The Most Underrated Towns In Mississippi

When planning a getaway, or, better yet, a road trip, finding underrated towns adds to the thrill of the experience. This is especially true in the South, where little towns often have some of the biggest stories to tell. The following cities may be underrated as vacation spots, but they should not be discounted when seeking an authentic visit packed with history, culture, and enough food experiences to fill a book with hometown recipes.

One especially fun element of visiting Mississippi is its topography, which allows travelers to plan a beach destination or, further inland, to see firsthand where American music was created. Most of these towns feature preserved architectural styles that offer a peek behind the curtain into their past, adding a unique angle to any excursion. Here are 2025's most underrated towns in Mississippi.

Holly Springs

Holly Springs is famous for being the seat of Rust College, established in 1866, and its antebellum architecture. The city also offers a wide array of cultural and outdoor attractions, including the Kate Freeman Clark Art Gallery, which houses more than 1,000 portraits by the artist. Those looking for an outdoor adventure should see Holly Springs National Forest for hiking, camping, and fishing.

Holly Springs just may be the best-kept secret in Mississippi, and places like Dunvegan show why. The cottage home is filled with antiques and was made in the Greek Revival Architecture style, adding a layer of sophistication to the 1945 home. These historic buildings retell the tale of a Southern town that gave the Confederacy 13 Generals during the Civil War, and commercial structures like the historic Montrose & the Montrose Arboretum, an 1858 mansion, show the town's economic prominence.

Meridian

Meridian is a traditional Southern town with a friendly community and a beautiful downtown area with museums and other cultural attractions. The railroad town has an affinity for music, and the district reflects this atmosphere, from the historic Meridian Little Theatre to the Jimmie Rodgers Museum, which honors the town's famous son. The theater hosts five shows throughout the year, making it an excellent stop no matter which season you're visiting in.

Booking a room at the Century House downtown provides a sense of Southern hospitality and vintage architectural styles. The bed and breakfast, built in 1902, is near a church with chiming bells, adding to the scenery. It is also close to many points of interest and offers a stress-free way to visit this classic Mississippi town.

Port Gibson

Port Gibson witnessed several pivotal battles during the Civil War and played a prominent role in Ulysses S. Grant's Vicksburg campaign. Much of this history can still be explored at Grand Gulf Military Park and the Port Gibson Battlefield.

The Windsor Ruins, just 10 miles outside of town, are another historic marvel and one of Mississippi's most iconic features. The ruins are 29 columns that once supported a mansion destroyed by a massive fire in 1890. The site is an example of the community's efforts to preserve historical places. To stay in the historical vein, book a room at the elegant Isabella Bed and Breakfast. The 1880 Queen Anne masterpiece is right in town and close to several main attractions.

Tishomingo

Tishomingo is a town in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, named for a Chickasaw Chief. The town is notable for its outdoor adventures, including boating and fishing on Bear Creek, as well as hiking along the Natchez Trace Parkway. Bear Creek flows through Tishimingo State Park, an excellent choice for campers and history buffs seeking glimpses of the famed Swinging Bridge located above the creek.

Community spirit is strong in Tishimingo, as evidenced by the annual festivals held in the downtown area. Christmas is a special time in the area, when residents host a parade and enjoy the fun of the Dickens Christmas. These are the best times to visit if you're looking to meet locals and hear the history that makes this one of the top underrated towns in the Magnoilia State.

Hattiesburg

Hattiesburg is a modern and fun community with strong ties to its past. The city is a gateway ot outdoor adventure and also has a sophisticated downtown section with traditional brick storefronts, so the area offers the best of both worlds. Outdoor enthusiasts will not want to miss canoeing or kayaking with Okatoma Outdoor Post, while families will love the Hattiesburg Zoo, initially founded in 1950. Each of these attractions offers a different, entertaining aspect of the town.

Southern hospitality and dining options are also in demand here, with over 200 local restaurants to choose from. Southern Prohibition Brewing and The Public Porter House are just two renowned choices. This underrated town deserves a second and third look for anyone seeking the best things to do in Mississippi, and it does not disappoint.

Corinth

Corinth is a classic Southern town with a touch of yesteryear, combined with modern amenities that are hard to resist. Incorporated in 1856, Corinth and nearby Shiloh saw their share of Civil War battles, and this history is explained at the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center through exhibits and artifacts. One of the best ways to experience Corinth is by downloading the "60 Sights in 60 Minutes" map for a self-guided tour.

Along the route, visitors can explore pivotal railroad history through interpretive markers at the Historic Memphis and Charleston Railroad, deepening their sense of regional heritage. Visitors are encouraged to view the impressive number of historical homes, such as the 1857 Verandah-Curlee House and the 1904 Abe Rubel House. Corinth is a great town to visit for history buffs and family vacationers alike, and it should not be overlooked by any seeking a quiet retreat.

Aberdeen

Tree-lined streets, antebellum mansions, and small-town appeal are Aberdeen's calling card, making for an ideal getaway. The community's hospitality, historic architecture, and recreational opportunities are among the best in the region. Downloading an architectural driving tour map and discovering architectural marvels, such as neoclassical homes and Antebellum cottages, helps illustrate what makes Aberdeen stand apart.

One prominent structure is the Elkin Theatre downtown. The Art Nouveau-style building, which has been open since 1937, is a landmark in a town with many landmarks. A visitor would be remiss for leaving without touring The Magnolias, one of the best examples of antebellum architecture in Mississippi. The 1850 mansion is open to the public for tours, is frequently used for weddings, and is a prime example of the town's architectural prowess.

Water Valley

The pleasant town of Water Valley is a progressive town with a classic Southern feel. It gained economic prominence in 1860, when the Mississippi Central Railroad was completed and its headquarters were established in the area. The Main Street district offers excellent dining options, including the Crawdad Hole and B.B.'s Diner.

Grabbing a bite at one of the local eateries allows new patrons to rub elbows with the community and catch up on recent news. Afterward, a stroll down Main Street to view the public murals gives another glimpse into the eclectic community. Along the way, visitors will encounter the Casey Jones Railroad Museum, a tribute to the region's railway history and a great way to spend an afternoon exploring the artifacts and exhibits that comprise this slice of Americana.

Laurel

Locally known as "Mississippi's Home Town," Laurel is a beautiful place with plenty to do and a friendly community. The community embarked on a journey to revamp downtown, and the wonderful work has made Laurel an up-and-coming tourist destination. To get a sense of this revitalization, visit one of the many historic buildings in the district, such as the Laurel Mercantile Company, for modern conveniences with a touch of the past.

The Lauren Rogers Museum of Art is an elegant touch downtown, just past City Hall, a corner building with architectural flair. To stay in this historic and delightful mood during a trip, book a room at the Laurel Cottages. Just a few blocks from downtown, the bed-and-breakfast inn was built in 1909 and has close ties to the mercantile company.

These underrated towns in Mississippi are among the best to visit in the Magnolia State for many reasons. The change in scenery from coastal beaches to the heart of the Delta offers a range of options for a Southern getaway. Historical significance and traditional architectural styles give the cities a sense of longing for simpler times, allowing visitors to step back into them. Welcoming small communities also make these towns worth a visit, and downtown areas are generally the hub of activity. This is where you can mingle with locals and discover stories and lore that are often overlooked and hard to find. Underrated towns are the best way to experience a region's authenticity, and these Mississippi towns offer genuine appeal that any traveler should not discount.