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Jackson
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Modern Jackson, Mississippi is
Graced with Southern Charm
The friendly capitol of Jackson, Mississippi, enjoys its reputation as a mid-size city that enriches its residents and welcomes visitors with an impressive collection of cultural offerings.
Whether you make your way to Jackson for business or pleasure, you will certainly want to see some of the world-class attractions listed here in our helpful guide.
Historical Highlights
A driving tour of the downtown area reveals the area’s rich history, most notably as a flashpoint in the civil rights struggle of African Americans. Key sites include the home of murdered NAACP activist Medgar Evers and the Farish Street Historic District’s newly renovated Alamo Theatre—which once hosted Blues greats like B.B. King and Nat King Cole, among others.
The Mississippi Governor’s Mansion is the second oldest gubernatorial residence in the nation. Visitors may tour the stately Greek Revival home, which has been continuously occupied since 1842. The 1839 Old Capitol Museum, has been carefully restored and reopened since damage from Hurricane Katrina forced its closure in 2005.
Jackson was nearly destroyed by Union troops during the Civil War, but there are several surviving antebellum homes in the area, including the Oaks House Museum and the Manship House. An impressive literary museum that pays tribute to the native Pulitzer Prize-winning author, the Eudora Welty House and Garden offers tours by reservation.
The Mississippi Agricultural and & Forestry Museum is a 39-acre heritage center that celebrates the state’s rural tradition. Highlights include Small Town, Mississippi, which recreates small-town life in the 20s and 30s, and the National Agricultural Aviation Museum. You’ll find the Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center in the building that was once the city’s first black public school. The museum focuses on the historical experiences and artistic expression of African-American Mississippians.
Advancing the Arts & Sciences
The Russell C. Davis Planetarium presents mesmerizing sky shows, laser concerts, large format films and other special events throughout the year in the McNair Space Theatre. The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science contains life-size displays of the state’s various animal habitats, a massive aquarium, and a greenhouse full of plant species known as “The Swamp.” Finally, visitors can wrap up their exploration of the natural world at the Jackson Zoological Park, which cares for more than 120 different animal species—14 of which are currently endangered.
Jackson takes enormous pride in its world-class artistic endeavors. The new and improved Mississippi Museum of Art is an architectural gem that immerses its visitors in an interactive visual arts experience. The permanent collection includes a significant collection of American art in addition to the works of notable Mississippians. In June 2010, the city will once again host the USA International Ballet Competition, an elite dance event that is held here every four years.
Enjoy the Outdoors
Mynelle Gardens is a seven-acre botanical garden maintained by the city of Jackson. Several distinct planting areas are interspersed with walking paths, bridges, and glistening water features. Lefleur’s Bluff State Park is another lovely option for active types who want to hike, fish, camp, picnic or even a round of golf in this verdant urban playground. Golfers will be glad to learn that teeing off is a realistic option throughout the year, as the winters here are typically mild. There’s also nearby Patrick Farms Golf Club, a semi-private, par 72 course located in Pearl.
The massive 33,000-acre Ross Barnett Reservoir area incorporates 16 parks, 5 campgrounds, 22 boat launches and several marinas—making it a perfect spot for all types of recreational activities including boating, fishing, hiking and bicycling.
Fans of spectator sports will not have to go without, as the nearby community of Pearl is home to the Mississippi Braves, a fun and more affordable minor league affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. Furthermore, the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame is a museum that honors the state’s great amateur and professional athletes in a wide variety of sports.
Shopping
The Jackson area also offers a variety of shopping opportunities, from the farm-fresh produce at the Mississippi Farmer’s Market, to the shops and galleries of the artsy Fondren district. Serious shoppers will appreciate the distinctive specialty stores and fashionable boutiques of quaint Highland Village.
Finally, the state has established a number of markers on its Mississippi Blues Trail. Plaques mark the locations and tell the stories associated with important blues musicians. Jackson has 7 of the sites, including one honoring Dorothy Moore at the Alamo Theatre, and another commemorating the infamous Gold Coast, known for illegal gambling and rambunctious live music for several decades through 1960s.
It should be no surprise that you will still find a satisfying assortment of respectable blues clubs around town, and there are more on the way. For more specific information on these and other area attractions, visit the Jackson Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.visitjackson.com.
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