9 Unforgettable Small Towns to Visit in Mississippi

Birthplace of the Blues and home to such literary and cultural icons as Faulkner and Elvis, Mississippi is equal parts whimsical and wholesome. Whether you're standing in front of the world's smallest museum in Hattiesburg or on crucial battlefields from the American Civil War, Mississippi’s value lies in the delightful collection of small towns that dot the state. But which ones are truly the most unforgettable? Starting with Biloxi, discover nine small towns in Mississippi you won’t want to miss.

Biloxi

Settled nearly 120 years before Mississippi even became a state, Biloxi is a seaside town with a hint of the bygone era. One cool spot to explore the area's history is the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum, which offers an unforgettable crash course on the impact of the maritime and seafood industries on the town and region. The museum brings Biloxi’s maritime history to life in several creative ways, including replicas of two full-size Biloxi oyster schooners, which sail the Gulf waters daily.

To many vacationers, however, the star of the show is the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art, which holds one of the most significant collections of George Ohr’s work anywhere in the world. Known as “the Mad Potter of Biloxi”, Ohr was one of the most innovative and unconventional ceramic artists in American history. You can also hit Biloxi Beach, which is as inviting as any sliver of sand can be, take the ferry or charter a boat to Ship Island and the historic Fort Massachusetts, or stand in awe of the Biloxi Lighthouse, one of the first cast-iron lighthouses built in the South.

Vicksburg

Vicksburg is a small yet charismatic town, approximately 45 minutes west of Jackson. One of its most defining attractions is the Vicksburg National Military Park, a Civil War battlefield where you can fully grasp a siege that reshaped the nation, complete with preserved trenches, gunboats, and monuments lining the Mississippi River bluffs. The Vicksburg campaign, waged from March 29 to July 4, 1863, was one of the most pivotal battles of the American Civil War. Vicksburg’s surrender on July 4, 1863, gave the North undisputed control of the Mississippi River.

You can also admire and even tour beautiful old houses, including the historic and reportedly haunted McRaven House, which is one of the oldest in town, amble through the Vicksburg Civil War Museum to learn about Black soldiers who fought in America's bloodiest battle, or visit the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum, which shares the iconic brand’s history in the place where the drink was first bottled.

Oxford

Oxford is perhaps most noted for its association with William Faulkner, widely regarded as one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. Faulkner was an unlikely success story because he never graduated from high school or earned a college degree, yet he won the Nobel Prize for Literature, two Pulitzer Prizes, and the National Book Award twice. Rowan Oak, William Faulkner’s home, is a rare literary pilgrimage site, and the walls of the office still feature the outline of Faulkner's novel, A Fable, written in his own handwriting.

You can tour the University of Mississippi, which served as the state's only comprehensive university for over 100 years and was among the first in the South to hire female faculty, enjoy fresh pastries at Bottletree Bakery, or further your education at the University of Mississippi Museum, a great place to experience the arts of ancient history and today.

Tupelo

Another spot boasting a famous resident is Tupelo, the hometown of Elvis Presley. “The King” was born here on January 8, 1935, in a modest two-room house that draws fans and curious visitors from across the nation and around the world. Few cultural starting points are as modest yet consequential as the Elvis Presley Birthplace, which offers self-guided tours of the home, a church and memorial chapel, a theater, a park, and the Elvis Presley Museum.

Aside from its connections to the music legend, Tupelo has much to offer. Duck inside Tupelo River Coffee for an espresso or quality tea, and follow it with an artisan milkshake at The Shakery. For another unique taste of Topelo, Queen's Reward is an award-winning meadery that makes wine with 100% Mississippi honey. Be sure to stop in for a glass of Scarlet Noir, Blackberry, or Delta Gold.

Corinth

Corinth has a fascinating Civil War Interpretive Center that highlights the significance of railroads during the war and explains why this was a crucial location for the Union to secure. The Siege of Corinth followed the historic Battle of Shiloh, just across the border in Tennessee, which is regarded as the bloodiest battle fought during the American Civil War up to that point.

Borroum's Drug Store and Soda Fountain is the oldest running drugstore and soda fountain in Mississippi. It is a retro spot and a fun space to grab a signature slugburger with onion rings and a soda. While you're in town, stop into the Crossroads Museum and have a look at the model train tracks, then explore the displays and exhibits about notable Corinthians who made significant contributions to society.

Natchez

One of the most romantic towns in Mississippi, Natchez is located right on the riverbank, making it an ideal spot for strolling and soaking up waterfront views. The Old Natchez Trace is one of the oldest transportation routes in North America, and the Natchez Trace Parkway, which follows much of the route of the Old Natchez Trace, winds through some of the most beautiful terrains in the South. Walk, bike, or even ride horseback through this scenic slice of history.

There are also plenty of gorgeous historic homes to explore, some of which you can spend the night in, such as Monmouth Historic Inn & Gardens, an 1818 mansion set amidst 26 acres of meticulously landscaped gardens. There are also awesome eateries to dazzle your taste buds, including Fat Mama's Tamales, a Mexican restaurant known for its specialty tamales and margaritas.

Pass Christian

A lesser-known piece of trivia is that the first yacht club on the Gulf Coast was organized at Pass Christian in 1849, which is why this picturesque harbor town is regarded as the birthplace of yachting in the South. Bring your beach chair to the west end of Henderson Point Beach, and relish the nautical charm around the stretch, or linger for an unforgettable sunset.

War Memorial Park, host venue for the annual Jazz in the Pass festival, has a large grassy area facing the beach with some war cannons that are neat to walk around and admire. There’s also Pass Christian Books, located on the scenic road overlooking the Gulf, which is a great place to grab a coffee and the latest bestseller, and soak up the seaside views.

Hattiesburg

A vibrant college town that doubles as a stimulating cultural hub, Hattiesburg is renowned for its exceptional public art and impactful Civil Rights history. With more than 40 installations, mostly eye-catching murals, Hattiesburg’s streets are colorful and endearing in almost equal measure. Hattiesburg Pocket Museum, which holds the distinction of being Mississippi’s tiniest museum, is tucked into a downtown alley and filled with whimsical art, from miniature pieces and quirky displays to rotating exhibits that are always fresh and exciting. There are many things to like about this cheeky alleyway window, but what makes it so special is the element of surprise. No matter how many times you go, there’s always something new to catch your eye.

The Saenger Theater hosts a variety of live shows in a historic Art Deco movie house, circa 1929, and the African American Military History Museum is housed in the original 1942 United Service Organizations (USO) building, which was built specifically for African American servicemen during a period when the US military and much of American society were still segregated. Guided tours are available, where you can learn about this essential piece of American military history.

Cleveland

There are only two museums dedicated to the GRAMMY Awards in the entire country, and one of them is in Cleveland, Mississippi. The GRAMMY Museum Mississippi is a huge, interactive space with star-studded exhibits. Given that Cleveland is in a region widely regarded as the cradle of American music and is situated along the Mississippi Blues Trail, between Memphis and Jackson, the location is a natural fit and a nice complement to the other museum, in the heart of LA's Entertainment District. Here, you will find exhibits featuring blues greats such as Bobby Rush, as well as outfits worn by pop stars like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift.

The Mathews-Sanders Sculpture Garden is also located on the campus of Delta State University and features 30 permanent pieces from artists across the United States. To fuel up, A La Carte Alley is a Southern bistro serving all the classics, and a meal here should pave the way for a day exploring the Mississippi Blues Trail, which features iconic stops like Po' Monkey's, one of the relatively few juke joints to survive into the 21st century. Although it is now closed, simply seeing it up close is quite an evocative experience.

The next time you have a chance to explore Mississippi, give attention to the many small, unique towns that will give you an unforgettable experience. Many are located on the Gulf Shore with breezy waterfronts and soft, soothing views, while others are tucked inland among rolling hills, storied riverbanks, and leafy college towns where literature, music, and history are an integral part of everyday life. Together, these places reveal a Mississippi that is stunning, creative, and astoundingly captivating. The trick is to discover them one at a time.