Vicksburg—located along the Mississippi River in west-central Mississippi—is home to rich history, engaging art, unique attractions, and abundant options for outdoor recreation. Here’s a closer look at what to see and do in the city known as “the key to the South.”
Outdoor adventure
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do in Vicksburg, whether it’s getting out on the Mississippi River or take a walk through the city’s historic downtown. Quapaw Canoe Company offers daytrips, overnight trips, and multi-day trips for canoers and kayakers on the Lower Mississippi River, backwaters, tributaries, and local lakes. Bicyclists can take advantage of 16 miles of trails at Vicksburg National Military Park (with segments ranging from 3 to 10 miles) or ride Vicksburg’s segment of the Mississippi River Trail or the nearby Natchez Trace Parkway. Blue Cat Guide Service offers guided fishing trips for catfish as well as river tours of Vicksburg. Walkers can follow one of five Heritage Walking Trails that takes visitors through the history of the city.
Museums and tour homes
Vicksburg offers an immersive trip through the history of the Mississippi and the South at six downtown museums, all within walking distance of one another, where visitors can learn about everything from the Civil War to river life to the origins of Coca-Cola. History fans will also delight at Vicksburg’s notable tour homes and bed & breakfast inns, some of which date back to the 1830s.
Art and public art
Vicksburg is home to the most public art in the state of Mississippi—visitor shouldn’t miss the stunning murals found throughout Vicksburg, from the “Welcome to Vicksburg” mural across the street from the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum to the series of murals along Levee Street on Vicksburg’s riverfront. Vicksburg National Military Park has an immense collection of artwork, including more than 1,300 monuments, markers, tablets, and plaques created by some of the early 20th century’s most renowned American sculptors. (Fun fact: the artwork on display at the park is valued at more than $4 billion!)
Tours & more
Those visitors still in need of some ideas of what to see and do should pick up their own Vicksburg Attractions Passport, a free book that allows travelers to collect stamps from museums, tour homes, and other landmarks around the city—if visitors collect five stamps, they can redeem the passport for a free t-shirt at the Vicksburg Visitors Information Center. The city’s African American Heritage Tour highlights the accomplishments and impact of black Americans throughout Vicksburg’s history at more than a dozen sites throughout the area.
