The 7 Can't-Miss Towns In Mississippi

Tucked between the Delta and the Gulf Coast, Mississippi is a land of music, magnolias, and meaningful stories. From riverfront bluffs to piney woods and sunny shores, this Southern state is packed with scenic charm and soulful heritage. Whether it is touring Rowan Oak in Oxford, walking through Longwood in Natchez, or simply enjoying quiet time at Saint Rose de Lima Catholic Church in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi's small towns shine in a big way. Here are seven can't-miss towns in Mississippi that show off the state’s rich spirit; each one promises a different slice of Southern life worth experiencing.

Oxford

Home to one of the most respected literary legacies, the city of Oxford has grown far beyond its roots as a small college town. Set among the rolling hills of northern Mississippi, this vibrant community of 25,000 exudes both Southern charm and cultural depth. A visit here would not be complete without touring Rowan Oak, the stately former home of Nobel Prize-winning author William Faulkner. Now a museum, it offers a thoughtful glimpse into the writer’s life, complete with original furnishings and handwritten manuscripts.

For art lovers and history buffs, the University of Mississippi Museum is a quiet treasure, housing everything from Greek and Roman antiquities to American folk art and local Southern artifacts. Game days, on the other hand, bring energy to Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, where the Ole Miss Rebels take the field, and tailgating is a full-blown tradition. For something slower-paced, Lamar Park is ideal for lakeside walks, birdwatching, or just relaxing under the oaks.

Natchez

Perched on the banks of the Mississippi River, Natchez remains one of the most evocative and historically rich towns in the Deep South. Once a thriving hub for steamboat commerce and antebellum wealth, the town’s architecture and cultural legacy are remarkably well preserved, turning any stroll through its quiet streets into a walk through a living museum. Start your journey at the Natchez National Historical Park, which spans multiple landmark sites that document the town’s deep roots — from Native American history and French settlement to the Civil War era.

A stop at Longwood, the iconic octagonal mansion topped with a striking onion dome, reveals a story of grand ambition cut short by war. Though construction halted in 1861, the incomplete upper floors give a rare insight into how lives were abruptly transformed. Nearby, Rosalie Mansion and Gardens showcase the elegance of the Old South. Its original furnishings, family heirlooms, and sweeping views of the river offer a glimpse into life before and after the Civil War. For a truly immersive Southern experience, Monmouth Historic Inn & Gardens combines stately architecture, lush landscaping, and warm hospitality — a place where guests do not just visit history, they stay in it.

Greenville

Greenville stands tall along the mighty Mississippi, where rich Delta history meets riverside views and a soulful sense of place. At the Winterville Mounds Museum, visitors can walk among twelve preserved earthworks that once formed the center of a thriving Native American society. These sacred earthworks were constructed by a civilization that flourished between AD 1000 and 1450, once serving as a ceremonial gathering site. Today, twelve of the original mounds remain, set among broad plazas that hint at the community’s once-thriving social and spiritual life.

Just outside town, Lake Ferguson draws outdoor lovers with calm waters perfect for boating, birdwatching, and quiet moments at sunset. The lake’s unusual formation — carved from an old bend in the river during a 1930s flood-control project — gives it a unique place in local lore. For those in search of bright lights and evening fun, Tropicana Greenville brings casino energy with its wide variety of slot machines and table games, while also featuring a full-service restaurant for a hearty meal after the action.

Finally, no trip is complete without a view of the Greenville Bridge, a striking cable-stayed span that stretches across the river like a steel sculpture. Whether you are snapping photos or simply admiring the engineering, this gateway between Mississippi and Arkansas is one of the region’s most memorable sights.

Starkville

Starkville may be best known as the home of Mississippi State University, but there is far more to this town than college life. Nestled in Oktibbeha County, Starkville thrives on a blend of education, culture, and Southern hospitality. The Mississippi State University Libraries span multiple buildings and house over two million volumes, along with thousands of journals and digital archives, making it one of the richest academic resources in the state. For those drawn to craftsmanship and mechanics, the Cullis & Gladys Wade Clock Museum inside the campus features intricate timepieces, some dating back to the early 1700s, highlighting centuries of design and innovation.

Also located at the university, the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library is a true gem for history lovers. Housing original correspondence, photographs, and memorabilia, it brings the life and legacy of America’s 18th president into sharp focus. Meanwhile, just across town, the Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum curates Starkville’s local past, from military history to antique tools, and even exhibits devoted to local sports legends.

Bay St. Louis

This walkable town of around 10,000 residents charms with its relaxed pace, stunning shoreline, and creative energy. The wide, sandy stretch of Bay Saint Louis Beach draws both sunrise strollers and sunset watchers, while the gentle surf makes for easy kayaking or lounging by the water. Steps away, the L & N Historic Train Depot, built in 1928, stands as a handsome landmark and serves as the local visitor center. From here, guests can pick up maps, admire art, and plan the perfect day in town.

Culture lovers should not miss the Alice Moseley Folk Art Museum, dedicated to the self-taught painter who began creating whimsical, heartfelt works at the age of 65. Located in the Depot itself, the museum holds over 100 of her originals and celebrates a life lived colorfully. Around the corner, Saint Rose de Lima Catholic Church adds another layer of soul. With its powerful gospel choir and unforgettable mural of an African Christ rising before a live oak, it stands as one of Bay St. Louis’s most meaningful landmarks.

Pass Christian

This picturesque town of Pass Christian, affectionately known as “The Pass,” greets visitors with historic oaks, wide beaches, and a sense of ease that is hard to come by elsewhere. A stroll through downtown reveals gems like Pass Christian Olive Oils and Vinegars, a haven for food lovers in search of rich balsamic blends and gourmet infusions. Just around the corner, Robin’s Nest in the Pass showcases a range of meaningful local goods, including handcrafted jewelry and ceramics, as well as art and books inspired by faith, creativity, and Southern roots.

For a peaceful afternoon, War Memorial Park serves as the community’s gathering ground. It is more than just playgrounds and trails; it is a living tribute to local veterans, complete with sculptures carved from storm-damaged trees, including a striking eagle dedicated to Tuskegee Airman Col. Lawrence E. Roberts. When it is time to dine, Shaggy’s Pass Harbor puts the Gulf on your plate. Known for laid-back energy and seafood dishes served dockside, it is where laughter mingles with sea breeze and unforgettable views.

Cleveland

Named in honor of President Grover Cleveland, this Mississippi town first took shape in 1869 as settlers moved inland from the Mississippi River. Today, Cleveland blends musical heritage, cultural depth, and small-town warmth in the heart of the Delta. One of the crown jewels is the Grammy Museum Mississippi, a sleek, interactive space where visitors of all ages can explore the roots and rhythms of American music through immersive exhibits, rare memorabilia, and hands-on displays.

Just a short walk away, the Martin & Sue King Railroad Museum celebrates the town’s railroading legacy with vintage artifacts, a sprawling model train layout, and even a restored 1941 caboose. At the Mississippi Delta Chinese Heritage Museum, housed within Delta State University, guests discover the little-known story of Chinese immigrants who shaped the region’s economy and culture, told through photographs, heirlooms, and heartfelt oral histories.

And a trip is not complete without setting foot on Dockery Farms, where blues music found its earliest voice. Known as the birthplace of the Delta Blues, this historic plantation is where legends like Charley Patton once played, forever changing the course of American music.

From the literary lanes of Oxford to the artistic shores of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi’s smaller towns offer far more than first meets the eye. With river views, live music, historic homes, and coastal breezes, each community on this list has something special to share. Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or a deeper dive into Southern culture, these seven towns deliver on charm, culture, and character. So pack a bag, hit the road, and experience Mississippi through its most unforgettable hidden gems.