The capital of Mississippi has a rich civil rights history, with landmarks like the Medgar Evers Home Museum. It's known for its blues music scene and Southern cuisine.
Jackson, the capital of Mississippi, is a city steeped in history and culture. You can explore the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, stroll through the artistic Fondren District, or admire American art at the Mississippi Museum of Art. The city's Southern flavors and blues music scene add to its distinctive atmosphere.
Museums and Cultural Attractions
Jackson houses several museums that shed light on Mississippi's past and present. At the Mississippi Museum of Art, you'll see an extensive collection of American art, including many pieces by local artists. The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science has hands-on exhibits about the state's ecosystems, and you can walk nature trails on the grounds. For an in-depth look at the state's role in the civil rights movement, visit the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum.
Music Scene
Jackson has strong musical roots, especially in blues and gospel. Many influential musicians have come from the city, and you can still hear live performances at local venues. Hal & Mal's and F. Jones Corner regularly host blues, jazz, and rock acts. If you're visiting in the summer, check out the annual JXN Music Festival, which features performances by local and national artists.
Educational Institutions
The city's colleges and universities contribute to its youthful energy. Jackson State University, a historically black university, is the largest in the city and known for its research programs. Millsaps College, a private liberal arts institution, has a campus near downtown. The University of Mississippi Medical Center, located in Jackson, is the state's only academic health science center.
Parks and Outdoor Spaces
At LeFleur's Bluff State Park, within the city limits, you can fish, camp, and hike. The park is also home to the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. For a different outdoor experience, visit Mynelle Gardens Arboretum & Botanical Center, where you'll find flower gardens and a koi pond.
Food and Dining
Jackson's culinary scene reflects its Southern roots with modern twists. You can taste traditional soul food at Brent's Drugs, an old-school soda fountain, or try innovative Southern fusion at Babalu Tapas & Tacos. If you're in town in June, you might catch the Mississippi Food & Wine Festival, where local chefs prepare regional dishes.
Getting Around
You can use JATRAN buses to travel around Jackson and the surrounding areas. For intercity travel, head to Union Station, which serves both Amtrak trains and Greyhound buses. If you're driving, you can easily reach Jackson via Interstate 55 and Interstate 20.
Neighborhoods
Each of Jackson's neighborhoods has its own character. In the Fondren District, you'll find art galleries, independent shops, and restaurants. Belhaven is known for its historic homes and tree-lined streets. Downtown Jackson is changing, with new places to live and public art installations popping up.
Historical Sites
Throughout Jackson, you'll find reminders of the city's role in the Civil Rights Movement. You can visit the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument, which preserves the home of civil rights activist Medgar Evers. At the Old Capitol Museum, housed in the state's former capitol building, you can learn about Mississippi's political history. These sites provide context for understanding Jackson's and Mississippi's complex past.
