Mississippi Road Trips: 5 Can’t Miss Stops

Note: All travel is subject to frequently changing governmental restrictions—please check federal, state and local advisories before scheduling trips. This article was updated on August 20, 2020.

Mississippi exudes Southern charm and hospitality, while its Blues music permeates the soul. We’ve teamed up with the “Most Road Tripped Man in the World,” Mike Shubic of MikesRoadTrip.com, to share some of the top things not to miss when exploring Mississippi.

I have been on two Mississippi road trips, including a Blues Trail road trip through the Delta region of the state. Route 61 (known as the Blues Highway) is an unforgettable journey and a delicious slice of Americana. I enjoyed the rural quirkiness and found it necessary to budget extra time for entertaining unscheduled conversations. I also found that driving along the southern Gulf Coast of Mississippi showcases the coastal scenic beauty of Route 90—where the beaches and emerald green waters, antebellum mansions shrouded in centuries-old oaks, and the diverse wildlife take center stage.

Photo by: Mike Shubic of @MikesRoadTrip

From the Blues Highway, Coastal Route 90, to the Trace Natchez Parkway, many of the roads through Mississippi personify the American road trip experience. Here are some of the favorite things I’ve experienced during my Mississippi road trips.

TUNICA

In Tunica there is a stunning architectural structure resting on the eastern banks of the mighty Mississippi—keeper of all things having to do with the river, it’s home to the Tunica RiverPark & Museum. This interpretive center overlooking the river is filled with authentic artifacts and exhibits, showcasing the history, nature and culture of the Mississippi River and Delta region. The 48-foot high observation platform provides some stunning views of the river in both directions. There is also a two-mile nature trail nestled within a 130-acre hardwood forest. The trail follows the river over the wetland area and into the woods behind the levee. A good home base while exploring the Delta is the Gold Strike Casino Resort. They even offer smoke-free gaming.

Photo by: Mike Shubic of @MikesRoadTrip

CLARKSDALE

Just forty minutes south of Tunica is the Crossroads, a famous landmark in Clarksdale that is said to be the site where Jack Johnson sold his soul to the devil. Clarksdale is also the birthplace of the Blues and home to the annual Juke Joint Festival, where Blues music is performed on nearly every street corner and inside the clubs. While in Clarksdale, don’t miss stopping by Ground Zero Blues Club. It’s a fun venue offering some pretty good soul food. [Interesting Note: Ground Zero is co-owned by Oscar-winning actor Morgan Freeman]. Clarksdale is a community steeped in history with rugged character to boot. The photographic opportunities are endless, and so, too, are the listening pleasures.

Ground Zero Blues club in Carksdale ,MS by MikesRoadTrip.com

Photo by: Mike Shubic of @MikesRoadTrip

INDIANOLA

Indianola is home to the foremost ambassador to the Blues, B.B. King, so it made sense to build a facility to pay homage to the legend. The B.B. King Museum is located on a very interesting site…an old cotton gin where B.B. worked as a kid. It’s really an amazing venue and not just a tribute to Mr. King, but also a wonderful historical representative of the Blues music in general.

While in town, be sure to check out The Crown, a charming restaurant that serves some of the best catfish in Mississippi. The Crown is much more than just a restaurant; it’s an art gallery, gift shop and bookstore all rolled into one. Note: Dessert is served a bit differently at the Crown. After your meal you can head to the back of the restaurant where a large table displays an array of desserts. You simply help yourself by grabbing a large slice of pie, or taking a sliver of everything they have to offer.

B.B. King Museum by Mike Shubic of MikesRoadTrip.com

Photo by: Mike Shubic of @MikesRoadTrip

VICKSBURG

The legendary Blues Highway runs right through the heart and soul of Vicksburg. This historically significant town is home to the National Military Park, where the famous battle of Vicksburg was fought and won by General Ulysses S. Grant, who would become our 18th president. The park sprawls over 1800 acres with a 16-mile driving tour. It is home to over 1300 monuments playing tribute to those who fought and died.

The National Military Park is incredibly well maintained, and beyond its historical interest, is a haunting reminder of our past—especially when walking through the cemetery and seeing all the headstones lined up one after another. Vicksburg has a lot to offer beyond the park, like its antebellum homes, museums and Blues music venues, but the National Military Park is certainly the highlight.

National-Military-Park in Vicksburg by MikesRoadTrip.com

Photo by: Mike Shubic of @MikesRoadTrip

BILOXI

The coastal drive through Biloxi is a delightful contrast to other parts of Mississippi. As an admirer of architecture, I’m a big fan of Frank Gehry, the most prolific and distinctive architect of our time. Gehry is to 21st century architectural design, what Frank Lloyd Wright was to the 20th. Gehry’s work is unmistakable, so when I was driving through Biloxi, I knew right away that the Ohr-O’Keefe Musem of Art had to be one of his designs.

The museum is situated on a four-acre campus, set within a grove of ancient Oak trees. Frank Gehry designed a series of six small pavilions woven among the trees that are connected by an open brick plaza. This creates an inviting and lively arts campus that maintains a park-like setting that encourages pedestrian circulation throughout the site. While exploring Mississippi road trips along the coast, one of the nicer places to stay in Biloxi is the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.