers.
Canton
Canton is a hidden gem in Mississippi located on the Natchez Trace Parkway. It's a laidback town that is rich in history and proud of its diverse population. At the Multicultural Center and Museum, you can learn more about the struggles and successes of African Americans in the county and learn about one of the town's most famous residents: Sister Thea Bowman, a gospel singer, evangelist, and advocate for equality. At the Canton Museum of History, you can discover more about the antique butter churn, coke machine cooler, and other artifacts, or you can learn more about movies filmed in the area at the Canton Movie Museum. Lastly, don't forget to explore the Historic Square, where you can see a Greek Revival Courthouse built in 1855.
Ocean Springs
The French first set up shop in Ocean Springs in 1699 at the behest of King Louis XIV. Following that, it passed into the hands of the British, Spanish, and lastly, the Americans. With its location on the Gulf of Mexico, Ocean Springs is a major summer destination with multiple parks and beachheads where you can relax in the water. At Fort Maurepas Park, you can enjoy the Gulf while fishing at the Chester McPherson fishing pier. If hiking is more your speed, you can go off the beaten track at the Gulf Islands National Seashore Park, which is also a great place for birdwatching. Ocean Springs is a big art town, which is reflected at the Shearwater Pottery Studio, the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, and the Mary C O'Keefe Cultural Center.
Corinth
Named after the ancient city in Greece, Corinth played an important role in the American Civil War. In 1862, the Battle of Shiloh took place nearby, where Ulysses S. Grant led Union troops to a victory. This was followed by the Siege and Battle of Corinth. Visitors can learn all about these momentous battles at the Corinth Civil War Interpretative Center, which features a courtyard illustration of the Civil War. Also in town is the Corinth Contraband Camp, a part of the Shiloh National Military Park, where former enslaved people would stay during the Civil War. Other than the Civil War, Corinth was a major railway hub, which you can learn about at the Crossroads Museum & Historic Corinth Depot. You can see more of the town by exploring its beautiful parks, such as the Trailhead Park, which takes you through the downtown area and the historic crossroads.
Tupelo
Tupelo should be on any classic rock fan's travel plans because it was the birthplace of none other than Elvis Presley. The town has a full Elvis experience, where you can walk in his footsteps at the Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum, the 1956 Homecoming Statue, and the Tupelo Hardware Company, where he received his first guitar as a birthday present. Tupelo is also one of the few places where you can see the largest herd of buffalo east of the Mississippi River at the Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo. Also, due to the town's location on the Natchez Trace Parkway, you can pull off the road to explore several trails or overlooks, including the Twentymile Bottom Overlook and the Old Town Overlook.
Oxford
This historic town is the home of Ole Miss, also known as the University of Mississippi. However, Oxford keeps all of its small-town charm, which inspired author William Faulkner. You can see his old home, Rowan Oak, which he named after the Celtic legend of the Rowan Tree. It was in this 19th-century building that he wrote many of his classic stories. He is buried nearby in Saint Peter's Cemetery alongside other notable residents. Oxford is an ideal place to explore, especially in its Historic Square, which houses the independent bookstore Off Square Books and many places to grab a bite to eat. There are two museums in Oxford: the University Museum on the campus and the Burns-Belfry Museum, located in the Burns Methodist Episcopal Church, which tells the stories of the African Americans who lived here.
You'll want to take your time exploring these small towns to discover all their secrets, especially if you have a wide range of interests. You can spend an entire day exploring the Civil War battlefields of Corinth and Vicksburg or get lost on the Natchez Trace Parkway, which connects many of these small towns. If you'd rather spend your day indoors, you can see pottery in Ocean Springs or walk in the footsteps of Elvis and William Faulkner. These top-rated Mississippi towns have something for everyone to explore in 2024.
