Jackson

Jackson is the capital of Mississippi, situated at the junction of Interstate 55 (north-south) and Interstate 20 (east-west) in the central part of the state. While it may not offer the tourism polish of some other Southern capitals, Jackson is the state's largest metropolitan area and an essential stopover for travelers heading to other parts of Mississippi. The city has a rich history — it grew from a trading post called LeFleur's Bluff to become a major manufacturing and military center during the Civil War, though General Sherman burned it twice, destroying much of its antebellum architecture.

Jackson played a significant role in the American Civil Rights movement, from Freedom Riders demonstrations to marches. Today, the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument honor that legacy. The city's museum district, anchored by the Museum of Mississippi History, the Mississippi Museum of Art, and the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, provides cultural depth beyond what many expect from Mississippi's capital. The Eudora Welty House & Garden preserves the home of the Nobel Prize-winning author.

Jackson's climate features hot, humid summers (highs in the low 90s°F/33°C) and mild winters (highs in the 50s–60s°F/10–15°C). Spring and fall are the most pleasant seasons. The city sits in the Pine Belt region with gently rolling terrain.

By Plane

Jackson-Evers International Airport (JAN), at 100 International Dr (+1 601-939-5631), offers direct flights from major cities via Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United, and American Eagle. Connections are available to Charlotte, Memphis, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston (Bush and Hobby), Atlanta, Chicago (Midway and O'Hare), Baltimore, Washington-National, and Orlando.

By Train

Amtrak serves Jackson once daily on the City of New Orleans route between Chicago and New Orleans. Union Station is at 300 W Capitol St, just west of downtown, and also serves as a local bus hub.

By Car / Road

Downtown Jackson is at the junction of I-55 and I-20. New Orleans is about 190 miles (310 km) south; Memphis is about 210 miles (340 km) north; Dallas is about 300 miles (480 km) west; Atlanta is about 320 miles (510 km) east. Greyhound bus service is available from Union Station.

JATRAN, the city transit system, operates buses from Union Station six days a week until shortly after 5PM. Phone: +1 601-948-7140. However, the system is not considered safe or efficient by locals. A car is strongly recommended for getting around Jackson, particularly after dark.

Landmarks and Monuments

• Old Capitol Museum (100 S State St): The original Mississippi statehouse from 1839–1903, one of the few buildings to survive Sherman's burning.
• New State Capitol (400 High St, +1 601-359-3114): Built in 1903 in Beaux Arts style with a classy rotunda. The golden American Bald Eagle atop the building sometimes shifts direction due to severe weather.
• Mississippi Governor's Mansion (300 E Capitol St, +1 601-359-6421): Tu-F 9:30–11:30AM. A fine antebellum specimen that survived the Civil War.
• Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument (2332 Margaret W Alexander Dr, +1 601-345-7211): The home of civil rights activist Medgar Evers, where he was assassinated in 1963.

Museums

• Mississippi Civil Rights Museum (222 North St, +1 601-576-6800): Tu-Sa 9AM–5PM, Su 11AM–5PM. Free admission Sundays. Located in the same building as Museum of Mississippi History.
• Museum of Mississippi History (222 North Street, +1 601-576-6800): Tu-Sa 9AM–5PM, Su 11AM–5PM. $15 adults, $13 seniors and military, $8 youth (4–22), free under 3. Free on Sundays.
• Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S Lamar St, +1 601-960-1515): Th-Sa 10AM–5PM, Su noon–5PM. Works by O'Keeffe, Cassatt, and Mississippi artists. Free.
• Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum (1150 Lakeland Dr, +1 601-432-4500): M-Sa 9AM–5PM. Living history farm, cotton and catfish exhibits, and farm animal barnyard. $6/adult, $4/concession.
• Mississippi Museum of Natural Science (2148 Riverside Dr, +1 601-576-6000): M-F 8AM–5PM, Sa 9AM–5PM, Su 1–5PM. $6/adult, $4/child, $5/senior, free under 3.
• Russell C Davis Planetarium (201 E Pascagoula St, +1 601-960-1552): $8 adults for digital show.
• Eudora Welty House & Garden (1109 Pinehurst St, +1 601-353-7762): House tours by reservation. Home of the Nobel Prize-winning author. $10 adult, $8 senior.

Parks

• Jackson Zoo (2918 W Capitol St, +1 601-352-2580)

• LeFleur's Bluff State Park (3315 Lakeland Terrace): State park with recreational opportunities.

• Walking Tours: The Mississippi Civil Rights Trail and historic downtown offer self-guided walking tours. The LeFleur Museum District clusters several museums in one area.

• LeFleur Museum District Pass: Combines admission to multiple museums in the area.

• University Campus Visits: Jackson State University and other institutions contribute to the city's cultural landscape.

• Budget: Motel 6 and other budget options along I-20 and I-55 corridors.
• Mid-range: Hilton Garden Inn Jackson and Holiday Inn properties near the airport and downtown, approximately $100–150/night.
• Upscale: The Hilton Jackson and other full-service hotels in the downtown area and along I-55, approximately $150–250/night.

• Vicksburg (40 miles west on I-20, ~45 minutes): Vicksburg National Military Park and the Biedenharn Museum of Coca-Cola Memorabilia.
• Natchez (100 miles south on US-61/Natchez Trace, ~1 hour 45 minutes): Antebellum mansions and Natchez Trace Parkway.
• Hattiesburg (90 miles south on US-49, ~1.5 hours): University of Southern Mississippi and Longleaf Trace.
• Meridian (90 miles east on I-20, ~1 hour 15 minutes): Historic architecture and Jimmie Rogers Museum.
• Memphis, Tennessee (210 miles north on I-55, ~3 hours): Beale Street, Sun Studio, and barbecue.