海角社区

If you鈥檙e one of the more than 43 million tourists likely to visit Mississippi in 2025, here鈥檚 a little tip: make sure you include at least a few of the Magnolia State鈥檚 wonderful small towns on your travel itinerary. Those who do step away from larger destinations like Jackson, the state capital, find themselves exposed to a whole other 海角社区 of opportunities and experiences. These small towns are ideal for travelers seeking a laid-back experience without forfeiting the fun. Whether it鈥檚 a Civil War battle site that still bears scars from the conflict or an arts festival that celebrates local talent, every town featured here provides a compelling reason to be included in your 2025 Mississippi travel itinerary.

Oxford

Founded in 1837, Oxford has long been recognized as the center of academia in Mississippi. Home to the University of Mississippi (aka, 鈥淥le Miss鈥�) since 1848, Oxford鈥檚 reputation as the state鈥檚 best college town is well deserved, as you鈥檒l see by spending time exploring the campus. Another popular tourist attraction is William Faulkner鈥檚 Rowan Oak, the former home of one of America鈥檚 greatest novelists. Built in 1844, this historic home features the author鈥檚 notes on the walls of his study, which remain exactly where he left them.

Another must-see is the Lafayette County Courthouse. Dating back to 1872 and located on the town Square, this well-preserved building features an attractive neoclassical fa莽ade and makes for a great selfie backdrop. April鈥檚 a great time to visit for the Double Decker Arts Festival, a fun downtown event featuring local food trucks offering everything from authentic Southern barbecue to sweet tea popsicles, all to the accompaniment of live music. Literary-minded visitors can browse Square Books, which opened in 1979 and features the works of Mississippi authors such as Faulkner. They鈥檙e also planning an impressive series of book signings by notable authors for 2025.

Natchez

Natchez was established in 1716 and is one of the oldest European settlements along the mighty Mississippi River. Its long history is evidenced by the impressive antebellum mansions that dot the town, including Stanton Hall, constructed in 1857 and now a heritage site offering daily guided tours. Equally impressive, the construction of Longwood started in 1860 but was never completed due to the outbreak of the Civil War. Tours are available and include seeing the partially finished upper floors, providing a rare glimpse into mid-19th-century construction practices in the South.

The Natchez Bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River are fun to explore, especially around Bluff Park with its spectacular sunset views. At the base of the bluffs, the 75-acre Under-the-Hill Historic District is a delight to explore and features interpretive plaques detailing the town鈥檚 role as a key trade center in the early 1800s. If planning a 2025 visit, the Natchez Spring Pilgrimage from March through to May sees many privately owned homes open their doors to the public. In October, the Natchez Balloon Festival is also a great time to visit as hot-air balloon enthusiasts from across the country come to town.

Ocean Springs

Originally named Fort Maurepas when the French arrived in 1699, Ocean Springs was to play a major role in the early European settlement of the Gulf Coast. There are certainly plenty of fun things to do in Ocean Springs in 2025, including checking out what鈥檚 on at the Mary C. O鈥橩eefe Cultural Arts Center. Constructed in 1927 as a schoolhouse, it now hosts everything from cooking classes to art exhibits and community theater performances. Another cultural draw is the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, established in 1991 and dedicated to celebrating the works of its namesake artist (tours are available).

Fort Maurepas City Park & Nature Preserve is also a must-visit and is a pleasant place to watch fishing boats return with the day鈥檚 catch. If you prefer to visit in a quieter and cooler time of year, the Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival in November may be for you. The largest art event in the state, skilled potters, sculptors, and painters from across the Southeast attend, along with food vendors.

Clarksdale

Founded in 1848, Clarksdale is very much the epicenter of the Mississippi Delta Blues scene. If you鈥檙e a music fan, the Delta Blues Museum should be your first stop. Housed in a former railroad freight depot built in 1918, it preserves a large collection of rare artifacts including guitars once played by icons like Muddy Waters and B.B. King. Fans of live music will appreciate the Ground Zero Blues Club, opened in 2001 by actor Morgan Freeman and local attorney Bill Luckett. It鈥檚 known for its nightly performances of authentic Delta Blues, a must for visitors seeking a deep dive into local culture and history.

One of the most talked-about annual events in town is the Juke Joint Festival, set for April 2025. This much-anticipated music celebration features performances in juke joints and on street corners scattered across the historic downtown. Check out the nearby Crossroads where legend has it blues musician Robert Johnson made his deal with the devil. Colorful murals painted throughout the downtown area also celebrate this musical heritage.

Vicksburg

Vicksburg holds a prominent place in American Civil War history. Established in 1811, its strategic location along the Mississippi River became the focal point of a 47-day siege that ended in 1863. You can learn all about this landmark event at Vicksburg National Military Park with its preserved trenches, forts, and the USS Cairo, a Union ironclad gunboat that sank in 1862. Downtown Vicksburg is also fun to explore. A highlight is the Old Court House, constructed in 1858 and now a museum with artifacts from Jefferson Davis鈥檚 presidency.

The Lower Mississippi River Museum is another good spot to visit to learn more about the region. This state of the art facility features exhibits detailing how the river鈥檚 floods shaped the region鈥檚 economy and culture. Wondering when to visit? April鈥檚 a great time for the Vicksburg RiverFest, a popular event featuring guided riverboat cruises.

Corinth

Originally known as Cross City, Corinth was founded in 1854 and rapidly grew in importance as a railroad junction linking vital routes through the South. History enthusiasts will find plenty to explore at the Crossroads Museum, located in the old Corinth Depot from 1917 and featuring a detailed timeline of the city鈥檚 role during the Civil War. The Corinth Contraband Camp, the site of a refuge set up during the war to house formerly enslaved individuals fleeing Confederate states, is also interesting.

Another essential stop from this period is the Verandah-Curlee House. Built in 1857, this well-preserved example of Greek Revival architecture offers insight into the craftsmanship of mid-19th-century builders, including original pine flooring and period furniture (guided tours are available). Each July, the Corinth holds the Slugburger Festival, a quirky event that pays homage to a local culinary invention involving a soybean patty fried and topped with mustard, onions, and pickles.

The Bottom Line

If you鈥檙e planning a trip to Mississippi in 2025, promise yourself that you鈥檒l explore at least one or two of these smaller towns. If you do, you鈥檒l be rewarded with a truly memorable and authentic Mississippi experience. Whether your interest is history or you consider yourself a bit of a foodie, you won鈥檛 be disappointed with a visit to one or two of these six best towns in Mississippi in 2025. Better still鈥� visit them all.