Vicksburg in Warren County, Mississippi is a city that is very small but has a big heart. Vicksburg, Mississippi is a historical city located in the western part of the state. The city is considered to have a lot of history to it and has been named as a historic town at least ten times.
It is said to be the birthplace of Confederate General John C. Pemberton and General Robert E. Lee. The city also has a lot of cultural and natural attractions that many people are amazed by.
When people think of Mississippi, most think of the American Civil War. They think of the Battle of Vicksburg, the siege of Vicksburg, which happened here, on the banks of the Mississippi River.
What are the best things to do in Vicksburg, Mississippi? Is there really something here that people love?
These days, with the land under the control of the National Park Service, there are plenty of places to see the sites of the historic battle.
We’ve made a list of the top 10 things to do in Vicksburg Mississippi that we think that you’ll enjoy if you visit Vicksburg.
Top 10 Things to Do in Vicksburg Mississippi
1. Vicksburg National Military Park
The birthplace of the Civil War and home to a number of battlefields. The Vicksburg National Military Park is a living memorial to the sacrifices of the soldiers who died in the battle of Vicksburg. You can visit a restored Confederate Post at the park, and get a taste of life in the 1860s, also visit the Vicksburg battlefields.
Vicksburg has a lot of history, and it’s an important city as well, so it makes sense that the National Park Service would have a Visitor Center in the city. The Park has been added to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) since 15 October 1966. The Visitor Center is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm, and it’s well worth the trip.
Where is the Vicksburg National Military Park?
The Vicksburg National Military Park is located in a city named Vicksburg in a county named Warren County in a state named Mississippi. And near Delta, Louisiana. Address: 3201 Clay Street, Vicksburg, MS 39183, United States.
Can you drive through Vicksburg National Military Park?
Yes, you can drive through Vicksburg National Military Park. You can drive the 16 miles tour road. Most vehicles are permitted, but fee applicable; however, larger vehicles, such as buses and RVs, should arrive at the park in the early morning to ensure they are able to enter the park.
How many miles is the Vicksburg Military Park?
The Vicksburg Military Park is about 16 miles (26 kilometers) long tour road, and 12.5 miles (20.1 kilometers) long walking trail. It preserves military sites that were important during the Vicksburg Campaign.
- Entry Fee: Check here: nps.gov/vick/planyourvisit/feesandreservations.htm
- Address: 3201 Clay Street, Vicksburg, MS 39183, USA.
- Phone: (601) 636-0583
- Website: nps.gov/vick/index.htm
2. USS Cairo Museum
The city-class gunboats lead ship USS Cairo was laid down and launched in 1861. Her keel was broken by a torpedo on 12 December 1862.
She was commissioned on 25 January 1862. The ship remained in the US Navy for the duration of War, serving primarily on the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers with Army’s Western Gunboat Flotilla. Cairo was decommissioned on 1 October 1862.
The USS Cairo was the lead ship of her class of heavy cruisers, commissioned in January 1930, and was named after Cairo, the southernmost city in Illinois.
3. Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum
Those of us who live in larger cities with direct flights to Vicksburg have experienced the Coca-Cola Museum before. But if you’re not familiar with this attraction, it’s a great way to spend a day beside the Ouachita River. The museum is housed in the old bottling plant that was built in Vicksburg.
Coca-Cola has a long history and is as American as it gets. The company was founded in 1890 by Joseph Biedenharn and his father.
- Entry Fee: Under 6 is Free, 6 to 12 years $2.50 and Over 12 years $3.50 per person. They have a separate discount rate for the group (10 or more people).
- Open: Monday to Saturday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm and Sunday: 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm.
- Address: 1107 Washington Street, Vicksburg MS 39183
- Phone: 601-638-6514
- Website: biedenharncoca-colamuseum.com
4. McRaven House (McRaven Tour Home)
There is much to see and do in Vicksburg, Mississippi, the home of the McRaven House is one of them. The McRaven Tour Home is a historically significant building located in Vicksburg, MS. It was built by Andrew Glass in 1797. It is also known as “the most haunted house in Mississippi.”
- Open: Monday to Wednesday 12:30 am – 4:30 pm; Thursday to Saturday 10:00 am – 4:30 pm, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm; Sunday 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm
- Address: 1445 Harrison Street, Vicksburg, MS 39180
- Phone: 601-501-1336
- Website: mcraventourhome.com
5. Old Vicksburg Bridge (Mississippi River Bridge)
A bridge known as the Old Vicksburg Bridge is located in Vicksburg, Mississippi. It is also called the Mississippi River Bridge. It is a Cantilever bridge structure that was completed in 1928. It was originally a single rail line steel-arch bridge.
The Old Vicksburg Bridge is a historic structure that has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1989. The bridge is 8,546 feet long and the longest span is 825 feet. The Old Vicksburg Bridge still stands today and is a historical landmark in the Mississippi River.
- Address: Spans Mississippi River on Old US 80, Vicksburg, Mississippi and Delta, Louisiana
6. Lower Mississippi River Museum
The Lower Mississippi River Museum in Vicksburg, Mississippi is not just a place for kids, but adults, too! The museum’s mission is to preserve and interpret the Delta region’s history and culture, and to educate people about its current and continued importance.
Through its exhibits, programs, and publications, the museum helps to build a better understanding of the Delta’s role as a vital part of the national and state economies, as well as a unique cultural, historical, and environmental resource for the entire nation.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Open: Monday to Saturday 9 am – 4 pm; Sunday: 1 pm – 4 pm
- Address: 910 Washington St, Vicksburg, MS 39183, United States
- Phone: +1 601-638-9900
- Website: lmrm.org
7. Ameristar Casino Hotel Vicksburg
Vicksburg, Mississippi is one of the most populous cities in the state. Vicksburg is a fun place to visit, and it’s also the perfect place to stay while you’re visiting. One of the best things about Vicksburg is the Ameristar Casino Hotel.
Its excellent location in the city makes it an ideal place for a casino. Today, the city is home to the Ameristar Casino Hotel, a historic hotel, and resort with a casino, restaurants, sports bar, and shopping.
- Address: 4116 Washington St, Vicksburg, MS 39180, United States
- Property: Gaming space 70,000 sq. feet; 149 hotel rooms, over 1,400 slot machines, and 30 table games
- Phone: +1 601-638-1000
- Website: ameristarvicksburg.com
8. Cottonwood Public House
Cottonwood Public House is a quaint restaurant situated in the heart of the beautiful town of Vicksburg. Cottonwood is a perfect place to get a bite to eat before a concert, a sporting event, or even a concert. It has a menu that is both traditional and innovative.
Cottonwood Public House was established by Tim and Stephani in 2018. Once you turn into its parking lot, you realize this place holds a special place in my heart. This restaurant is a local legend, known for its live music and friendly staff.
- Open: Monday to Thursday: 4 pm – 10 pm; Friday to Sunday: 11 am – 10 pm
- Address: 1311 Washington St, Vicksburg, MS 39180, United States
- Phone: +1 601-501-7712
- Website: cottonwoodpub.com
9. Margaret’s Grocery and Market
Margaret’s Grocery and Market is a country store. The founder of Margaret’s Grocery and Market in Vicksburg Mississippi, Reverend HD Dennis and Margaret Rogers Dennis, is a very sweet couple who have been in the grocery business for long years.
10. Grave of Douglas the Confederate Camel
The city of Vicksburg, Mississippi, has a memorial to a Camel whom I have only heard of in history class, and have never seen in person.
Douglas The Camel, known as Old Douglas, was a camel used in the American Civil War by Company A of the 43rd Mississippi Infantry. The Old Douglas was intentionally killed by Yankee sharpshooters on 27 June 1863 by the siege of Vicksburg.
The city’s memorial to Confederate Camel and former United States Secretary of War in 1853 is known as their own grave marker in Cedar Hill Cemetery. You can visit this place in Vicksburg.
Recap:
- Visit the Vicksburg National Military Park and learn about the importance of the 1862 Vicksburg Campaign in the Civil War.
- Visit the Vicksburg Post Card Museum to see a collection of postcards from Vicksburg over the years.
- Explore the ruins of the original city of Vicksburg that existed before the Civil War.
- Go for a walk along the Mississippi River and see the numerous large mansions that were destroyed during the Civil War but remain to this day.
- Visit the Civil War Museum at Historic Camp Shelby to see a collection of guns and modern weaponry that can be used for self-defense.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Things to Do in Vicksburg:
If you are thinking about visiting Vicksburg, MS, there are many things to see and do. There are many historic sites, family-friendly activities, and even a professional baseball team, the Mississippi Braves. Vicksburg National Military Park preserves the sights where Union and Confederate armies fought each other in battles. So, you will never regret visiting Vicksburg.
Vicksburg is famous for its outstanding Civil War history and its many museums. Vicksburg National Military Park is one of the most famous places to visit.
Vicksburg is an excellent place to visit to know about the Civil War. Vicksburg is safe to visit, but you need to be aware of your surroundings. All the tourist areas of Vicksburg are safe to visit.
Some of the world’s biggest Alligators have been spotted in Vicksburg, MS. It is unlikely that they have found a permanent residence there, but they can occasionally be found in the swampy areas of the Mississippi River.
To see Vicksburg National Military Park, you can enjoy tours that range from 1 hour to 3 hours. Within 24 hours you can visit most of the popular places in Vicksburg.
The Vicksburg Mall is the nearby mall to Vicksburg. The Vicksburg Mall’s anchor stores are Belk, Dillard’s, Dunham’s Sports, Hibbett Sports, and Hobby Lobby.
Vicksburg is a small city in the US. Its area is 35.09 square miles according to the United States Census Bureau. The population of Vicksburg city is 23,856.
Vicksburg Louisiana is a city located in the Mississippi state. The city is located on a high bluff of the Mississippi River across from Louisiana.
Yes, Natchez was the capital of Mississippi until 1822, when it was moved to the current capital, Jackson.
Yes, the city is ranked as poor in the poorest state in the country.
Vicksburg was first built in 1719 by French colonists. In 1825, Vicksburg was incorporated after Methodist missionary Newitt Vick.
In summary, Vicksburg is a city that you can tour in a day. I’d recommend staying a few days to visit the museums, the battlefields, and the plantations, and spend a night or two in a nice hotel in Vicksburg or a nearby town. The Vicksburg National Military Park is a great place to spend a day. The city has a lot of history to offer and it’s well worth a visit.
