Jackson, Mississippi began as a small trading post on the Pearl River, and quickly grew to become the state's capital in 1832. Jackson was set fire to on three separate occasions during the Civil War by Union forces, which earned it the nickname of "Chimneyville." Many of the city's antebellum structures survived and can be toured daily. The city is loaded with shopping malls, quaint boutiques, museums, historic districts, and many restaurants. Jackson also hosts a wide variety of festivals and cultural events throughout the year. Best Western Jackson Mississippi.
Things to do in Jackson
Ballet Mississippi
Ballet Mississippi is one of Jackson's premiere performing arts organizations, providing educational outreach and the Ballet Mississippi School to expose Mississippi students to the beauty and artistry that is ballet. Located at the Mississippi Arts Center, 201 E. Pascagoula St., Jackson, MS. Best Western lodging is nearby. Call 601-960-1560 for more information.
Boyd House/The Oaks Museum
This Greek Revival cottage is rumored to have served as headquarters for General William T. Sherman during the 1863 Union siege of Jackson. It is one of the few structures that survived four burnings of Jackson during the Civil War. Open year round Tuesday -Saturday 10am - 3pm. Located at 823 N. Jefferson Street. Best Western lodging nearby. Call 601-353-9339 for more information.
Brookwood Country Club
Brookwood is a semi-private, 18-hole championship course located at 5001 Forest Hill Road. Call 601-373-1601 for more information.
Chimneyville Crafts Gallery
Native, traditional and contemporary crafts are exhibited, demonstrated and sold by members of the Craftsmen's Guild of Mississippi. Located at the Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum at 1150 Lakeland Drive. Open year round Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm. Call 601-981-2499 for more information.
Christ Temple Church of Christ Holiness USA
Established in 1902, the present building was erected in 1962. You will find a State Historic Marker and it is located at 845 N. Lamar Street. Open year round on a drive by basis only. Best Western lodging nearby. Call 601-960-1891 for more information.
Dr. A. H. McCoy Federal Building
This building was named for a prominent African-American businessman and dental surgeon. Located at 100 W. Capitol Street, Jackson MS. Best Western Lodging nearby. Call 601-960-1891 for more information.
Farish Street Historical District
This 125-acre, late-19th century, grid-patterned neighborhood is the largest and only primarily residential district in Jackson. You will find it listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The district encompasses Amite Street to Fortification Street and Mill Street to Lamar Street. Call 601-960-1891 for more information.
Fondren District
Shopping, antiques, restaurants and more in this quaint neighborhood that is reinventing itself. North State Street from Woodrow Wilson to Meadowbrook Rd. Call 601-981-9606 for more information.
Governor's Mansion
The mansion is from the Greek revival period. Today it is the official residence of the Mississippi governors. It is the second oldest continuously occupied gubernatorial residence in the U.S. with period furnishings. Located at 300 E. Capitol Street. It is open year round Tuesday -Friday 9:30 - 11am on the half hour; closed major holidays and 2 weeks at Christmas. Call 601-359-6421 for more information.
Greenwood Cemetery
This is the burial site of six Confederate brigadier generals and over 100 soldiers. It is located at West Street at Lamar Street and is open year round daily, dawn to dusk. Call 601-960-1891 for more information.
Grove Park Golf Course
Grove Park is a 9-hole public course located at 1800 Walter Dutch Welch Drive. Call 601-960-2074 for more information.
International Museum of Muslim Cultures
This is Jackson's newest museum, which celebrates the contributions the Muslims have made to the city of Jackson, the State of Mississippi, the region, the nation and the world. Exhibits describe the Muslim experience and places it in context with other cultural and religious groups. It is open year round Monday - Thursday, Saturday & Sunday 9:30am - 5pm; Friday 9:30am - 12:30pm. Located at 117 E. Pascagoula Street. Call 601-960-0440 for more information.
Jackson City Hall
This Greek revival building served as a hospital for both Confederate and Union soldiers. It managed to emerge unscathed when Jackson was burned by Union troops, on three different occasions. Located at 219 S. President Street. It is open year round Monday - Friday 9am - 4pm. Call 601-960-1084 for more information.
Jackson State University
This is the State's only urban institution of higher learning. Several historical buildings can be found on the campus such as the Margaret Walker Alexander National Research Center for the Study of the 20th Century African-American. Located at 1700 John R. Lynch Street. Tours are available by appointment only Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm. Call 601-968-2272 for more information.
Jackson Zoological Park
Forty-two acres provide natural habitats for over 500 animals. You will also find lots of hands-on exhibits and miniature train ride. Open September - May 9am - 5pm; summer 9am - 6pm. Located at 2918 W. Capitol Street. Call 601-352-2581 for more information.
Jim Buck Ross Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry/National Agricultural A
This is a 40-acre complex with a 1920s farm. "Small Town" re-creates turn-of-the-century Mississippi. The rose garden is listed on the National Rose Register and is open daily Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm. Located at 1150 Lakeland Drive. Call 601-713-3365 for more information.
LeFleur's Bluff State Park
Large public park that includes a 9-hole golf course, meeting facilities, pool, lake, nature trails and campground. Located at 2140 Riverside Drive. Best Western lodging is close by. Call 601-987-3985 for more information.
Manship House Museum
This is the restored Gothic Revival home of Charles Henry Manship, decorative painter and Civil War mayor of Jackson Open Tuesday - Friday 9am - 4pm; Saturday 10am - 4pm. Located at 420 E. Fortification Street. Call 601-961-4724 for more information.
Margaret Walker Alexander National Research Center
The national research center addresses African-American life in the segregation period and during the Civil Rights Movement. Open year round Monday - Friday 10am - 4pm. Located at 1700 J. R. Lynch Street. Call 601-979-2055 for more information.
Mississippi Department of Archives and History
Historical/genealogical reference library with data on prehistory and history of Mississippi and the southeastern U.S. Open year round Monday 9am - 5pm; Tuesday - Friday 8am - 5pm; Saturday 8am - 1pm. Located at 200 North Street. Call 601-576-6850 for more information.
Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries & Parks
Hunting and fishing licensing information. Call 601-362-9212 for more information.
Mississippi Museum of Art
This is the State's largest art museum. You will find over 4,000 pieces including the world's largest collection by Mississippi artists. Continuing and changing exhibits can be seen year round. Open daily Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm; Sunday noon - 5pm; Tuesday to 8pm. Located at 201 E. Pascagoula Street. Call 601-960-1515 for more information.
Mississippi Museum of Natural Science
This 73,000 sq. ft. Museum facility serves as a permanent and significant symbol of the commitment the people of Mississippi hold for their land and wildlife. Natural objects and live animals tell the story of the "Mississippi Web of Life." The Museum is open year round daily Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm; Saturday 9am - 5pm; Sunday 1 - 5pm. Located at 2148 Riverside Drive. Call 601-354-7303 for more information.
Mississippi Opera
Mississippi Opera produces and presents a season of Grand Opera, and a variety of other opera/musical theater, recital and special events. Acclaimed by national and international critics, Mississippi Opera attracts audiences from throughout the region. Most performances are held at Thalia Mara Hall. For current performance schedules, tickets and information, visit their website. Call 601-960-2300 for more information.
Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum
A 21,542 sq. ft. facility with touch-screen kiosks and participatory exhibits. You will also find artifacts, memorabilia, interviews and film footage of great Mississippi athletes. Located at 1152 Lakeland Drive and open year round Monday - Saturday 10am - 4pm. Call 601-982-8264 for more information.
Municipal Art Gallery Jackson
The Municipal Art Gallery is housed in an antebellum home and used as a venue for local emerging artists with monthly art exhibits. Located at 839 N. State Street. The Gallery is open Tuesday - Saturday 9am - 5pm; Sunday 2pm - 5pm. Call 601-960-1582 for more information.
Mynelle Gardens
Enjoy this natural setting of azaleas, daylilies and camellias. You will find hundreds of perennials, annuals and naturalized bulbs in bloom seasonally, year-round. Located at 4736 Clinton Blvd. Open March - October 9am - 5:15pm; November - February 8am - 4:15pm. Call 601-960-1894 for more information.
Natchez Trace Trail
The 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway commemorates an ancient trail that connected southern portions of the Mississippi River to salt licks in today's central Tennessee. Over the centuries, the Choctaw, Chickasaw and other American Indians left their marks on the Trace. Today, visitors can experience this National Scenic Byway and All-American Road through driving, hiking, biking, horseback riding and camping. Call 800-305-7417 for more information.
Old Capitol Museum
It is a National Historic Landmark and the building served as the state capitol from 1839 - 1903. On site you will find award-winning permanent and changing exhibits, including the nation's first Civil Rights exhibit. Open daily Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm; Saturday 9:30am -4:30pm; Sunday 12:30 - 4:30pm. Located at 100 S. State Street. Call 601-359-6920 for more information.
Old Mt. Helm Baptist Church
The Church is located in the Farish Street Historical District. The congregation originally met in the basement of the old First Baptist Church until 1867. State Historic Marker on site. Open daily 9am - noon; 1pm - 5pm. Located at 300 N. Church Street. Call 601-353-3981 for more information.
Parham Bridges Tennis Center
Selected as one of the top 50 Municipal Tennis Centers in the U.S. by Tennis Magazine, the center features 15 lighted plexipare courts, a pro shop, and a multi-use clubhouse in a beautiful wooded setting. A one-mile fitness trail is located just outside. Located at 5055 Old Canton Road. Call 601-956-1105 for more information.
Russell C. Davis Planetarium
This is one of the largest Planetarium's in the world, featuring a huge hemispheric wrap-around screen that presents programs about astronauts and space exploration. Open year round but the hours vary so please call for times. Located at 201 E. Pascagoula Street. Call 601-960-1550 for more information.
Shady Oaks Country Club
Shady Oaks is an 18-hole course located at 4840 Clinton Blvd. Call 601-922-2331 for more information.
Smith Robertson Museum
The museum portrays the history of African-American Mississippians. It is housed in Jackson's first school for African-American children. Located at 528 Bloom Street, it is open Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm; Saturday 10am - 1pm; Sunday 2 - 5pm; no guided tours offered on Mondays. Call 601-960-1457 for more information.
Sonny Guy Municipal Golf Course
Sonny Guy is an 18-hole championship course open to the public. Located at 3200 W Woodrow Wilson Ave. Call 601-960-1905 for more information.
St. Andrew's Cathedral
The Episcopal Cathedral was established as a parish in 1839. The Gothic Revival architecture features stained glass windows, depicting Biblical figures. It is open Monday - Friday 9am - 4pm and located at 305 E. Capitol Street. Call 601-354-1535 for more information.
State Capitol Building
Built in 1903, this Beaux Arts style state house was designed by architect Theodore Link and boasts an array of scagliola and marble from around the world. Stained glass and allegorical figures enhance this Mississippi Landmark, a site on the National Register of Historic Places. Located at 400 High Street and open Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm. Call 601-359-3114 for more information.
Thalia Mara Hall
Thalia Mara Hall is named after USA International Ballet Competition founder. This venue is available for lease for performing arts events; Broadway musicals, concerts, comedy shows, conferences, etc. Located at 225 E. Pascagoula Street and is open year round. Call 601-960-1537 for more information.
The Boddie Mansion
The Boddie Mansion is one of the few houses in the Jackson area that withstood the Civil War and now houses the administrative offices of Tougaloo College. Located at Tougaloo College, 500 West County Line Road. Best Western hotels are close by. Call 601-977-7842 for more information.
The Hill Holly Building
Located in the historic Farish Street District, the Hill-Holly Building, a two-story classic revival brick building, was built around 1903 by Thomas Hill, uncle of Kermit Wells Holly, Sr. The Building served as a civic and social meeting place for the Black and Tan Republican Party, The Masons and Eastern Star organizations. Located at 300 North Farish Street. Call 601-352-6923 for more information.