WELCOME TO JACKSON, a city that celebrates the brilliance of those who let their light shine! Here, the vibrant spirit of personal expression flows through our food, music, art, and culture, creating an undeniable pulse in the City With Soul. Our rich history and the challenges we’ve bravely faced have instilled in each of us a profound sense of home.
We invite you to experience this feeling of belonging, of warmth, and of genuine hospitality—an experience that truly feels like coming home. The people featured within this guide, the stories they tell, and the hope they foster are only a sampling of what this city has to offer.
Come discover what we all agree makes Jackson shine:
LET IT SHINE! OUR PEOPLE!
“EMPOWERMENT IS FOR EVERYONE. IT’S NOT JUST MY STORY—IT’S EVERYBODY’S STORY.”
BEACON OF HOPE REENA EVERSEVERETTE
To inspire a brighter future, we must learn from the past. Reena Evers-Everette, daughter of Civil Rights icon Medgar Evers, continues her father’s legacy as Jackson marks 60 years since Freedom Summer changed the landscape of Mississippi and beyond.
Medgar and Myrlie Evers are celebrated for their bravery in fighting racial injustice during the Civil Rights Movement. A WWII veteran and Alcorn State graduate, Medgar began as a life insurance agent in the Mississippi Delta town of Mound Bayou. Witnessing the oppression of his community, he became president of the Regional Council of Negro Leadership, organizing boycotts of segregated gas stations from 1952 to 1954.
As the first NAACP field officer in Mississippi, he expanded the organization, desegregated public spaces, and led voter registration drives, paving the way for the Voting Rights Act of 1965. His public investigation into Emmett Till’s infamous lynching
brought him national attention and increased threats. On June 12, 1963, he was tragically assassinated by white supremacists in the driveway of his Jackson home.
“My father always said, ‘We cannot give up now,’” Reena reflects. As executive director of the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Institute, Reena and her mother, Myrlie, continue to champion civil and human rights causes, educating others—particularly young people—about the movement’s history and fostering reconciliation.
Reena’s additional contributions include leadership roles in the American Red Cross and recognition as a W.K. Kellogg Foundation fellow. “Empowerment is for everyone,” Reena said. “It’s not just my story—it’s everybody’s story.”
Her work keeps her parents’ mission alive, reminding us that the fight for equality continues to this day.
JACKSON WELCOMES THE NATIONAL FOLK FESTIVAL
NOVEMBER 7-9, 2025
homecoming where so much American
traditions, from Cajun music to Tex-Mex
NCTA Executive Director Blaine Waide added, “You’ll experience Mississippi blues, gospel, bluegrass, mariachi, and more. There’s truly something for everyone.”
In November 2024, a special kickoff was held in Downtown Jackson, featuring folk artists and celebrations at the Mississippi Museum of Art. “These programs expose us—especially our children—to new cultures and ideas,” said Dr. Ebony Lumumba, chair of the National Folk Festival Executive Committee. “It reminds me of the Jackson I grew up in.”
From November 7-9, 2025, the festival will take over downtown with six stages of nonstop music and dance, traditional crafts, diverse cuisine, storytelling, and parades. The event, which attracts tens of thousands of attendees each year, will showcase Jackson as a cultural destination in the Deep South.
“This is the first time the NCTA has invested in a festival in the Deep South, and Mississippi has an unmatched influence on American music,” Waide concluded. “Bringing the festival here means bringing America’s music home.”
“YOU’LL EXPERIENCE MISSISSIPPI BLUES, GOSPEL, BLUEGRASS, MARIACHI, AND MORE. THERE’S TRULY SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE.”
POWERFUL MOTIVATOR FLONZIE BROWNWRIGHT
Flonzie
Brown-Wright, born in the small town of Farmhaven near Canton, Mississippi, is renowned for her lifelong commitment to challenging stereotypes and creating opportunities for minority communities.
She is the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank and Littie Brown, Sr., and grew up with her brothers, Sydney and Frank Jr., attending school in Canton and Farmhaven. As a child, she often traveled to Jackson with her family, where they encountered segregation, a reality that fueled her determination to fight for equality even at a young age. “I remember singing This Little Light of Mine during tough times,” Wright recalls.
“We knew we were in a dark place, but we were taught to be the light that leads people to freedom.”
Wright rose to prominence during the Civil Rights Movement, registering thousands of voters in Mississippi and working alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and countless other influential activists. Her crowning achievement was becoming the first African American woman elected to public office in a biracial town in Mississippi post-reconstruction.
As Election Commissioner of Canton, she tackled voting rights inequities across the state.
“What inspired me to fight for civil rights was my obligation to make things better for future generations,” she says. “I’m asked that question very often—about what inspires me—and I simply say to them, ‘I knew you were coming.’” Wright has lectured worldwide and authored a best-selling memoir, Looking Back to Move Ahead. Her story is also featured in the award-winning documentary Standing on My Sisters’ Shoulders
With over 400 awards to her name, including the National FBI Citizens Award, Wright continues her work as a motivational speaker and through the Flonzie B. Wright Scholarship Foundation.
“It’s not about the fame, it’s not about the fortune, and it’s sure not about the money,” she emphasizes.
“It’s about knowing that because of my dedication, someone else’s life is better.”
MOVER AND SHAKER MAYA KYLES
Maya Kyles remembers music being a part of her life from the very beginning. Being raised in a family of musicians (on both sides), Kyles credits many of her early experiences and exposures to her grandmother’s love of gospel.
As an active member of the Mississippi Mass Choir, Kyles’ grandmother introduced her to both music and the art of performing. “Jackson has shaped the very DNA of my musicality, as much as any formal training. Experiencing the culture of the city; there’s definitely a lot to draw from.”
As a child, Kyles always felt drawn to the guitar, but found it difficult to wrangle and turned her attention to the drums. She asked for her first set of drums at the age of 9 and never looked back.
“JACKSON HAS SHAPED THE VERY DNA OF MY MUSICALITY, AS MUCH AS ANY FORMAL TRAINING. EXPERIENCING THE CULTURE OF THE CITY; THERE’S DEFINITELY A LOT TO DRAW FROM.”
Pulito, a Neighborhood Osteria
“I HOPE VISITORS COME HERE AND GAIN A DIFFERENT PICTURE OF WHAT MISSISSIPPI IS, THE HONEST STORY, AND THE RESILIENCE OF MISSISSIPPI.”
SHARER OF STORIES MICHAEL MORRIS
Michael
Morris, the director of the Two Mississippi Museums: The Museum of Mississippi History and The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, is a proud Jackson native and graduate of Jackson State University. His passion and hope for Jackson sits firmly in his belief that an understanding of Mississippi’s history will be the foundation on which its future is built.
Educating those who pass through the doors of the Two Mississippi Museums is Morris’s primary motivation. “I hope visitors come here and gain a different picture of what Mississippi is, the honest story, and the resilience of Mississippi.” At the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, Morris hopes to carry the story of lesser-known local activists (the business owners, barbers, and beauticians, among others) who risked their lives and livelihoods to change our nation.
He says he wants the museum to be “a place where all types of people, from all walks of life, can come together, have hard conversations, and ultimately be equipped and empowered to make [Jackson] what they dream it can be.”
“What makes Jackson shine for me is the people,” Morris notes. “When I think about Jackson, particular individuals come to mind. People who opened their homes to me, people who have poured their wisdom into me, people who are still working for Jackson, my family, my friends.”
Morris invites locals and visitors to come experience the Two Mississippi Museums, where he hopes they will see the spaces as “a place to be both teacher and student,” and take the opportunity to share as well as listen.
Hey, hey, the blues is more than all right here in Mississippi. Just a stone’s throw from the legendary crossroads, you can catch performances from living legends and young sensations. And you can get deep down into the roots of American music at the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center, the Delta Blues Museum, and GRAMMY Museum® Mississippi. Find your rhythm at VisitMississippi.org/Blues.
Bobby Rush | Hal and Mal’s
RISING STARS IN JACKSON’S CULINARY SCENE
Chaz Lindsay Owner & Executive Chef
Osteria
The City of Jackson has no shortage of culinary stars, but these three chefs are rising to the top. Born and raised in Jackson, they each left after high school to carve out unique paths in the culinary world. What unites them is their love for their hometown and their belief that Jackson shines because of its people.
Chaz Lindsay, owner and executive chef of Pulito Osteria in Belhaven, had plans to cook only “composed, highly stylized, technique-driven cuisine” after culinary school and experience in a 3-star Michelin restaurant in New York City, but his fascination with farm-to-table foods
thankfully won out. He now lives by the motto: “Buy nice ingredients. Treat them well. Do as little to them as possible.” He adds that, for Pulito, it’s really about taking pride in where their foods are sourced from, namely local vendors and farmers.
Pulito
SOULFUL HISTORIAN PAMELA JUNIOR
PamelaD.C. Junior is the director emeritus of the Two Mississippi Museums: The Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. Before her role with The Two Mississippi Museums, she was the director of the Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center, a museum dedicated to the preservation and continuation of African American history and culture in Mississippi and the Deep South.
Junior grew up in Jackson and has seen the city change and evolve in many ways over the years, but one thing has remained the same: “The history of Mississippi is complicated. The history of Jackson is complicated.
Jackson is a Freedom Movement city. The state of Mississippi is a Freedom Movement state. When you walk in Downtown Jackson, if you walk on any of these streets around the museum, there is history.”
About a decade after graduating from Jackson State University and moving to Washington, D.C., for a job with the National Park Service, Junior returned to Jackson.
Junior started as a manager at the Smith Robertson Museum in 1999. During her time there, she worked tirelessly to improve and develop exhibits, as well as to find ways to connect to young people learning about the complicated history of Mississippi for the first time. She recalls a particular encounter with a young lady during her time at the museum: “I was doing a tour upstairs, and we were talking about the enslavement of Africans, and she held her hand up and asked me a question.
She said, ‘Were you a slave?’ That question still sticks with me because she needed something that she could see, visually, so that she could understand. Me just telling her wouldn’t work because she couldn’t equate the two. So, that’s why words and graphics are important to children, so that these buildings can be educational too.”
The lessons learned through her time at the Smith Robertson Museum paved the way directly to her role as the inaugural director of the two largest museums in the state. She says that she clearly remembers the moment she realized what her purpose is, and has found that “when you are able to find your purpose and live what has been written out for you, then hey, you are having the best time in your life. And I’ve been having the best time of my life by going around and talking about the history of Mississippi, talking about the history of Black folks and just enjoying it and getting people excited about some of the greatest people that were ever created. Just ordinary people who did phenomenal things that changed me, that changed my life, that changed generations to come.”
Although she is now retired, Junior continues to carry her light into the lives of those around her, as well as into the future of Jackson. “I feel the past, I feel the soul of Jackson. It’s an amazing place. I know that the City With Soul is still here. We ain’t going nowhere. And I look forward to seeing everything that’s going to happen here.”
DOWNTOWN
DOWNTOWN is the heart of the city, where a vibrant mix of government, museums, historic architecture, and public art come together to create a thriving commercial and residential hub. Music enthusiasts will be thrilled to experience the JACKSON INDIE MUSIC WEEK, while the MISSISSIPPI COMIC CON and MISTLETOE MARKETPLACE attract thousands of visitors annually at the Mississippi Trade Mart. THE MS MAKERS FEST celebrates local arts, JXN FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL highlights the rich culinary landscape, and the MISSISSIPPI BOOK FESTIVAL brings together renowned authors at the State Capitol. Join in the festive spirit with PRIDE WEEKEND and HAL’S ST. PADDY’S PARADE & FESTIVAL. Lace up your shoes for the exhilarating MISSISSIPPI BLUES MARATHON and bring the whole family for a joyful time at the DIXIE NATIONAL RODEO and the MISSISSIPPI STATE FAIR at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds. To cap off the year, don’t miss out on CAPITAL CITY LIGHTS, Jackson’s annual celebration of the holiday season.
When it comes to dining, Downtown offers a rich array of culinary delights at establishments like the MAYFLOWER CAFÉ (the oldest restaurant in the city), HAL & MAL’S, SUGAR’S PLACE, and ESTELLE SOUTHERN TABLE, where you can enjoy regional favorites. For a taste of history and local culture, be sure to visit THE BIG APPLE INN, THE IRON HORSE GRILL , and JOHNNY T’S BISTRO & BLUES.
Downtown Jackson holds a significant place in history, having played a pivotal role in the Freedom Movement of the 1960s. The FARISH STREET HISTORIC DISTRICT was a central point for activism and protest, with local leaders like MEDGAR EVERS and organizations such as the NAACP leading efforts to challenge segregation and discrimination. The Freedom Riders’ stop at the GREYHOUND BUS STATION in 1961 marked a crucial moment in the movement, as activists standing up against segregation faced violence, and heroes like HEZEKIAH WATKINS emerged.
MISSISSIPPI STATE FAIR
MISTLETOE MARKETPLACE
MAYFLOWER CAFE
FONDREN
FONDREN is Jackson’s hip, eclectic, ever-growing and evercreative arts district. Home to a dynamic mix of nearly thirty locally owned eateries, bars, coffee shops, and boutiques, this neighborhood pulsates with creativity, offering a rich tapestry of music, visual arts, and unique experiences. Fondren has preserved its character since being incorporated into Jackson in 1925. Today, it’s celebrated for its diverse, inclusive community and lively atmosphere.
For those looking to indulge in culinary delights, Fondren does not disappoint. With options like ALADDIN MEDITERRANEAN GRILL, THE PIG & PINT, WALKER’S DRIVE-IN, BRENT’S DRUGS, THE APOTHECARY, SALTINE, AMERIGO ITALIAN RESTAURANT, GREEN GHOST TACOS, LITTLE TOKYO, CAMPBELL’S BAKERY, BASIL’S, ROOSTER’S, and ZUNDO RAMEN BAR, your taste buds are in for a treat. Coffee aficionados will find their haven at CUPS, THE BEAN, PJ’S, or SOULÉ, perfect spots to sip and savor.
The district’s latest addition, THE BLOCK, offers an eclectic mix of entertainment. From movies at THE CAPRI THEATRE and pizza at THE STATION to bowling and dining at HIGHBALL LANES and live events at FONDREN YARD, it’s a one-stop destination for fun. Fondren’s cultural calendar is bustling, with music venues like DULING HALL and END OF ALL MUSIC, literary events at LEMURIA BOOKS, and the festive spirit of FONDREN UNWRAPPED, a holiday celebration that brings the community together.
FONDREN MURAL
FONDREN CORNER
WALKER’S DRIVE-IN
JXN ROLLER DERBY
BELHAVEN & BELHAVEN HEIGHTS
FERTILE GROUND
Immerse yourself in the historic BELHAVEN NEIGHBORHOOD, a picturesque enclave where early 1900s craftsman homes and distinctive local businesses line tree-canopied streets. In Belhaven, you’ll find two prestigious institutions, BELHAVEN UNIVERSITY and MILLSAPS COLLEGE.
Stroll through the heart of the neighborhood, BELHAVEN TOWN CENTER, and indulge in a diverse culinary journey. PULITO OSTERIA, ELVIE’S, WING MOUTH, and POPPY PIES can satisfy any palate. GOOD BAR, MAYDAY ICE CREAM, and FERTILE GROUND BEER CO., the city’s sole brewery, add to the mix, all conveniently located within walking distance of each other.
Further enrich your Belhaven experience with THE MANSHIP, the cozy LIBRARY LOUNGE at THE FAIRVIEW INN, and KEIFER’S, each offering unique dining and drinking experiences.
An unmissable highlight of the holiday season is the BELHAVEN SINGING CHRISTMAS TREE. And for those who appreciate literary and historical treasures, the historic home and gardens of Pulitzer Prize-winning author and photographer EUDORA WELTY, a revered Belhaven resident, welcome visitors for tours and special events throughout the year.
Situated atop one of the highest spots in Jackson, the BELHAVEN HEIGHTS NEIGHBORHOOD is steeped in a history that predates its neighbor, Belhaven. Home to historic dwellings such as THE OAKS, a residence notable for its female ownership from its beginning, Belhaven Heights offers a window into the architectural heritage of Jackson. Despite its compact size, the neighborhood is celebrated for its small-but-mighty culinary players like URBAN FOXES, SUNFLOWER OVEN, and THE PIZZA SHACK. Venture along the MUSEUM TRAIL, Jackson’s inaugural rails-to-trails transformation, that gives passage from the LEFLEUR MUSEUM DISTRICT to the TWO MISSISSIPPI MUSEUMS, with plans for future expansion. The neighborhood’s annual highlight, BELHAVEN BRIGHT LIGHTS, is a family-oriented festival combining local business and food with a day filled with music, entertainment, and community spirit.
BELHAVEN SINGING CHIRSTMAS TREE MUSEUM TRAIL
SUNFLOWER OVEN
PULITO OSTERIA
EUDORA WELTY’S HOME ELVIE’S
LEFLEUR EAST & NORTH JACKSON
MS MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE
Explore the historic roots of Jackson at its founding spot, LEFLEUR EAST, once known as LEFLEUR’S BLUFF. This dynamic neighborhood offers exceptional dining, retail, and tourism experiences. Home to the LEFLEUR MUSEUM DISTRICT, LeFleur East proudly hosts four of the state’s award-winning museums (MS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM, MS MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE, MS AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY MUSEUM, and MS SPORTS HALL OF FAME).
Indulge in some of the city’s finest restaurants at HIGHLAND VILLAGE, featuring APLOS SIMPLE MEDITERRANEAN, CHAR, BRAVO! ITALIAN RESTAURANT & BAR, LA COUR KITCHEN AND BAR, and TUK TUK BOOM. Explore Canton Mart Square for Southern fare at CRAZY CAT EAT UP or HICKORY PIT, head to THE DISTRICT AT EASTOVER for SAL & MOOKIE’S NEW YORK PIZZA & ICE CREAM JOINT and EUDORA’S MISSISSIPPI BRASSERIE or try Maywood Mart for SAMBOU’S AFRICAN KITCHEN. Don’t miss out on annual events like the FARM BUREAU WATERMELON CLASSIC 5K RUN/WALK, MISSISSIPPI SCIENCE FEST, and WELLSFEST at JAMIE FOWLER BOYLL PARK.
Discover the multifaceted charm of NORTH JACKSON, where retail, recreation, and history intertwine. Each year, the prestigious PGA TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP unfolds at the COUNTRY CLUB OF JACKSON. Food enthusiasts can savor diverse menus at local gems like DRAGO’S, and THE BULLDOG. The celebrated HBCU TOUGALOO COLLEGE served as a vital organizing center and safe space for Civil Rights activists and leaders like MEDGAR EVERS and FANNIE LOU HAMER. Notably, the brave actions of the TOUGALOO NINE at the segregated JACKSON MUNICIPAL LIBRARY challenged racial segregation and made significant contributions to Mississippi’s broader struggle for civil rights
LEFLEUR’S BLUFF STATE PARK
FARM BUREAU WATERMELON CLASSIC 5K RUN/WALK WELLSFEST
SAMBOU’S AFRICAN KITCHEN
SANDERSON FARMS CHAMPIONSHIP
DRAGO’S
TOUGALOO COLLEGE
WEST JACKSON & SOUTH JACKSON
JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY
WEST JACKSON is a rich tapestry of history and culture. The neighborhood is home to the esteemed HBCU JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY and the historic JACKSON ZOO, founded in 1919. Indulge in delicious meals at local favorites like STAMPS SUPER BURGERS and BULLY’S SOUL FOOD RESTAURANT for an authentic taste of Jackson. Celebrate unity and the city’s significance as a Civil Rights site during the annual MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. PARADE, where hundreds of Jacksonians come together to honor the legacy of the Civil Rights leader. The home of Civil Rights leaders MEDGAR AND MYRLIE EVERS, now a National Park Service monument, stands as a moving symbol of the struggles faced in the pursuit of equality.
In SOUTH JACKSON, immerse yourself in Jackson’s rich history at sites like the historic MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN MODEL at BUDDY BUTTS PARK, a WWII-era Corps of Engineers project that documents the entire Mississippi River basin system. The vibrant JUNETEENTH MISSISSIPPI HOMECOMING CELEBRATION is a multi-day event celebrating culture, community, and creativity. Delight in the timeless flavors of CRECHALE’S CAFE, which has been serving the city since 1956.
JACKSON ZOO
MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN MODEL
MEDGAR & MYRLIE EVERS HOME
BULLY’S SOUL FOOD RESTAURANT
CRECHALE’S CAFE
STAMPS SUPER BURGERS
MIDTOWN
NICK WALLACE CULINARY
MIDTOWN is known for its industrial roots and burgeoning creative scene. It’s a place where creators, from glass artists to culinary geniuses, converge. At the heart of the community is PEARL RIVER GLASS STUDIO, renowned for its glass creations and open for tours. THE HATCH serves as a hub of innovation for MISSISSIPPI COLD DRIP, alongside CHEF NICK WALLACE’S CULINARY, while NORTHSHORE COFFEE ROASTERS makes its home at the former Lucky Town Brewery. D+P DESIGN BUILD’S bespoke furniture, celebrated nationwide, originates here, while RED SQUARED’S cutting-edge production facilities bring documentaries to the global stage.
For those seeking a blend of culture and comfort, COFFEE PROSE offers the perfect nook for coffee lovers and bibliophiles, and CS’S dishes out some of the city’s finest burgers. Seasonally, Midtown transforms, hosting HOLIDAY STUDIO TOURS in the winter and celebrating its rich tapestry of artisans and musicians with MIDFEST in the summer.
Scan this QR code to see more of JXN’s lively neighborhoods and events.
MIDTOWN RAILYARD
COFFEE PROSE
PEARL RIVER GLASS STUDIO
concert promotion • festival management • concert booking
award-winning live music & events venue tickets tickets
“WE HAVE COME A MIGHTY LONG WAY, BUT WE STILL HAVE A MIGHTY LONG WAY TO GO.”
FREE SPIRIT JOAN TRUMPAUER MULHOLLAND
Joan Trumpauer Mulholland was born in Washington, D.C., in 1941, and has lived and worked in the Virginia and D.C. areas her entire life. A part of her heart is here in Jackson, though—specifically at Tougaloo College.
As an active participant in the Civil Rights Movement, Mulholland felt pulled to Mississippi and applied to Tougaloo College where she got an up-close-andpersonal experience with some of the leaders of the movement, including Dr. King and Medgar Evers. “It was the center of the Civil Rights Movement for the state of Mississippi. Anybody who was coming down to work for Civil Rights came through here,” she said. Inspired by the work being done in and around Jackson, Mulholland became a part of history as one of the Woolworth’s Three alongside Tougaloo professor John Salter and Anne Moody (author of Coming of Age In Mississippi).
On a recent visit to Jackson, Mulholland noted, “Over the years, Jackson has become a really different city.
Well, physically, buildings torn down and other ones put in. And the old Woolworth lunch counter where I sat-in is gone. But man, the most amazing thing to me is the first state-sponsored Civil Rights museum in the entire United States is in Jackson, Mississippi. We aren’t what we used to be down here. And it’s hard to believe, but it’s true.”
Although her marching days are over, at 83 years of age Mulholland continues to shine her light. “We need to remember that you can change the world if you’re really working at it. And there’s a lot of work left to be done. I say, remember, you take your issue to the streets or the lunch counter or wherever the lawyers take it to the courts, but the press takes your issue to the world. Always remember the power of the press.”
“We have come a mighty long way, but we still have a mighty long way to go.”
THINGS TO DO
INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM OF MUSLIM CULTURES
Downtown | immuslimcultures.org
Unique in America, the IMMC is dedicated to education about Islamic history and culture, showcasing the contributions of Muslims to the global community, and highlighting the diversity of the Muslim community. The museum features two permanent exhibitions: The Legacy of Timbuktu, which uncovers Africa’s literate culture, and Islamic Moorish Spain: Its Legacy to Europe and the West, which highlights Muslim contributions across various fields in Spain.
INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM OF MUSLIM CULTURES
COFO CIVIL RIGHTS EDUCATION CENTER
West Jackson | jsums.edu/cofo
Established in 1961, the Council of Federated Organizations (COFO) played a pivotal role in unifying Civil Rights organizations in Mississippi, focusing on voter registration and education. Its legacy is continued through the center, reopened by JSU in 2011.
EUDORA WELTY HOUSE & GARDEN
Belhaven | eudoraweltyhouse.com
Eudora Welty, born in 1909, was an internationally acclaimed author. Her Jackson home, now a National Historic Landmark, features one of the country’s best-preserved literary homes and a beautifully reconstructed garden representing the 1925-1945 period.
JACKSON ZOO
West Jackson | jacksonzoo.org
Located on 110 acres in West Jackson, the 104-yearold zoo provides the opportunity to observe and study wildlife from around the world and region and hosts events as an anchor for the neighborhood.
LEFLEUR’S BLUFF EDUCATION AND TOURISM COMPLEX
LeFleur East | mschildrensmuseum.org/museum-updates/ lefleurs-bluff-complex
Shared between the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science and the Mississippi Children’s Museum, the complex features an innovative 30,000-square-foot playground with 80 play activities, including 73 features designed for children with accessibility needs. Featuring the unique Wedra play structure, the playground is covered by shade structures for year-round outdoor play. Recent additions include Spotter’s Adventure Trail and The Den, an open-air amphitheater.
LEFLEUR’S BLUFF STATE PARK
LeFleur East | mdwfp.com
This beautiful urban park is located on 305 acres of woodlands that are home to hiking trails with views of the Pearl River, picnic areas, playgrounds, and Mayes Lake for fishing. LeFleur’s Bluff has excellent RV and primitive camping options, with utility hookups, campground bathhouses, and comfort stations.
LEFLEUR’S BLUFF EDUCATION AND TOURISM COMPLEX
EUDORA WELTY HOUSE & GARDEN
LEFLEUR’S BLUFF STATE PARK
MISSISSIPPI BLUES TRAIL
MEDGAR & MYRLIE EVERS HOME NATIONAL MONUMENT
MISSISSIPPI AGRICULTURE & FORESTRY MUSEUM AND NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL AVIATION MUSEUM
MARGARET WALKER CENTER
West Jackson | jsums.edu/margaretwalkercenter
Margaret Walker established the center on Jackson State University’s campus in 1968. Originally named the Institute for the Study of the History, Life, and Culture of Black People, the center aims to honor Walker’s academic work, artistic achievements, and activism through archival collections, exhibits, and public programs.
MEDGAR & MYRLIE EVERS HOME NATIONAL MONUMENT
West Jackson | nps.gov/memy
Medgar Evers, the first NAACP field secretary in Jackson, was assassinated on June 12, 1963. The renovated house and surrounding neighborhood vividly convey the simple yet profound aspirations for freedom and opportunity that fueled the Civil Rights Movement. The national monument serves as a museum and historic site. Tours are available.
MISSISSIPPI AGRICULTURE & FORESTRY MUSEUM AND NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL AVIATION MUSEUM
LeFleur East | msagmuseum.org
This 40-acre complex vividly depicts Mississippi’s agricultural and forestry heritage, featuring a 40,000-square-foot Heritage Center with lifelike exhibits and artifacts tracing the history of agriculture. The outdoor exhibits, including the FortenberryParkman Farm and Bisland Cotton Gin, transport visitors to early Mississippi farm life, while the “Small Town, Mississippi” restoration offers a glimpse into daily life circa 1920. The Children’s Barnyard and Multi-Purpose Center provide additional attractions in this immersive and award-winning space.
MISSISSIPPI BLUES TRAIL
Downtown | msbluestrail.org
The Mississippi Blues Trail is a great way to explore the genre’s history, taking you on a journey through the names and places that helped shape it. Catch a live blues performance in Jackson, and you’ll experience the raw emotion and energy that only authentic blues musicians can deliver.
MISSISSIPPI CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
LeFleur East | mschildrensmuseum.org
The award-winning 50,000-square-foot facility offers hands-on exhibits and programs encompassing cultural arts, literacy, health, nutrition, STEM subjects, and Mississippi history. Hosting over two dozen major events annually, such as the Dr. Seuss Silly Birthday Celebration and adult-only Neon Night, the museum provides engaging experiences for children and families.
MISSISSIPPI CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
MISSISSIPPI CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM
Downtown | mscivilrightsmuseum.com
Experience the powerful stories of the Mississippi Civil Rights Movement that transformed the nation at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. With eight interactive exhibits, the museum showcases the bravery and sacrifices of the people who fought for civil rights and their impact on American history. Visitors can enjoy dual admission to both the Civil Rights and Mississippi History museums with one ticket.
MISSISSIPPI FREEDOM TRAIL
Downtown | msbluestrail.org
The Mississippi Freedom Trail provides a tour of the state and those sites that played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement. See markers at the home of Medgar Evers, the Greyhound Bus Station, Mississippi State Capitol, Council of Federated Organizations Civil Rights Education Center, Tougaloo College, Jackson State University, and the site of the 1963 sit-in at Woolworth’s.
MISSISSIPPI GOVERNOR’S MANSION
Downtown | mdah.ms.gov
According to architect William Nichols, this stunning Greek Revival mansion was built to adhere to “...simplicity.” The mansion, which is a National Historic Landmark, holds the distinction of being the secondoldest continuously occupied gubernatorial residence in the United States.
MUSEUM OF MISSISSIPPI HISTORY
Downtown | museumofmshistory.com
The Museum of Mississippi History offers visitors an interactive and engaging experience that spans over 15,000 years of state history. The museum showcases a range of exhibits, including a 500-year-old Native American canoe, author Eudora Welty’s typewriter, and a recreated Delta jukejoint. The theme of “One Mississippi, Many Stories” is woven throughout the galleries. Visitors can enjoy dual admission to both the Mississippi History and Civil Rights museums with one ticket.
MISSISSIPPI SPORTS HALL OF FAME
LeFleur East | msfame.com
ESPN named the museum one of the Top 10 “Most Amazing Baseball Museums in America.” The interactive exhibits feature archival footage, biographical information, and interviews with famous Mississippi athletes like Jerry Rice, Archie Manning, Ralph Boston, and Dizzy Dean.
MISSISSIPPI MUSEUM OF ART
Downtown | msmuseumart.org
Explore the largest art museum in Mississippi, where over 4,000 works of art await to inspire and move you, including the world’s most extensive collection of pieces by and about Mississippians in the permanent collection, New Symphony of Time. Take in the beauty of the Art Garden, where you can dine al fresco and attend outdoor events.
MISSISSIPPI MUSEUM TRAIL
Downtown to LeFleur Museum District | themuseumtrail.com
The Museum Trail is a 3-mile greenway and multi-use trail stretching from the Mississippi Farmers Market to the Mississippi Children’s Museum. The trail connects walkers and bikers to communities, parks, public art, museums, and more—providing direct access to LeFleur’s Bluff State Park, the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, the Mississippi History Museum, and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum.
MISSISSIPPI CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM
MISSISSIPPI MUSEUM OF ART
MISSISSIPPI MUSIC EXPERIENCE AT THE IRON HORSE GRILL
Downtown | theironhorsegrill.com
The Mississippi Music Experience exhibit showcases the rich history of Mississippi, the “Birthplace of America’s Music.” It features a timeline hall that begins in the 1800s and progresses to the current music scene, as well as lifesize models of famous Mississippi musicians created by international award-winning artist Anne Robin Luckett.
SO MUCH TO SEE AND DO! START BY SIMPLY SCANNING THIS QR CODE.
MISSISSIPPI STATE CAPITOL
MISSISSIPPI MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE
LeFleur East | mdwfp.com/museum
Visit an aquarium with over 200 native fish species, reptiles, and amphibians, and a 300-acre nature area with a 2.5-mile nature trail for birding or a stroll. Observe alligators, turtles, and fish in their natural habitat in the Swamp exhibit and find traveling exhibitions and educational programming throughout the year.
MISSISSIPPI STATE CAPITOL
Downtown | legislature.ms.gov
The Mississippi State Capitol, established as the state’s government headquarters in 1903, was declared a Mississippi Landmark in 1986 and a National Historic Landmark in 2016. During tours, visitors can explore its Beaux Arts-style architecture, learn about its rich history, and take a closer look inside the Senate and House of Representatives chambers.
The Old Capitol building is an exemplary piece of Greek Revival architecture and a National Historic Landmark. It was the state capitol between 1839 and 1903, hosting significant events like the passing of the Ordinance of Secession. From 1959-1961, the Old Capitol was renovated and turned into the state’s historical museum. It was refurbished again in 2022 and restored to its original grandeur.
SMITH ROBERTSON MUSEUM AND CULTURAL CENTER
Downtown | smithrobertsonmcc.com
The Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center was established in 1894 as The West Jackson Colored School. It was named after Smith Robertson, the first African American alderman in the City of Jackson. The museum houses historical artifacts that highlight the roles of African Americans in Mississippi, the Southeast, and America’s Civil Rights Movement.
WAR MEMORIAL BUILDING
Downtown | mdah.state.ms.us
The Mississippi War Memorial Building is a monument to the brave souls who sacrificed their lives for their country. It features unique cast-aluminum doors and panels depicting battle scenes dating back to 1736. The Art Deco building houses displays of weapons, uniforms, maps, photographs, Medals of Honor, and other artifacts from various wars.
MISSISSIPPI MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE
MISSISSIPPI MUSIC EXPERIENCE AT THE IRON HORSE GRILL
