Explore the Best Things to Do in Jackson, Mississippi
Jackson, Mississippi, has a lot to offer. From art, music, and food to history, nightlife, and culture. It’s a quintessential southern town.
If you are planning a visit to the capital of Mississippi, Jackson, there are many things you can do to make your trip memorable. Some of the main attractions include the Mississippi State Capitol building and the Medgar Evers Home Museum.
The city is home to the Old Capitol, a grand Greek Revival building that opened in 1839. This impressive building is one of the most popular attractions in Jackson. It is the site of many necessary legislative acts and is still used as a museum today.
Mississippi Civil Rights Museum
The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum is one of the few nation’s only state-operated civil rights museums. It opened in December 2017 and explored the struggle of black Mississippians for racial equality.
Eight interactive galleries examine the events that shaped the Civil Rights Movement in the state. Each exhibit focuses on a different aspect of the movement.
One of the most enlightening is the Negro Motorist Green Book Exhibit. This section features hundreds of mugshots and other relics from the 1960s. You’ll also find an interactive sculpture that pulsates with gospel songs every 30 minutes.
The Mississippi museum boasts a 200,000-square-foot facility that serves as an educational portal to other cultural attractions in the state. Every year, the center benefits hundreds of thousands of people.
LeFleur’s Bluff State Park Mayes Lake
LeFleur’s Bluff State Park in Jackson, Mississippi, is a recreation area where you can enjoy nature, fishing, and golfing. This 305-acre park is nestled on the edge of a 50-acre lake. You can also explore scenic nature trails.
There are five trails at LeFleur’s Bluff. The oldest is the Old Pond Trail, which has a variety of species to see. Storks, egrets, and Acadian flycatchers are some of the birds that can be spotted along this trail. Other birdwatchers will find a good selection of warblers, thrushes, and red-eyed vireos.
Another trail is the Overlook Loop near the Museum of Natural Science. It is an excellent place to spot a few of the 200 species housed at the museum.
Visitors can also enjoy the scenic Mayes Lake. The lake was once part of the Pearl River. In the 1800s, flatboat men used the lake to follow the Pearl current obediently.
Mississippi Museum of Natural Science
One of the best things to do in Jackson, Mississippi, is to visit the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. The museum is located in LeFleur’s Bluff State Park and offers various exhibits. You can also enjoy outdoor trails and a greenhouse.
In addition to the main museum, the town of Jackson is home to a few other attractions that are worth checking out. This list includes the Eudora Welty House & Garden and the International Museum of Muslim Cultures.
The museum is home to an extensive collection of art and history exhibits. These include an impressive array of works by Georgia O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol, and Jacob Lawrence.
There are also a couple of fun exhibits that are specifically designed for children. The First Peoples exhibit takes visitors on a trip from 13,000 BCE to the arrival of the first humans in the region. It also demonstrates the social and economic issues that faced these early inhabitants.
Mississippi Children’s Museum
The Mississippi Children’s Museum is a state-of-the-art facility focusing on STEM subjects, cultural arts, and Mississippi heritage. It is one of the best places to learn and play, with dozens of exciting exhibits. The first year of operations was so successful that they were opening a new 20,000-square-foot facility in 2021.
If you’re looking for an educational experience, you’ll want to try the Goodnight Moon exhibit. This is an interactive activity that teaches bedtime routines while also teaching the importance of sleep. It’s also the first permanent Goodnight Moon exhibit in the country.
Another remarkable exhibit is the Literacy Garden. You’ll find literary-inspired sculptures, innovative technology, and an edible garden. These activities are part of the museum’s mission to educate and engage every visitor.
The Jackson Zoo
The Jackson Zoo is a fascinating place to visit. It is located in the city of Jackson, Mississippi, and is one of the largest zoos in the state. There are over 120 species of animals on display at the zoo.
Some animals at the zoo include giraffes, American beavers, a variety of snakes, and an array of exotic mammals. In addition, many of the exhibits are themed. This makes it fun for visitors of all ages to come and explore.
Jackson Zoo is a non-profit organization dedicated to wildlife conservation and educational programs. They work with the government and other agencies to ensure that the animals are healthy and safe. Moreover, they are committed to supporting animal welfare legislation.
Jackson Zoo is a great place to take your children. You’ll be able to learn about the animals and interact with them in their natural habitats. Besides, you’ll enjoy an affordable day out.
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