Want to spice up your Jackson vacation?
Why not check out our picks for the best things to do near Jackson, MS?
We know that the city’s architectural district, museums and blues trail can keep you busy and entertained for days.
But, these nearby attractions are simply fantastic and bucket-list worthy.
From state parks to antebellum remnants, these must-see attractions will add more fun and flavor to your vacation.
1. Roosevelt State Park
2149 MS-13
Morton, MS 39117
(601) 732-6316
Searching for a more outdoorsy alternative to the fun things to do in Jackson, MS with kids?
I suggest that you drop by Roosevelt State Park.
Located between Jackson and Meridian, this family-friendly park has a host of exciting outdoor activities for the whole gang.
Why we recommend going here
The park overflows with fun adventures for everyone.
For one, it has more than 100 acres of fresh water for those who are into fishing.
Even better, the park has a tennis court, boat launching facilities and a fun playground for the little ones.
And, did I mention that it has nature trails and stunning overlooking views?
Distance from Jackson
Surprisingly, the park is a short drive away from downtown Jackson.
It’s 34.2 miles away from the city via I-20 E, with an average travel time of 34 minutes.
Recommended Hotel Near Roosevelt State Park: Quality Inn and Suites Jackson Int’l Airport
2. Vicksburg National Military Park
3201 Clay St
Vicksburg, MS 39183
(601) 636-0583
Are you a history buff?
If so, I think a visit to this national park should be at the top of your list of things to do near Jackson, MS.
With tons of historical markers, the park offers an eye-opening experience and a meaningful insight into the civil war.
Why we recommend going here
The park has a 16-mile driving tour that explores the historic markers explaining the Civil War’s key events and battle scenarios.
Furthermore, the park has a museum that will give you a feel of the war and military park.
There are also several forts, a burial ground and a beautiful Civil War boat replica.
While there, don’t forget to drop by Shirley House, the sole surviving structure from the bygone era.
Distance from Jackson
Vicksburg National Military Park is 41.9 miles away from Jackson via I-20 W.
For the most part, the drive takes about 44 minutes to an hour, depending on your speed.
Recommended Hotel Near Vicksburg National Military Park: Best Western Vicksburg
Related: Vicksburg Restaurants
Related: Best Things to Do in Jackson, MS
3. Stanton Hall
401 High St
Natchez, MS 39120
(601) 442-6282
Stanton Hall is, to me, one of the can’t-miss attractions near Jackson, Mississippi.
Built in 1857, this antebellum mansion wows its visitors with its gorgeous grounds and majestic architecture.
Why we recommend going here
Stanton Hall is full of remarkable architectural features and impressive antiques from the antebellum era.
Plus, it’s an official Mississippi Landmark and a US National Historic Landmark.
On top of it all, the hall has well-versed guides who’ll share informative stories about the mansion.
Distance from Jackson
The quickest way to get to the mansion from Jackson is to drive I-55 S and MS-28 W.
With a total distance of 104.5 miles, the trip will take around 1 hour and 49 minutes.
Recommended Hotel Near Stanton Hall: Magnolia Bluffs Casino Hotel, BW Premier Collection
Related: Restaurants in Jackson, MS
4. Hattiesburg Zoo
107 S 17th Ave
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
(601) 545-4576
Hattiesburg Zoo is, hands down, one of our favorite places to see near Jackson, MS.
From its new giraffe exhibit to the child-friendly “exploratorium”, the zoo has a multitude of interesting displays for all its guests.
Why we recommend going here
Hattiesburg Zoo is a hidden gem full of enthralling surprises.
Here, you’ll see a lot of different animals, including tigers, zebras, cockatoos, lemurs, sloths, ostriches and many more.
As a bonus, the zoo has a Splash Pad with over 30 jets that shoot water up to 13 feet in the air.
Distance from Jackson
From Jackson, hit US 49 S to reach this family-friendly attraction.
The route’s distance is 89.7 miles and travel time is 1 hour and 39 minutes.
Recommended Hotel Near Hattiesburg Zoo: La Quinta by Wyndham Hattiesburg – I-59
Related: Best Restaurants in Hattiesburg
5. Lauren Rogers Museum of Art
565 N 5th Ave
Laurel, MS 39440
(601) 649-6374
Lauren Rogers Museum is an art connoisseur’s paradise.
Established in 1923, this treasure trove is the first ever art museum in Mississippi.
Furthermore, it displays an extensive and diversion array of American Indian baskets.
Why we recommend going here
Drop by the museum and be enthralled by its thought-provoking exhibitions.
Moreover, you’ll love the striking collections of Japanese woodblock prints, European art, American art and silver.
Kids will also love the museum’s seasonal festivals and pottery classes.
Distance from Jackson
Lauren Rogers Museum of Art is 90 miles via US 49 S and US-84 E.
On average, the drive takes 1 hour and 39 minutes.
Recommended Hotel Near Lauren Rogers Museum of Art: Hampton Inn & Suites Laurel
6. Mississippi Petrified Forest
124 Forest Rd
Flora, MS 39071
(601) 879-8189
No list of the best things to do and see near Jackson is complete without Mississippi Petrified Forest.
As you hike along the nature trail, you get to touch trees that turned slowly to stone thousands of years ago.
Hiking along the boardwalk also lets you enjoy the fragrant scent of pines and the melodic music of chirping birds.
Why we recommend going here
This National Natural Landmark offers a scenic and relaxing walk that gives you a glimpse of the prehistoric times.
When you follow the nature trail, you’ll see several attractions, such as the well-known “Caveman’s Bench”.
After your nature trip, head to the Earth Science Museum, and admire its extraordinary displays and fossils.
Our favorite exhibits include the dinosaur footprints, turtle shells and whale bones.
Distance from Jackson
Think you need to travel far to see a prehistoric wonder?
Guess what?
Mississippi Petrified Forest is just a 29-minute drive from Jackson, MS, with a distance of 22 miles.
Recommended Hotel Near Mississippi Petrified Forest: The Westin Jackson
7. Grand Paradise Waterpark
50 Grandview Dr
Collins, MS 39428
(601) 765-8118
We have so many fond memories of Grand Paradise WaterPark.
Whether you’re traveling alone or with your family, you’ll definitely enjoy the park’s numerous fun water attractions.
Why we recommend going here
The waterpark teems with fun, thanks to its exciting slides and rides.
Start your visit with a bang by experiencing the looping speed slide.
Afterward, amp up the fun by freefalling over a medley of vertical drops with speeds of over 40 feet per second.
There are also less-adventurous and old-fashioned water fun at the park, like the Water Fort.
Distance from Jackson
From Jackson, drive US 49 S to get to the waterpark in 1 hour.
The distance of this route is about 63.5 miles.
Recommended Hotel Near Grand Paradise Waterpark: Red Lion Inn & Suites Hattiesburg
8. Ross Barnett Reservoir
115 Madison Landing Circle
Ridgeland, MS 39157
(601) 856-6574
Ross Barnett Reservoir is the perfect getaway for those who are looking for romantic places to visit near Jackson.
With its beautiful backdrop and nature sights, it’s a terrific place to take a picnic or enjoy a relaxing boat ride with your loved ones.
Why we recommend going here
Ross Barnett Reservoir offers a relaxing break away from your hustle bustle city life.
You may gaze out over the water, soak up the atmosphere and listen to the breeze whispering through the treetops.
Then, end your day on a positive note by watching the setting sun turn the reservoir’s water into shades of orange and pink.
Of course, the reservoir has plenty of free and cheap activities to offer to its visitors, including fishing, hiking and biking.
Distance from Jackson
Ross Barnett Reservoir is just 21 miles away from Jackson via I-55 N.
Normally, it takes a 32-minute drive to get to the reservoir from the city.
Recommended Hotel Near Ross Barnett Reservoir: Drury Inn & Suites Jackson – Ridgeland
9. Windsor Ruins
Rodney Rd
Port Gibson, MS 39150
(601) 576-6952
Windsor Ruins are a photographer’s dream.
With its wonderfully weird and photogenic columns, this former grand mansion can give you hundreds of Instagram-worthy snaps.
Also, the ruins have a pretty interesting history, making it one of the cool places to go near Jackson.
Why we recommend going here
Windsor Ruins aren’t just a photogenic place to visit in Mississippi.
After all, it’s officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Built in 1859, this historical site has a spooky and deep history too.
And, guess what?
Some ghost hunters also claimed to see a Union soldier walking around the ruins in broad daylight.
So, it makes an interesting stop for anyone interested in paranormal sightings.
Distance from Jackson
The ruined mansion is 70.5 miles away (1 hour and 25 minutes of driving) from Jackson via Natchez Trace Pkwy.
Alternatively, you may take Old Port Gibson Rd and Natchez Trace Pkwy, which is around 69.9 miles long.
Recommended Hotel Near Windsor Ruins: Natchez Grand Hotel On The River
10. Longwood
140 Lower Woodville Rd
Natchez, MS 39120
(604) 446-6631
Longwood, billed as the country’s largest octagonal house, is my favorite historic mansion near Jackson.
Known for its unique design and onion-shaped dome, it’s a palatial site that epitomizes the antebellum charm of Mississippi.
Why we recommend going here
Longwood is a National Historic Landmark and listed on the US National Register of Historic Places.
And, to me, it’s the crown jewel of the city’s historic properties.
While the interiors are unfinished, it’s still a sight to behold, thanks to its glamorous exterior.
With its red bricks, white balconies and oriental design, it makes a stunning background to your travel snaps.
Distance from Jackson
There are a few driving routes from Jackson to Longwood.
The fastest one is via I-55 S and MS-28 W. For the most part, the drive takes 1 hour and 49 minutes.
And, the route distance is around 106 miles.
Recommended Hotel Near Longwood: Monmouth Historic Inn
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List of image sources
10 Best Things to Do Near Jackson, MS for 2023
- Roosevelt State Park
- Vicksburg National Military Park
- Stanton Hall
- Hattiesburg Zoo
- Lauren Rogers Museum of Art
- Mississippi Petrified Forest
- Grand Paradise Waterpark
- Ross Barnett Reservoir
- Windsor Ruins
- Longwood
FAQs
What is Jackson Mississippi best known for? ›
Jackson is the capital of Mississippi and the most populous city in the state, located conveniently at the junction of Interstates 20 and 55. Jackson is home to several fantastic museums, which cover a wide range of topics, including history, civil rights, African-American culture, natural sciences, and art.
What is the nicest part of Jackson Mississippi? ›Best neighborhood in Jackson for families!
The Greater Belhaven Area is a historic district that gives visitors a taste of the city's intriguing past. Home to most of the city's oldest buildings and houses, this district is one of the city's cultural centers and oldest neighborhoods.
This city brings a rich culture, with some stories to make you laugh while others can make you cry. It was a pivotal place in the Civil Rights Movement and has a museum bearing the name to remember those who fought for civil rights and those who died trying.
What is the safest area in Jackson MS? ›- Madison, MS. According to Neighborhood Scout, Madison is the 11th safest city in the United States. ...
- Ridgeland, MS. Neighborhood Scout rates Ridgeland safer than 26% of cities in the country. ...
- Clinton. As the home of Mississippi College, Clinton is a small college town. ...
- Brandon.
Mississippi is known for being the birthplace of American blues music and home to many talented musicians. It is also famous for its fertile soil, which makes it an agricultural powerhouse, as well as for its catfish farming industry.