Blake Walsh

16 Best Things to Do in Ridgeland, MS

  • Published 2022/07/31

Ridgeland is a picturesque community located in Madison County, Mississippi.

This quaint area is widely recognized as the birthplace of American music, with many talented artists calling it home.

The Choctaw Indian Agency was established in 1805 in a place known today as Ridgeland.

Ridgeland is also known for its beautiful neighborhoods.

If you’re looking for a great place to live or visit on vacation while you explore Mississippi, Ridgeland might be just what you’re looking for!

Here are the best things to do in Ridgeland, Mississippi:

Treat Yourself to the Mississippi Shopping Experience at Northpark

Aerial view of Northpark mall

Chad Robertson Media / Shutterstock.com

If you arrive in Ridgeland without a plan and find yourself without something to wear, make your way to the bustling Northpark shopping destination.

It has everything, from retail establishments and restaurants to live music and other forms of entertainment.

Try out one of their numerous restaurants if you’re searching for an excellent spot to eat while shopping.

Interior of Northpark mall

Pmsyyz, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

You may also find several adorable boutiques in the area, where you can buy some new clothes or accessories for your home.

Because of its central location in Ridgeland, this shopping center is accessible on foot from any other part of the city.

Go on a Morning Hike along the Chisha Foka Multi-Use Trail

Ridgeland’s 10-mile-long Chisha Foka Multi-Use Trail is heaven for cyclists.

Along the ride, there are several places to stop and take a break, including chairs and restrooms at each trail’s starting and finishing points.

You can detach your mind from thinking about how much further you must go to relax and take in your surroundings.

“Chisha Foka” can be translated to mean “among the post oaks” in English.

The trail is a public space shared by multiple users who travel at varying speeds, with varying degrees of expertise, and with various vehicles.

While on the trail, keep an eye out for the numerous species of birds and mammals that call this area home.

Test Your Mind at Enter/Locked Escape Rooms

Enter/Locked Escape Rooms provides tourists with a great way to spend time in Ridgeland.

These interactive games put you and your team to the test by requiring you to solve puzzles and riddles within a period.

You and a group of other individuals will be trapped in a room together, and you have a certain amount of time to escape.

Before the timer goes off, you’ll need to figure out how to get out of the room by finding hidden clues, figuring out the riddles, and doing all of this quickly.

Each room at Enter/Locked Escape Rooms is unique, each with a distinct theme, such as “The Pizzeria,” “The Rooftop,” “The Murder Motel,” and many more.

Try your hand at something fun and exciting today!

Appreciate Local Arts at the Mississippi Craft Center

Mississippi also features its local arts that portray its own history and culture.

The Mississippi Craft Center on Rice Road features a 20,000-square-foot retail gallery where artisans can display and sell their creations.

Every December, the Chimneyville Arts Festival celebrates and provides visitors with a convenient place to buy new items and gifts.

The center aims to encourage the excellence of arts in its community.

You can get a wide range of traditional items to contemporary works, including handcrafted jewelry pieces.

The Mississippi Craft Center is not only a place where you can purchase beautiful things but also one where you can learn about Mississippi’s culture and tradition.

Try Indoor Adventure at Sky Zone Trampoline Park

Sky Zone Trampoline Park, located on Country Line Road, is the place to go if you are searching for a way to get your heart rate up and your muscles going.

This location allows you to maintain your body shape while providing opportunities for fun and adventure.

You might want to try the Parkour Blox and see if you can jump over the hurdles, or you can go through the Ninja Warrior Course and see if it gets you pumped up.

In addition, there is the ultimate dodgeball game, in which you can enjoy jumping alongside your squad.

Your bodies will undoubtedly become stronger as a result of participating in the activities available here.

Go Shopping at the Famous Repeat Street

Repeat Street is a well-known consignment shop located on Highway 51, and its size of 17,000 square feet is home to several different brand names.

You can come here to shop for gifts, clothing, or food at any of the several stalls available.

This location is well-known not only for its fashion but also for its extensive selection of different types of furnishings.

It is in the middle of downtown Ridgeland and features a wide variety of fantastic shops from which to pick.

In addition, there are a few restaurants nearby where you can stop for lunch or dinner before making the journey back home.

Check Out the Shops at Renaissance at Colony Park

Aerial view of Renaissance at Colony Park

Chad Robertson Media / Shutterstock.com

Renaissance at Colony Park is a well-known shopping center in Ridgeland.

On this well-traveled trail, you might get some exercise while admiring the views and sounds of nature.

The best part?

You can do it all while lounging on a patio or under the shade of a tree.

The outdoor area is modeled after the Italian Renaissance, with beautiful architecture and fountains.

The store offers up some of the best brands in fashion and accessories at affordable prices.

There are also many dining alternatives, ranging from sit-down restaurants to fast food outlets.

There are plenty of entertainment options: movie theaters, arcades, and more.

Buy Souvenirs at the Antique Mall of the South

Are you an antique collector or someone who adores collecting items from the past?

The Antique Mall of the South on Highway 51 is a must-see destination for anyone interested in purchasing vintage goods from private collectors.

The retail establishment is about 14,000 square feet broad and sources products from more than 40 suppliers.

The shopping experience has always been genuine!

In addition to that, they sell vintage furniture that would be ideal for your home or office.

Have a Picnic at Old Trace Park

Old Trace Park, located on Post Road, is a great place to unwind.

You can take your pick of picnic tables, spread a blanket on the grass, and relax in the shade of the trees.

Due to the relatively secure environment, your children and canine companions are welcome to join in on the fun.

The park also hosts an annual concert by the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, which ushers in summer with a night of family-friendly entertainment every May.

Old Trace Park offers boat ramps and plenty of parking for your car or RV if you’re traveling by boat.

Play Soccer at Freedom Ridge Park

Located on West School Street, Freedom Ridge Park is a beautiful destination for those who enjoy participating in sports.

Soccer and baseball fans can play together at this renowned sports facility, which has space for both games.

Freedom Ridge Park offers accessible amenities for people with special needs.

You don’t need to stress about their welfare while having fun there.

Visit the nearby Friendship Park to engage in more significant social interaction and physical activity.

Play and Relax at Friendship Park

Friendship Park is an excellent spot for families to hang out and have fun.

The park features a covered walking path and numerous playground structures and pavilions that may be rented out.

In addition, there is enough space for picnics and family barbeques thanks to the pavilions and picnic tables located throughout the park.

Friendship Park is the smallest of Ridgeland’s vast network of parks and leisure places.

However, this does not indicate that there is not enough room for your family to have fun together.

The playground equipment and open area in Friendship Park are perfect for kids to run around and have fun.

Have Dinner at Kathryn’s Steakhouse and Seafood Restaurant

Kathryn’s Steakhouse and Seafood Restaurant, located on Canton Road, is a fantastic choice for a meal no matter what you’re in the mood for, thanks to their extensive menu.

A variety of patios, porches, and decks are available for diners to maximize their time while dining.

You will also be delighted by the live music performances.

The restaurant is a fantastic location to indulge in some of your favorite steak and seafood dishes.

This restaurant has retained its reputation for offering excellent food since its founding in 1991.

The atmosphere is warm and inviting and appropriate for persons of varying ages.

Whether you favor seafood or steak, the waitstaff is kind and helpful in making recommendations for dishes to sample based on your preferences in this regard.

Other Things to Do Nearby

The state of Mississippi is a paradise for hikers.

Ridgeland has its own, but it is not the only one.

You can find several hiking paths in the vicinity of Ridgeland that are equally beautiful and entertaining to explore.

Stop by the Turtle Point Nature Trail

Tired of the same old thing? Looking for a new place to explore?

Head to Turtle Point Nature Trail in Brandon, just 13 minutes from Ridgeland, Mississippi.

This 0.5-km loop trail is a great way to get out and explore nature—and it’s popular with birders, fishers, and runners alike.

Although this is still a popular tourist destination, there are periods during the day when you can get some peace and quiet here.

If you walk or jog along this paved road, you can take in some breathtaking scenery because the trail is located adjacent to the water that leads to the Ross Barnett Reservoir.

If you want to stop over after work for some fishing or kayaking fun, it also includes a boat ramp for kayaks, in case you want to do either of those things.

Walk Your Dog at Parham Bridges’ Park

Just 10 minutes from Ridgeland, the Parham Bridges Park in Jackson is a great spot to exercise and play with your dog.

The park consists of a pair of tennis courts and a winding blacktop path one mile long and winds through the trees.

When you work out in the park, you will be protected from the sun by the abundance of trees that cover the entire area.

The moderate difficulty of Parham Bridges Park can be attributed to the park’s 12,000-step walk and elevation gain of 160 feet.

Someone who wants to work out and get their heart rate up without driving too far will benefit tremendously from this opportunity!

Appreciate Mississippi at Reservoir Overlook

Outdoor recreation awaits you in Mississippi’s Reservoir Overlook.

This park is just over two miles from Ridgeland and has many beautiful features.

Its most notable feature is the view of Ross Barnett Lake, Mississippi’s largest source of drinking water.

The lake is created by damming the Pearl River.

Reservoir Overlook additionally provides ample opportunity for wildlife observation and hiking.

If you’re lucky, you might witness alligators or waterfowl.

This park features a unique trail system that begins at Reservoir Overlook and follows the shoreline until it reaches an old railroad bed, which connects to another path that runs parallel to Interstate 55 into town.

Go Fishing at Strawberry Patch Park

The grounds and waters of Strawberry Patch Park

Pmsyyz, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Strawberry Patch Park is a popular tourist attraction in Madison, five minutes from Ridgeland.

The park is 28,000 square meters and features a large playground, a jogging trail, and a pond.

The setting is ideal for taking part in the activity of fishing.

A Blue Star Memorial has been designated at this location.

The Northbay-Madison Garden Club, a local chapter of the National Garden Clubs, Inc., erected the By-way memorial as a tribute to the armed forces of the United States.

For those who would instead prepare their meals outside, the park has several barbeque grills and picnic tables.

There is a wide variety of fun things for children to do, such as climbing walls, swing sets, and slides.

In addition, the park features a dog park where people can let their dogs off their leashes and run alongside them while exercising.

Final Thoughts

It is not surprising that many individuals worldwide are drawn to this small city since they view it as their second home.

This is because it provides everything customers require during their stay.

Adventure does not have to be costly.

It’s as simple as being in the right place at the right time with the right people.

Therefore, plan your next trip to Ridgeland and fall in love with its attractions and welcoming community.

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