9 Ideal Mississippi Destinations for a 3-Day Weekend in 2025
Mississippi is filled with destinations that are perfect for a 3-day weekend retreat in 2025. From charming small towns rich with history to scenic spots along rivers and trails, the state offers a chance to step away from the rush of everyday life and recharge. Visitors can savor local flavours, explore Civil War landmarks, admire antebellum architecture, or soak in the state’s blues heritage. Whether you are after culture, history, or simple relaxation, Mississippi has the ideal getaway waiting for you.
Natchez
Natchez, often called the birthplace of Mississippi, is celebrated as a quaint Southern town steeped in rich cultural heritage shaped by African, French, British, and Spanish influences. Long before European settlement, the Natchez Indians called this area home. Today, the city’s layered history is visible everywhere, from its historic homes to its vibrant arts scene. One essential stop is the Dr. John Bowman Banks Museum, once the home of Natchez’s first Black physician, which later became a key Civil Rights hub. Dr. Banks, who began practicing in 1889, brought in the city’s second Black doctor, Albert Woods Dumas, and together they founded Bluff City Savings Bank, the only Black-owned bank in Natchez. In the 1960s, the house served as the NAACP headquarters under Charles Evers. Today, it highlights early Black community life and the struggle for civil rights.
In the heart of downtown, ArtsNatchez Gallery showcases jewelry, paintings, pottery, sculptures, and more by local artists. Each piece reflects the creators’ deep connection to Natchez and makes for a unique shopping experience. For natural beauty, head to Bluff Park for panoramic views of the Mississippi River. Sunset is the perfect time to visit, when the sky and water merge in a breathtaking display of color.
To complete your weekend retreat, stay at Brandon Hall Plantation Bed and Breakfast. Built in 1856, this elegant property along the Natchez Trace offers five guest suites and two garden cottages. Whether you are planning a romantic getaway, a group stay, or even a solo trip, Brandon Hall combines historic charm with Southern hospitality.
Corinth
Corinth’s story stretches far beyond its famous role in the Civil War. In 1862, this small Mississippi town and nearby Shiloh witnessed some of the war’s most decisive battles as Union and Confederate forces fought for control of its critical railroad junction. Known then as Cross City, Corinth sat at the intersection of the Memphis & Charleston and the Mobile & Ohio Railroads, making it a key transportation hub.
Today, Corinth blends its historic roots with a vibrant modern identity. Visitors can explore the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center, located near the site of Battery Robinett. Its interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations, and commemorative courtyard chronicle the nation’s growth, the tensions that led to the Civil War, and the events of Shiloh and Corinth itself.
Nature lovers will appreciate Edward S. Bishop Memorial Park, a welcoming green space perfect for walking, playing, or simply relaxing. For a dose of performing arts history, the Coliseum Theatre is a must-see. Built in 1924 by architect Benjamin F. Liddon, it originally hosted both motion pictures and vaudeville acts. Over the decades, the theatre welcomed Grand Ole Opry performers, Elvis Presley, and countless other entertainers. Its rich legacy earned it a place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
To fully experience Corinth’s charm, consider staying at the General's Quarters Boutique Hotel in the heart of downtown. This newly renovated historic property offers just six rooms, each with a private bath, fireplaces, and modern amenities. With an on-site restaurant serving unique dishes, craft cocktails, and desserts, it is the ideal retreat after a day of exploring.
Aberdeen
Aberdeen, the county seat of Monroe County, blends small-town charm with rich history. Known for its tree-lined streets, antebellum homes, and preserved architecture, it is a certified retirement community that has won over many visitors who chose to make it home. One of Aberdeen’s cultural treasures is the Elkin Theatre. Opened in 1937 in a striking Art Nouveau style, it was once considered among the finest theatres in the South. After falling into disuse, it was purchased in 1985 by the Aberdeen Elkin Theatre Association, a volunteer group dedicated to its restoration and preservation. Today, the Elkin screens current films on Friday and Saturday nights and also hosts art exhibits, concerts, theatrical productions, and community events, making it perfect for your weekend getaway.
History lovers will appreciate The Magnolias, a prime example of Mississippi antebellum architecture. Built in 1850 by Dr. and Mrs. William Sykes, this elegant home is now city-owned and open for weekday tours or by appointment, offering a glimpse into Aberdeen’s storied past. The Aberdeen Black History Trail provides another layer of the city’s heritage. This self-guided driving tour features 15 sites significant to local Black history, honoring influential African Americans who began their journeys in Aberdeen and helped shape the community. Brochures with maps and descriptions are available at the Aberdeen Visitors Bureau or online.
For your overnight stay, the Three Goats Cottage and Inn offers two private suites, the Opal Suite and the Oliver Suite, each with its own bath, kitchen amenities, and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
New Albany
Set in the rolling hills of north Mississippi, just 90 miles south of Memphis, New Albany charms visitors with its lively downtown, thriving arts scene, and warm community spirit. Its streets are lined with boutiques, antique shops, jewellers, and specialty stores, all near the scenic Tallahatchie River. With easy highway access, it is perfect for a 3-day getaway. Outdoor lovers can explore the Tanglefoot Trail, a 43.6-mile paved path through fields, forests, and wetlands. Once a Chickasaw trail and later a railroad built by Col. William C. Falkner, the route now winds through the Mississippi Hills National Heritage Area.
Cultural experiences abound, too. The Union County Heritage Museum shares over two decades of history and storytelling. For a comfortable stay, the Hampton Inn New Albany offers modern amenities just two miles from downtown and the birthplace of William Faulkner. Guests enjoy free hot breakfast, Wi-Fi, an indoor pool, a fitness center, and pet-friendly rooms. Its location off Highway 78 makes Tupelo and Oxford a short drive away.
Port Gibson
Port Gibson, the county seat of Claiborne County, lies along the Natchez Trace Parkway, 60 miles southwest of Jackson and 40 miles northeast of Natchez. Chartered in 1803 and settled as early as 1729, it is Mississippi’s third-oldest town. The city played a key role in the Civil War, with the Battle of Port Gibson on May 1, 1863, marking a turning point in Ulysses S. Grant’s Vicksburg Campaign. Many historic buildings still stand, spared when Grant deemed the town “too pretty to burn.”
History lovers can walk the Sunken Trace, a preserved section of the Old Natchez Trace. This deeply eroded trail once challenged 19th-century travelers with sweltering heat, swamps, and disease. A short stroll here offers a vivid connection to that past.
Visit the A.K. Shaifer House, where the opening shots of the Battle of Port Gibson rang out in the early hours of May 1, 1863. Confederate pickets clashed with Union soldiers, and the house soon became General John A. McClernand’s headquarters and a Union hospital. Eight miles northwest, Grand Gulf Military Monument Park preserves the memory of the once-thriving town and its Civil War battles. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 400-acre park features Fort Cobun, Fort Wade, a cemetery, museum, hiking trails, picnic areas, and restored 19th-century buildings.
For your overnight stay, Isabella Bed and Breakfast offers Southern hospitality in a historic home listed on the National Register. Located on Highway 61 between Vicksburg and Natchez, it is ideal for history buffs, cyclists, or travellers seeking a peaceful retreat. Spacious rooms, privacy, and charm make it a memorable stop along the Trace.
Bay St. Louis
Bay St. Louis, the seat of Hancock County, sits along the Mississippi Sound at the entrance to St. Louis Bay, just 60 miles northeast of New Orleans. Originally part of a 1789 Spanish land grant to Thomas Shields, the village became a retreat for wealthy planters, later attracting tourists after the arrival of the railroad in 1869. Incorporated as Shieldsborough in 1818, it took its current name in 1875.
Art lovers will enjoy the Alice Moseley Folk Art Museum, located on the second floor of the historic L&N Train Depot. The museum houses over 100 original works by nationally acclaimed folk artist Alice Latimer Moseley, who began painting at age 65. Her colourful, whimsical pieces have been featured in Southern Living, Travel and Leisure, and on PBS’s Mississippi Roads.
For outdoor adventure, Shore Thing Fishing Charters offers guided trips targeting speckled trout, redfish, flounder, and more in the Mississippi Sound. Their “Cat Island Experience” includes fishing, lodging, and meals for two- to three-night getaways. Everything is provided, rods, reels, bait, snacks, and even fish cleaning, making it a hassle-free outing. Golf enthusiasts can tee off at The Bridges Golf Club, Mississippi’s only Arnold Palmer Signature course. Spanning over 600 acres of live oaks, magnolias, and saltwater marsh, this par-72 layout features more than 21 bridges and has earned Audubon International’s Certified Silver Signature status for its harmony with nature.
For accommodations, the Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast Hotel offers a 14-story waterfront stay just minutes from Old Town Bay St. Louis. Guests can golf during the day, enjoy casino gaming at night, and relax in rooms featuring plush Serta pillow-top mattresses, ideal for your weekend getaway in this charming coastal town.
Greenwood
Greenwood, the seat of Leflore County, sits along the Yazoo River about 100 miles north of Jackson. Founded in 1834 as Williams Landing, it was renamed for Choctaw chieftain Greenwood Leflore, a wealthy cotton planter. Once a thriving cotton shipping hub, its trade was halted during the Civil War, but the city remains rich in Delta heritage. Culinary enthusiasts can visit the Viking Cooking School, the original location in Viking’s hometown. Here, expert instructors and guest chefs lead hands-on and demonstration classes covering everything from pizza to sushi, all in a fully equipped Viking kitchen.
The Museum of the Mississippi Delta showcases regional history and art, including the largest collection of Native American trade beads in the southern US and furnishings from Leflore’s own home in the Malmaison Room. History runs deep along Money Road, beginning at the Tallahatchie Bridge, which was made famous in Bobbie Gentry’s 1967 hit Ode to Billy Joe. The route leads to the gravesite of blues legend Robert Johnson and the ruins of Bryant’s Grocery, where the 1955 murder of Emmett Till became a catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement. The road’s storied past even drew filmmaker Tate Taylor to use the nearby Whittington House as Skeeter’s home in The Help (2010).
For an elegant stay, The Alluvian blends Southern charm with modern luxury. Named for the Mississippi Delta’s alluvial plain, a fertile land enriched by centuries of river deposits, this boutique hotel offers refined accommodations in the heart of Greenwood.
Vicksburg
Vicksburg, founded in 1811 and incorporated in 1825, owes much of its growth to the Mississippi River, which shaped its history, economy, and culture. Once a thriving hub for commerce, agriculture, and river traffic, the city remains a vibrant destination blending history, art, and entertainment. Start your weekend at the Lower Mississippi River Museum, where you can explore life along the river through interactive exhibits. Learn how farming families, river communities, and the US Army Corps of Engineers have harnessed the river’s power. Step into the 1927 flood experience, choose your own “river adventure” on the Mississippi Trail Interactive, and see native fish up close in a 1,515-gallon aquarium.
For a taste of local creativity, visit The Attic Art Gallery, Mississippi’s oldest independent art gallery. This space combines the sophistication of a New York gallery with warm Southern charm. You will find Southern folk art, contemporary fine art, and handcrafted pottery, glass, jewelry, and more, all reflecting the region’s rich culture.
If gaming and entertainment are on your list, head to the Waterview Casino & Hotel. With over 30,000 square feet of gaming space, it offers slots, video poker, table games, blackjack, craps, King Stud poker, and sports betting. Enjoy a quick bite at the Lucky Bean or linger over dinner with sweeping Mississippi River views. When it is time to unwind, the Waterview’s comfortable rooms provide a relaxing end to your day.
Canton
Canton, the seat of Madison County, sits on a low divide between the Pearl and Big Black rivers, 20 miles north of Jackson. Founded in 1836 and incorporated as a city in 1911, Canton is known for its antebellum homes, agricultural roots, and thriving industries, including poultry processing and office furniture manufacturing. Nearby attractions include the Mississippi Petrified Forest, the Natchez Trace Parkway, and the Ross R. Barnett Reservoir, while July brings the annual Mississippi Championship Hot Air Balloon Festival.
History comes alive at the Canton Museum of History, where visitors can explore artifacts from the city’s past, including antique butter churns, a pharmacist’s medicine counter, and an old-fashioned Coke cooler. Storyteller Jim Ritchie adds local flavour, making the museum engaging for all ages. Exhibits continually evolve, featuring businesses and objects from the 1800s to today.
The Historic Canton Courthouse Square District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982, is the heart of downtown activity. The square hosts the bi-annual Canton Flea Market Arts & Crafts Show, which draws over 100,000 visitors and more than 1,100 artisans displaying pottery, jewelry, and handcrafted goods. The district’s charm and preservation efforts have also attracted Hollywood and PBS productions.
For a comfortable stay, the Best Western Canton Inn offers easy access to downtown and Jackson International Airport. Guests enjoy a complimentary full breakfast, outdoor pool, free high-speed internet, and well-appointed rooms with modern amenities.
From historic river cities to artistic enclaves and cozy small towns, Mississippi offers the perfect backdrop for a 3-day weekend retreat in 2025. Each destination invites you to slow down and unwind, whether by diving into history, exploring local art, or simply savoring the pace of small-town life. In just three days, you will experience warm hospitality, rich traditions, and memories that linger long after your trip.
