10 Best Things to Do in Vicksburg, MS (2025)

Vicksburg is small-town Mississippi, right on the Mississippi River, a place with a serious backstory. If you’re interested in the American Civil War, there’s so much to see. But it’s a lot more than battlefields.

There are gorgeous river views, rooftop bars, stunning murals, art galleries and museums. It’s right on the Mississippi River, and the pace is a little slower. Before starting with the things to do in Vicksburg, MS, let’s cover a few points about this hidden gem in Mississippi.

How to Get to Vicksburg?

If you’re planning to fly and rent a car, Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers Airport (JAN) is just over an hour’s drive away. Or there are larger airports if you want to make it a larger road trip around Mississippi.

You can rent a car there and drive west on I-20, which is a smooth ride all the way in. I use Discover Cars and I’ve always had a great experience.

Coming from New Orleans? It’s around 3.5 hours by car. Memphis to Vicksburg takes about 4 hours, and that’s a good option if you’re road tripping in Tennessee and want to do a detour through Mississippi.

If you’re road-tripping across the Deep South, it’s easy to add in and I would visit all the places I just mentioned together with Natchitoches, on top of Vicksburg.

How to Get Around Vicksburg?

You’ll want a car to get around the city. Downtown is small so there are a few things to do on foot, but generally activities in Vicksburg are spread out. The military park’s one part, the riverfront murals another. And if you’re heading to rooftop bars or art galleries, it’s just easier with a vehicle.

Parking is easy and you can find free spots in several areas of town. There are taxis and the occasional rideshare, but don’t count on them late at night.

That being said, you can walk in the downtown area because that stretch is charming and walkable. But outside that? The best way is to drive.

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Is Vicksburg Worth Visiting?

Yes, Vicksburg is absolutely worth it. It’s not flashy, but it’s full of real stories and great food. There are Civil War sites, old mansions, art galleries, and nice murals that actually look good.

It’s the kind of place where you slow down a bit, walk around, and feel connected to something older. It was a brilliant stop on my road trip around Mississippi. A great spot to take a break and enjoy the slow life in the Magnolia State. Plus, the locals are very friendly.

You can spend 3 days in New Orleans and then make the drive to Vicksburg, which I 100% recommend.

Where to Stay in Vicksburg?

Vicksburg has a mix of historic inns, casual B&Bs, and cosy spots to spend a night or more. Here are the best hotels in the city for a good night’s sleep.

Luxury: Oak Hall Bed and Breakfast

Mid-range: Bazsinsky House

Budget: Studio 6 Vicksburg, MS

10 Best Things to Do in Vicksburg, Mississippi

You’ll never be bored in Vicksburg. There’s history on every corner, murals splashed across the riverfront, and the type of museums you won’t find anywhere else.

You can have real Southern food at an old home, take a break at local galleries, and tour places where American history changed forever. Every spot on this list is worth your time and I guarantee you’ll love your trip in this part of Mississippi.

Bonus tip: grab a quick photo of the iconic Old and new Vicksburg Bridges and Welcome to Mississippi sign! You’ll also find a tourist information and welcome centre there.

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1. Vicksburg National Military Park

The first obvious place to see in Vicksburg is the National Military Park. Here, you’ll see the site of the Civil War’s famous siege, and there are over 1,300 monuments, memorials, and markers across more than 1,800 acres.

The most famous spots inside the national military park are:

• The USS Cairo Gunboat and Museum
• The Vicksburg National Cemetery
• The Shirley House (the only surviving wartime structure)
• The different memorials (Illinois, Texas State, Kentucky, Minnesota)
• The Visitor Centre with the orientation film and exhibits

You can take a guided tour with someone who knows the details. Alternatively, you can just drive the loop yourself and follow the audio guide. If you do book a tour, call them ahead of time to make sure the guide is available.

The artwork alone is worth the trip, and some pieces are valued in the billions. The stories here are heavy, but important, and you’ll leave with a whole new appreciation for what went down in 1863. The entry fee is $10 per person and $20 per vehicle, but it’s totally worth it for the experience.

Make sure to watch the short movie at the visitor centre in the display room. All are very interesting and add a lot more context to the visit, especially if you’re new to Civil War history.

2. Eat Southern Food at Walnut Hills

Walnut Hills is an amazing place to have some real Southern food. And you’ll feel incredibly welcome and right at home. This place is a classic Southern restaurant in a historic house. It’s popular for its shrimp and grits, catfish, gumbo, and the fried chicken..

Personally, I had the blackened catfish with baked sweet potato. Honestly it was one of the best dishes on the entire trip. Highly recommended.

You’ll notice immediately why it’s such a nice place for a meal. The atmosphere is warm, relaxed, and feels nostalgic. And when locals eat here, you know it’s good. After a morning of sightseeing, a hearty home cooked meal at Walnut Hills was perfect.

3. See the Vicksburg Riverfront Murals

The Vicksburg Riverfront Murals, as the name suggests, are right by the river, and they’re impossible to miss. They’re massive, colourful, and each one tells a piece of the story of Vicksburg. You’ll see everything from Civil War battles to the spirit of the river itself.

Artist Robert Dafford painted most of them (32, in fact). There’s even an abstract piece by Martha Ferris, which was the first mural on the floodwall back in 2001.

These murals show how Vicksburg has grown up around the river, the railroad, and the highway. Walk along the wall, take some photos, and enjoy the real history of this cute little town.

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4. Visit the H.C. Porter Gallery

Looking for something different from the usual Southern souvenirs? The H.C. Porter Gallery is a great bet. H.C. Porter is a big name in Mississippi’s art scene.

She is a painter, printmaker, and photographer, and this is the main gallery. The work you’ll see is modern, bold, and rooted in Southern life.

Porter’s art mixes photography with painting, and her style stands out. Even if you don’t buy anything, you can just browse.

The gallery is right in Vicksburg city centre, and it’s a refreshing break from the usual museum circuit. If you want a true taste of local creativity, make time for this stop.

5. Check Out the Attic Gallery

Yes another gallery, but this one is also really worth it and blew me away. The Attic Gallery is the oldest art gallery in Mississippi, and it has so many great pieces, it’s a little overwhelming.

It’s been open for more than 50 years and it’s full of Southern folk art, pottery, glass, and pieces inspired by the blues.

It’s the kind of place where you can lose track of time, poking through handmade work and chatting with the owner.

You can see the work of artists from all over the South, and the selection is always new, which is great if it’s not your first time. If you like art with soul and stories, you’ll love the Attic.

6. Take the City Attractions Passport Walking Tour

Want to cover a lot in one go? Try the Passport Walking Tour, one of the best things to do in Vicksburg, MS by far. It loops you through the historic centre and you’ll see some of the most interesting spots in town.

You’ll see where Coca-Cola was first bottled at the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum. That’s right, in 1894, Coke was bottled for the first time right here in Vicksburg. The museum has loads of memorabilia and vintage machines, and you can still get a cold Coke float at the end.

The Jesse Brent Lower Mississippi River Museum is just a short walk away. You’ll learn how the Army Corps of Engineers worked to control the river and protect Vicksburg from flooding.

You can even go inside a real towboat.

Then, there’s the Old Courthouse Museum. This is a gorgeous building filled with everything from antique furniture to Civil War uniforms. It’s all original and all local.

Don’t miss the Old Depot Museum either. It’s located in a former train depot, and it’s full of model railroads, dioramas, and exhibits on transportation history. More on this later in this guide!

If you have some time left, pop into the Vicksburg Civil War Museum. It’s full of interesting artefacts from both the war and the Reconstruction period.

Last but not least, you can learn about local food, art, music, and religion at the Catfish Row Museum.

The best part about the tour is that you go at your own pace. Stop for lunch, take your time, and focus only on the museums you find interesting. As a side note, remember that there’s a separate entrance fee for each museum (affordable, but still something to consider).

And if you get 5 stamps in the passport, you get a free t-shirt! But make sure you have 5, as they really check in detail if you’ve been to all the stops. Find out about more about the Attractions Passport.

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7. Have a Drink at 10 South Rooftop Bar

For a nice evening with great views, 10 South Rooftop Bar is the place to be. It’s at the top of the First National Building (in the city centre) and gives you a clear look at the Mississippi River. It’s casual and, other than the drinks, they serve delicious Southern classics.

Also, the drinks are strong enough to make you linger! Sunsets here are special, so time your visit right.

My personal recommendations are the whiskey ribeye and their Caesar salad: Two amazing dishes that I’d love to have again.

8. Tour Anchuca Historic Mansion and Inn

Anchuca is an antebellum home that was built in the 1830s and it survived the Siege of Vicksburg and even served as a hospital. The name means “happy home” in Choctaw, and honestly, that fits.

You have 2 options here: Take a guided tour (only $10 per person) and see four rooms with a guide, or stay for the night.

The guide gives you some context and tells you the house’s history, which is very interesting. There are plenty of original antiques in the house, and the attached restaurant (Restaurant Anchuca) serves up delicious Southern comfort food.

It’s peaceful and full of charm. No wonder that it’s one of the best attractions in Vicksburg MS. And it’s far less touristy than you’d expect.

While you’re here, check out the gardens too. As I said before, you can even stay for the night if you want the full experience. The prices are reasonable and you can expect to pay around $200 per night with breakfast.

9. Visit McRaven House (Most Haunted House in Mississippi)

Another home in Vicksburg to visit, but hear me out, because McRaven House is one of Vicksburg’s oldest homes, and it’s haunted! They started to build the house in 1797 but they finished it in 3 phases: 1797, 1836, and 1849. They later expanded in Empire, Frontier, and Greek Revival styles.

Today? It’s known as Mississippi’s most haunted mansion. People who visited reported apparitions, strange lights, and voices, especially the spirit of Mary Elizabeth Howard. Howard died here during her childbirth in 1836.

The home also served as a Confederate field hospital during the Siege of Vicksburg and stood within cannon range during battles.

Even if you’re not into the paranormal, the house is worth seeing, and it does look old and very authentic.

10. Stop at Cedar Hill Cemetery

Cedar Hill Cemetery was established in 1837, and it’s one of the oldest and largest city cemeteries still in use in the U.S.

Inside the cemetery, you’ll find Soldiers’ Rest, which is a Confederate burial section holding about 5,000 soldiers, 1,600 of whom are identified.

There are graves of generals, fallen soldiers, and even Douglas the camel, a mascot used during the Civil War.

It’s quiet and walking inside connects you to Vicksburg’s very real past. It’s worth taking a pause to honour the soldiers linked to this historic city.

How Long to Spend in Vicksburg?

I spent two days and two nights in Vicksburg. It gave me enough time to relax, learning some history, and enjoy some art and food.

You can visit the Civil War sites on day 1 with National Military Park, the cemetery, and the USS Cairo museum. Day two can be about museums and galleries, then dinner with a river view.

Day three if you have time can be a pleasant stroll through the old town.

If you’re planning to cross into Louisiana after Vicksburg, don’t miss some of the best plantation tours near New Orleans to round out the history side of your trip.

If you’re road-tripping across the Deep South, it’s easy to add in extra stops. You can swing through Memphis, New Orleans, and even Baton Rouge. Here are some of the best things to do in Baton Rouge if you carry on through Louisiana.

Where to Eat in Vicksburg?

Here’s a selection of restaurants in Vicksburg you should try. These places are very popular with locals and they have character and good food. They mix tradition and flavour.

• Walnut Hills Restaurant: Walnut Hills opened in 1980, and it’s located in a beautiful, traditional home. The fried chicken recipe came from Herdcine Williams, who brought it from the Old Southern Tea Room, and it’s since earned awards like Best Fried Chicken in Mississippi multiple times. One of the best meals I had in Mississippi.
• 10 South Rooftop Bar & Grill: Up on the 10th floor of the First National Building, you get panoramic river views together with great burgers, seafood, gumbo, and craft cocktails in a gorgeous setting.
• The Historic Klondyke Trading Post: Once a two-bay gas station, now one of Vicksburg’s oldest restaurants. This restaurant is known for award‑winning catfish, burgers, steaks, and classic Southern home-style cooking.
• El Sombrero of Vicksburg: Southern food is delicious but this is a great alternative. Delicious Mexican food and a great atmosphere with friendly staff. The prices are very reasonable which is a bonus.

Conclusion

From learning about the history at the iconic Vicksburg National Military Park to getting lost in the art galleries. Vicksburg is a captivating city with southern charm and a rich history. For me, it’s an essential stop in Mississippi and the Mississippi Blues Trail.

If you want to see more of Vicksburg, check out the video below so you can see these tips come to life!

This trip was supported by Visit Mississippi, but as always, the views, photos and thoughts are my own. And this is a state I love coming back to time and time again!