2025's 11 Best Small Towns To Visit In Mississippi
Mississippi has many claims to fame, from its rich Civil Rights heritage and significant contributions to the birth of American music, to its delicious Southern cuisine and stunning natural beauty. Whatever tourists gravitate toward, the Magnolia State has enough to go around. Beyond nationally recognized tourist hubs like Jackson and Gulfport, Mississippi’s small towns offer a different kind of magic, punctuated by a unique blend of charm, history, and hospitality. These lesser-known destinations are the true lifeblood of the state and cumulatively showcase a side of Mississippi not known to many.
Whether you're exploring the roots of the blues in a tiny juke joint in Clarksdale or exploring a historic Civil War battle site in Port Gibson, the underexplored side of the state holds stories and experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Here are some of the best small towns to visit in Mississippi in 2025.
Oxford
This lovely college town, and home to the University of Mississippi, is known for its year-round events, shopping opportunities, and beautiful natural areas. The downtown area is always bustling with activity, but takes it a notch higher every Tuesday during the Oxford Community Market. This weekly gathering is a boiling pot of cultures and backgrounds, allowing foreigners to mingle with locals and sample healthy homegrown produce and food. The University of Mississippi Museum shines a light on the region's heritage using a diverse collection of artifacts about history and the arts.
Meanwhile, outdoor enthusiasts find favor in relaxing on the serene grounds of Lamar Park, which borders a pristine lake and presents activities like fishing, picnicking, boating, and bird viewing. Oxford also hosts the annual Oxford Film Festival, which celebrates top films from across the globe to inspire the local movie-making industry.
Bay St. Louis
Bay St. Louis is a picturesque coastal town along the Gulf of Mexico, which offers an escape from the crowded beaches of Biloxi. The destination promises guests laid-back moments by the water on the powdery sands of Bay St. Louis Beach. This well-maintained and uncrowded space is perfect for lazy lounging and picnicking while admiring the ocean. Performance art enthusiasts usually gather inside the Bay St. Louis Little Theatre to catch an impressive lineup of musicals, dramas, and plays featuring talented local and touring acts.
On the other hand, those who prefer visual arts can head to the Alice Moseley Folk Art and Antique Museum to examine a colorful portfolio of folk art. Bay St. Louis also provides a glimpse of its yesteryears at the Bay St. Louis Historic L & N Train Depot, where exhibits document the area's railroad history.
Meridian
Meridian's charming blend of serene lakefront setting, thriving arts and culture, and fascinating historical heritage makes it an excellent stop for your Mississippi itinerary. This Lauderdale County town sits on the shores of Bonita Lakes, inviting nature lovers to step outside and savor the soothing atmosphere of Bonita Lakes Park. Boasting a 3,300-acre territory, it is a popular playground for fishermen, hikers, boaters, and birders. Meanwhile, an immersive cultural experience awaits at the MSU Riley Center, which boasts a stellar lineup of stage performances by professional artists.
Furthermore, the Meridian Museum of Art offers an opportunity to mingle with local artists and fellow art enthusiasts. It displays works by different regional creatives. In addition to the arts, Meridian welcomes newcomer guests to explore the evolution of Mississippi's industry at the Soulé Steam Museum.
Tishomingo
Scenic, serene, and secluded, this hidden gem in eastern Mississippi is the ultimate escape for ardent adventurers. Its sublime natural scenery is punctuated by imposing peaks of the Appalachian Mountains, dramatic rock formations, and forested foothills. This is what you will encounter in the sprawling wilderness of Tishomingo State Park, which is also a playground for hikers, campers, rock climbers, and fishermen. The iconic Natchez Trace Parkway meanders through the park, offering a rare opportunity to explore the recreational trail.
During your hikes or treks, you will come across Bear Creek Canyon, known for its spectacular sandstone outcroppings that lure nature photographers. Finally, remember to check out the impressive Tishomingo Mural in downtown, a 90-foot-long public artwork by artist Tony Bullard.
Columbus
Popularly known as the "Friendly City" of Mississippi, Columbus offers unparalleled Southern charm, historic architecture, and stunning vistas of the Tombigbee River. Its riverside location compels guests to savor sweeping panoramas of the waterway along the Columbus Riverwalk & Trail. The downtown region hosts a series of antebellum structures with conspicuous architectural styles. You can't miss the Tennessee Williams Home & Welcome Center, which guests can tour to learn about the early years of the legendary playwright.
One of the best ways to feel the community's genuine warmth is to shop at the Hitching Lot Farmer’s Market, which provides a chance to meet and mingle with the down-to-earth vendors from the area. Elsewhere, racing fans can watch an adrenaline-inducing spectacle on dirt, pitting professional drivers at the Magnolia Motor Speedways.
Natchez
Natchez lies on the banks of the Mississippi River and is known for its historic downtown district, which is dominated by a collection of gorgeous antebellum mansions. A walk through the neighborhood offers a vivid perspective of Natchez before the Civil War, especially when you tour Melrose Mansion. This 80-acre estate is highlighted by a stunning Greek Revival home completed in the 1840s. The feeling is mutual at Stanton Hall, an elaborate Greek Revival building that transports you back to the mid-19th century.
The town's rich Southern heritage is evident in its many annual events. One such event is the eagerly awaited Natchez Food and Wine Festival, which incorporates trademark Southern dishes, finely crafted wines, art showcases, and live music to treat newcomers to an unforgettable experience.
Vicksburg
This riverfront community in the western corner of the state is one of the best small towns to visit in Mississippi for American war historians. Steeped in Civil War heritage, Vicksburg is where the 1863 Siege of Vicksburg resulted in the surrender of the Confederate forces. Today, tourists can explore memories of the battle at the Vicksburg National Military Park, where more than 1,300 monuments and markers commemorate the showdown. The rustic Old Court House Museum sheds more light on the town's dynamic past with diverse antebellum and Civil War exhibits.
War aside, Vicksburg tells a fascinating story about the Great Mississippi at the Lower Mississippi River Museum, whose artifacts highlight past floods, shipping heritage, and the people who've lived in the area. Also, you can browse beautiful art pieces by homegrown artists at the Attic Gallery.
Port Gibson
Port Gibson is another historic town in Claiborne County, steeped in Civil War heritage and framed by the Mississippi River. It was the site of the Battle of Port Gibson, which played out at the modern-day Grand Gulf Military State Park. Spread across 450 acres, this is an excellent visit for tourists who want to learn about Port Gibson's role during the iconic conflict. Meanwhile, the 19th-century A.K. Shaifer House provides a curious look into the past and was the location of the first shot that triggered the outbreak of the war.
Another noteworthy site to check out in the town is the Windsor Ruins, which preserves the dramatic remains of an 1860s plantation. History aside, you can get outdoors by playing a low-key session at the Mosswood Country Club.
Ocean Springs
Ocean Springs is a lovely beach town that provides reprieve from the chaotic scene of tourist towns. Its easygoing coastal scenery and wide open spaces encourage vacationers to let loose and enjoy the serenity at Front Beach and East Beach. A walk on the powdery sands while admiring the sunset sounds like the perfect evening activity. Meanwhile, you can interact with the friendly locals during a fun shopping experience at the Ocean Springs Fresh Market, which promises sumptuous seafood flavors.
A few hours in downtown Ocean Springs is enough to let you experience the region's arts and culture at the Walter Anderson Museum of Art. Later, you can delve into its history with a tour of the Charnley-Norwood House, which provides a window into the late 19th century.
Clarksdale
Clarksdale impresses first-timers with its rich musical heritage while exposing them to the classic blues tunes throughout its quaint downtown district. The neighborhood hosts several low-key joints where you can partake in this longstanding tradition, including Ground Zero Blues Club. This delightful establishment stages live band performances and serves authentic Southern cuisine. It is also partly owned by Morgan Freeman.
A deeper dive into the region's blues heritage awaits at the Delta Blues Museum, whose exhibits highlight the origins and growth of the popular music genre. After the music dies down, you can take a little trip down memory lane at the Cutrer Mansion. This Italian Renaissance dwelling was constructed in the 1910s by Bayard Cairnes and offers resourceful information about Mississippi Delta culture.
Grenada
This delightful waterfront town sits on the shores of the lake it shares a name with, which provides opportunities for fishermen, boaters, swimmers, and picnickers. Grenada Lake is a recreational hub year-round and hosts a thriving population of shorebirds that birdwatchers come to see. Hugh White State Park provides an outdoor haven next to the lake, where individuals and families enjoy the breeze and admire the water views. Hikers can take advantage of the easy and strenuous routes the Lost Bluff Trail provides to discover the backcountry.
Guests can get on the water thanks to Grenada Lake Charters for a superb fishing experience. Meanwhile, downtown Grenada is a vibrant district with a delectable dining scene. Whenever hungry, you can pop into Magnolia Smokehouse Grill for some juicy barbecue and other Southern-style dishes.
Final Thought
From the coastal beauty of Ocean Springs to the grand antebellum architecture of Natchez, these small towns to visit in Mississippi are gateways to the heart and soul of the state. Each town is rich in culture, history, and Southern charm, inviting visitors to let down their guard and savor the experience. Whether you're drawn to the arts, local cuisine, historic landmarks, or scenic landscapes, these hidden gems in the United States promise unforgettable memories when touring the Magnolia State.
