Mississippi summers may be brutally hot, but that’s no reason not to look forward to them. There are plenty of amazing things to do in the state during the warmer months. From water activities (which are practically a necessity) to indoor fun, these 15 awesome things should definitely be on your Mississippi bucket list this summer.
- Take a day trip to Ship Island.
SC Cunningham/Flickr Just a short boat ride from the Gulf Coast, Ship Island is a tropical paradise, complete with gorgeous white beaches and beautiful blue water. The perfect way to spend a hot afternoon, a trip to Ship Island should be on everyone’s summer to-do list.
- Visit the Capitol Building and the Old Capitol Museum.
Steven Martin/Flickr Both considered architectural masterpieces, these two structures have just as much to offer on the outside as they do on the inside. For more information on touring the Capitol Building, click here. Information on the Old Capitol Museum can be found here.
- Cool off at a water park.
geyserfalls.com Between standard water parks with slides and lazy rivers to state parks that offer tubing, canoeing, and kayaking, the options for cooling off in Mississippi are virtually endless. Check out our listing of water parks here, and don’t miss Geyser Falls.
- Visit some of the state’s waterfalls.
Jeff Schreier/Flickr Believe it or not, the state is actually home to several waterfalls, and since many are located within state parks, you’ll have access to other amenities. Don’t know where to start? Check out “The Ultimate Mississippi Waterfalls Road Trip” here.
- Spend the day picking blueberries.
Visit Mississippi/Flickr While the summer brings unbearable heat, it also brings with it something much sweeter – blueberries. The state is filled with “you pick” farms. One of the largest in Mississippi, Mount Olive’s Blue River Farms and Nursery, has been in the business of blueberries for over 30 years. After signing in at the “Berry Barn,” visitors can get to pickin’ and are guaranteed the largest and sweetest blueberries around.
- Check out the Neshoba County Fair.
Neshoba County Fair/Facebook Known as “Mississippi’s Giant House Party,” the Neshoba County Fair attracts thousands of people from all across the country every year. The week-long event is made up of a ton of activities that include everything from rides to political speeches, but the best part is the fact that there are on-site cabins, basically creating an amazing summer camp atmosphere for people of all ages.
- Ride the rapids on the Okatoma.
okatomacreek.com Located on the Okatoma, Seminary Canoe Rental can provide an experience like no other and has even been rated the #1 “float in the state.” After enjoying a day of canoeing or kayaking, turn in for the night in one of the four on-site cabins, making for an unforgettable experience.
- Tour the Biloxi Lighthouse.
Becky Seymour Gatian/Facebook After receiving a nearly half million dollar renovation several years ago, this renowned city landmark is better than ever. The lighthouse is open daily for tours, which cost $5 for adults and $2 for children ages 2 – 12. Get more information here.
- Plan a beach getaway.
Front Beach Cottages/Facebook There are a ton of B and B’s scattered along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, making it the perfect place to spend a relaxing weekend. Front Beach Cottages in Ocean Springs is a great spot to check out (or check-in). The serene cottages are located within walking distance from the beach, shops, and restaurants.
- Take a trip to the past.
Amy Allmand From historic homes to battlefields, the state is filled with opportunities to revisit the past. Click here for a listing of all of the state sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places here.
- See the state in a whole new way.
kingedwardhoteljackson.com Located across from the Amtrak station in downtown Jackson, the Hilton Garden Inn is a great stop-over while viewing the state in one of the most unique ways – a train tour. The themed tours, which run from Biloxi to Meridian are a great way to do some sightseeing while experiencing Mississippi history and culture.
- Check out Columbus’ Market Street Festival.
Market Street Festival/Facebook For 17 years, the Market Street Festival has been included in the Southeast Tourism Society’s list of top events in the state. Attracting about 40,000 people on an annual basis, the two-day festival is held the first weekend in May and features more than 200 arts, crafts, and food vendors, musical entertainment, and numerous activities for the entire family.
- Take a dip in an old fashioned swimming hole at Merit Water Park.
Janice McAlpin Wallace/Facebook When you think of ideal summertime activities, swimming will inevitably come to mind, and where better to do that than an old fashioned swimming hole? The best part is that the swimming hole is spring fed, which means the water is nice and cold all year long.
- Sail away to Horn Island.
Horn Island MS Gulf Coast/Facebook One of the state’s lesser-known barrier islands, this tropical gem is perfect for everything from spending a relaxing day on the water to beachfront camping. And since there is no bridge or ferry running to the island, crowds aren’t the norm and peace and quiet is.
- Take in a show at Oxford’s Lyric Theater.
Memphis CVB/Flickr This legendary event venue is known for hosting some of the best concerts around and even landed a spot on the Huffington Posts’ list “The One Thing You Must Do In Every State.”
What is on your Mississippi bucket list for this upcoming summer?
SC Cunningham/Flickr
Just a short boat ride from the Gulf Coast, Ship Island is a tropical paradise, complete with gorgeous white beaches and beautiful blue water. The perfect way to spend a hot afternoon, a trip to Ship Island should be on everyone’s summer to-do list.
Steven Martin/Flickr
Both considered architectural masterpieces, these two structures have just as much to offer on the outside as they do on the inside. For more information on touring the Capitol Building, click here. Information on the Old Capitol Museum can be found here.
geyserfalls.com
Between standard water parks with slides and lazy rivers to state parks that offer tubing, canoeing, and kayaking, the options for cooling off in Mississippi are virtually endless. Check out our listing of water parks here, and don’t miss Geyser Falls.
Jeff Schreier/Flickr
Believe it or not, the state is actually home to several waterfalls, and since many are located within state parks, you’ll have access to other amenities. Don’t know where to start? Check out “The Ultimate Mississippi Waterfalls Road Trip” here.
Visit Mississippi/Flickr
While the summer brings unbearable heat, it also brings with it something much sweeter – blueberries. The state is filled with “you pick” farms. One of the largest in Mississippi, Mount Olive’s Blue River Farms and Nursery, has been in the business of blueberries for over 30 years. After signing in at the “Berry Barn,” visitors can get to pickin’ and are guaranteed the largest and sweetest blueberries around.
Neshoba County Fair/Facebook
Known as “Mississippi’s Giant House Party,” the Neshoba County Fair attracts thousands of people from all across the country every year. The week-long event is made up of a ton of activities that include everything from rides to political speeches, but the best part is the fact that there are on-site cabins, basically creating an amazing summer camp atmosphere for people of all ages.
okatomacreek.com
Located on the Okatoma, Seminary Canoe Rental can provide an experience like no other and has even been rated the #1 “float in the state.” After enjoying a day of canoeing or kayaking, turn in for the night in one of the four on-site cabins, making for an unforgettable experience.
Becky Seymour Gatian/Facebook
After receiving a nearly half million dollar renovation several years ago, this renowned city landmark is better than ever. The lighthouse is open daily for tours, which cost $5 for adults and $2 for children ages 2 – 12. Get more information here.
Front Beach Cottages/Facebook
There are a ton of B and B’s scattered along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, making it the perfect place to spend a relaxing weekend. Front Beach Cottages in Ocean Springs is a great spot to check out (or check-in). The serene cottages are located within walking distance from the beach, shops, and restaurants.
Amy Allmand
From historic homes to battlefields, the state is filled with opportunities to revisit the past. Click here for a listing of all of the state sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places here.
kingedwardhoteljackson.com
Located across from the Amtrak station in downtown Jackson, the Hilton Garden Inn is a great stop-over while viewing the state in one of the most unique ways – a train tour. The themed tours, which run from Biloxi to Meridian are a great way to do some sightseeing while experiencing Mississippi history and culture.
Market Street Festival/Facebook
For 17 years, the Market Street Festival has been included in the Southeast Tourism Society’s list of top events in the state. Attracting about 40,000 people on an annual basis, the two-day festival is held the first weekend in May and features more than 200 arts, crafts, and food vendors, musical entertainment, and numerous activities for the entire family.
Janice McAlpin Wallace/Facebook
When you think of ideal summertime activities, swimming will inevitably come to mind, and where better to do that than an old fashioned swimming hole? The best part is that the swimming hole is spring fed, which means the water is nice and cold all year long.
Horn Island MS Gulf Coast/Facebook
One of the state’s lesser-known barrier islands, this tropical gem is perfect for everything from spending a relaxing day on the water to beachfront camping. And since there is no bridge or ferry running to the island, crowds aren’t the norm and peace and quiet is.
Memphis CVB/Flickr
This legendary event venue is known for hosting some of the best concerts around and even landed a spot on the Huffington Posts’ list “The One Thing You Must Do In Every State.”
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
