Balance your sport tournaments travels with visits to Mississippi’s cultural, historical and natural wonders
By Isabella Wilkes
When you’re not cheering on your team at your next big sports tournament in Mississippi, take advantage of all the state has to offer in its cities, both big and small.
Ridgeland: Your Outdoor Getaway in the Heart of Mississippi
Ridgeland is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, located near Barnett Reservoir with 33,000 acres of water for boating, fishing, and paddling. On land, enjoy 15 miles of paved cycling and walking paths along the Natchez Trace Parkway. The city boasts state-of-the-art facilities for baseball, softball, soccer, and tennis, and is home to Mississippi’s only BMX track. It also features the new Infinity Volleyball Academy, a state-of-the-art facility featuring eight courts. Comfortable lodging and memorable dining make Ridgeland an ideal spot for your next sporting event or outdoor escape.
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Family Fun in Hattiesburg
Hattiesburg, a city on the rise in the Gulf South, is perfect for sports travel. The Hattiesburg Zoo, home to over 100 animals, offers a day of adventure for families. The city’s Public Art Trail, featuring over 100 pieces, is a must-see for all visitors. With easy-to-follow maps and signage, it’s an ideal activity for families, teams, and solo travelers.
Visit the Birthplace of Elvis Presley: Tupelo
Tupelo, in northeastern Mississippi, honors its status as Elvis Presley’s birthplace with a museum at his childhood home. You can also explore the town through the Elvis Tupelo Driving Tour or a self-guided Bicycle Tour, visiting sites like the Assembly of God church that inspired his music. Beyond Elvis, Tupelo is known for the Natchez Trace Parkway, one of the most visited national parks, where you can explore over 10,000 years of history at the visitor center.
Grenada: a Serene, Small-town Escape
After a high-energy, action-packed weekend of sporting, the small town of Grenada in north-central Mississippi might just be exactly what you need to decompress. Grenada Lake is the largest freshwater lake in the state, and the infrastructure for fishing, camping, water sports, and lodging is hard to beat. Cap off your relaxing weekend with a round of golf at Dogwoods Golf Course or a hike through the Chakchiuma Swamp.
Explore the ‘Cultural Mecca of the South’ in Oxford
Oxford, with its southern charm, award-winning chefs, and vibrant atmosphere, is known as the cultural center of Mississippi. As the home of the University of Mississippi, a walk through the historic campus is essential. Visit Rowan Oak, the home of American author William Faulkner, open for guided tours. Oxford’s historic downtown offers unique shopping, a lively art scene, and plenty of live music venues.
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The Historic River City of Vicksburg
It’s hard to believe that the quaint, charming town of Vicksburg was home to one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. Visitors to this city can take a step back into a much different time at the Vicksburg National Military Park and the U.S.S. Cairo Museum to see preserved Civil War artifacts and learn about the infamous Siege of Vicksburg.
For fans of southern antebellum architecture, there are 12 historic homes available for tours, all showcasing Victorian-American design. For modern luxuries, the city offers an abundance of bars, restaurants, shopping, gambling, and nightlife.
Stay and Play on the Mississippi Gulf Coast
Coastal Mississippi is perfect for outdoor adventure and family-friendly fun. With mild weather year-round, enjoy activities like sailing, fishing, hiking, and kayaking along the picturesque beaches. On rainy days, visit the Infinity Science Center, the official visitor center for NASA Stennis Space Center, or the Mississippi Aquarium, home to 5.8 acres of salt and freshwater habitats.
Starkville: Mississippi’s College Town
Home to Mississippi State University, Starkville embodies the energy of a classic college town. Start your visit at the university’s Welcome Center, featuring a display of over 400 clocks and watches dating back to the 1700s. While on campus, explore the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library and the Mitchell Memorial Library, which houses the Charles H. Templeton Sr. Music Museum and the John Grisham Room. Historic Downtown Starkville offers unique boutiques and fantastic public art displays.
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Blending Natural Beauty with Modern Leisure in Flowood
It’s easy to find yourself charmed by Flowood. At the heart of this serene destination is The Refuge Golf Course, a 200-acre 18-hole course that meanders through picturesque landscapes, offering golfers a peaceful yet challenging experience while conveniently located five minutes away from the Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport.
For those looking to explore beyond the greens, Flowood’s array of attractions includes vibrant shopping centers, local eateries, and the serene Flowood Nature Park, perfect for family outings or a peaceful retreat into nature.
Greenwood: The Heart of the Delta Region
Situated in Mississippi’s delta region, Greenwood is rich in history, natural beauty, and entertainment. Visit the ruins of Bryant’s Grocery, where Emmett Till’s tragic story began, igniting the Civil Rights Movement. Explore the Museum of the Mississippi Delta to see artifacts from Native American culture to Civil War relics. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Yazoo River Trail and Arboretum offer opportunities to hike, paddle, or cycle. Spend a rainy afternoon at Turnrow Bookstore, one of America’s most beautiful bookstores, or relax upstairs at Turnrow Café.
Do it All in DeSoto County
DeSoto County offers endless adventure, starting with a visit to the DeSoto County Museum to learn about explorer Hernando DeSoto, the first European to see the Mississippi River. The county is home to five stops on the Mississippi Blues Trail, celebrating the roots of blues music. DeSoto County’s vast farms provide fresh, locally grown produce at farmers’ markets, while a calendar of events highlights concerts, festivals, parks, golf courses, fishing at Arkabutla Lake, and much more.
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