Best things to do in Jackson

Jackson Essentials

Jackson’s downtown core showcases Mississippi’s complex history through its preserved landmarks and cultural institutions. The city features notable Neoclassical architecture, including the 1903 State Capitol and the 1842 Governor’s Mansion. Cultural highlights include the Museum of Mississippi History and the Smith Robertson Museum, which documents the African American experience. The arts scene is anchored by the Mississippi Museum of Art and the Farish Street District's historic Alamo Theater, while local institutions like Hal and Mal’s provide a hub for regional cuisine and live music.

Jackson Essentials — Map

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A

Old Capitol Museum

The Old Mississippi State Capitol, also known as Old Capitol Museum or Old State Capitol, served as the Mississippi statehouse from 1839…

Charlie Brenner / CC BY-SA 2.0

B

Mississippi Governor's Mansion

The Mississippi Governor's Mansion is the official residence of the governor of Mississippi, who is currently Tate Reeves.

C

Museum of Mississippi History

This museum explores 10,000 years of state history through interactive exhibits and artifacts, ranging from the state's earliest inhabitants to the modern era. It shares a common entrance and lobby with the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum.

D

Mississippi State Capitol

Designed in the Beaux-Arts style and completed in 1903, this seat of government features a massive dome topped by an eight-foot-tall eagle coated in gold leaf. The interior contains extensive marble work and original stained glass.

E

Mississippi Museum of Art

A pleasant new museum that features artists from all over the States. Special focus on Mississippi's art.

F

Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center

Devoted to the time of the civil rights movement. A hidden gem that has some solid exhibits and tells an intriguing story.

Ken Lund / CC BY-SA 2.0

G

War Memorial Building

A majestic memorial to Mississippi's war efforts. Feel free to enter and explore the exhibits - and do not overlook the architecture.

Sonia Sotomayor in SCOTUS robe.jpg / Public domain

H

Mississippi Supreme Court

The Supreme Court of the United States is the highest court in the federal judiciary of the United States.

Joe C Furr / CC-BY-SA-3.0

I

The Oaks House Museum

The Oaks House Museum, also known as The Oaks, located at 823 North Jefferson Street in Jackson, Mississippi, is the former home of Jackson…

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J

Lamar Life Building

A beautiful skyscraper from the 20's. The architecture is not to be missed if you're a fan.

Ken Lund / CC BY-SA 2.0

K

Jackson City Hall

A Greek Revival building completed in 1846. It is one of the few structures in downtown Jackson that survived the burning of the city during the Civil War, reportedly because it served as a hospital.

L

The Alamo Theater

A marvellous vintage theatre that specializes in African American movies and performances.

M

Hal and Mal's

Housed in a converted freight warehouse, this local institution serves Southern and Gulf Coast specialties like gumbo and catfish. It is a prominent venue for live blues, jazz, and the city's annual parade festivities.

N

Thalia Mara Hall

A 2,400-seat performing arts theater that serves as the home for the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra and the quadrennial USA International Ballet Competition. It hosts a variety of Broadway tours, concerts, and dance performances.

O

Russell C Davis Planetarium

Enter the magical space of stars, planets and other features. The planetarium's "sky shows" are intriguing and enchanting at the same time.