Vicksburg is a land steeped in history.
It is a safe bet to say that its alluring history attracts tourists from all over the globe.
However, there is more to this beautiful city than just history.
Today, this little town presents its visitors with a wide array of cultural attractions, never-ending entertainment, and a vibrant dining scene.
If you are still lost in thoughts about visiting this city, let’s just say that a trip down to this pivotal township would definitely be worth every penny you spend.
Before you pay a visit, check out our list for the best things to do in Vicksburg, Mississippi.
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This military park is entitled as a U.S. National Military Park and is also enlisted in the U.S. Register of Historic Sites.
The park safeguards the site of the American Civil War Battle of Vicksburg and memorializes the Vicksburg Campaign.
In 1993, the park was handed over to the National Park Service from the War Department, which has been managing the same since then.
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The Vicksburg National Cemetery is also situated in this military park.
The former contains 1325 historical markers and monuments, 20 miles of earthworks and historic trenches, 12.5 walking trails, a 16-mile tour road, 144 emplaced cannons, two antebellum homes, restored USS Cairo, and the Grant’s Canal site.
It won’t be wrong to say that Vicksburg National Military Park is a one-stop destination to know anything about this mesmerizing town’s history.
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This museum is famed for providing a resting place for the first American ironclad warship USS Cairo.
Cairo’s career was short but impactful.
The ship was once lost and forgotten, but it was later rediscovered after decades in 1956 and was salvaged from the bottom of the Yazoo River along with an 8-inch cannon and a pilothouse.
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It has unfortunately continued to degrade continuously because of exposure to air, vandalism, and bird droppings.
Personal gears of the serving sailors, naval stores, weapons, and ammunition were other recovered artifacts obtained from the ship.
You can find them all in the museum.
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Without witnessing the historic houses of Vicksburg, your trip to this town is totally incomplete.
From Greek apertures to Victorian Italianate, Vicksburg has it all, preserved and, in some cases, restored.
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As you go down the history of these houses, you will know more about their eras’ lifestyle and housing facilities.
With over 13 homes to explore, it is not wrong to mark this exciting trip with a tag of the tour.
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Operated by Penn National Gaming and owned by Gaming and Leisure Properties, this riverboat casino is more than extraordinary.
Engaging its visitors with over 1400 slot machines, 30 table games, and 149 hotel rooms, Ameristar could serve tourists in both ways: as a comfortable place to stay and as a stirring gaming and entertainment center.
It was opened back in 1994 and had been running successfully since then.
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This ancient bridge has been included in the U.S. National Register of Historic Sites.
But don’t be fooled by its age.
The bridge is still very much in operation.
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It helps a railway line to cross the Mississippi River and to make its way to Delta, Louisiana.
It is classified as a cantilever bridge and has a single service lane.
Old Vicksburg Bridge was opened once for motor vehicles, but this function was later on transferred to a bridge down the river.
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This building was once the legendary place where Coco-Cola had its first bottling center.
It has now been turned into a museum where you can witness the original, antithetic bottles of Coco-Cola.
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It shows you in detail how the first drink was processed, bottled, and the equipment which was used, along with the history of the amazing Biedenharn family.
Before you return, look out for the eye-catching Coca-Cola souvenirs
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The museum is commonly called as Jesse Brent Lower Mississippi River Museum.
Featuring a view of the mighty river Mississippi along with an aquarium, the visitors are in for a treat.
If you want to know more about the science behind water movements and the very enriched past of the historic river, you’re in luck.
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The guides here are very forthcoming and knowledgeable.
A unique flood model is also built outdoors, which can be accessed by the guests.
The museum also gives shelter to a very historic entity – the Motor Vessel Mississippi IV.
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Inside the park, a cemetery called the Vicksburg National Cemetery can be found.
It has 18,244 interments, with 12,954 of them unidentified.
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The number of interments still remains higher than any other national cemetery.
Embracing a landmass of 116 acres, the cemetery remains as a final resting place for those who served their country till their last breath.
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Also known as Willis-Cowan House, the Pemberton’s Headquarters was built all the way back in 1836.
In 1976, the house was proclaimed as a National Historic Landmark, which eventually paved the way for it to be enlisted in The U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
The visitors can witness the beauty of this house after visiting Vicksburg National Military Park, of which the house is a part.
Situated on a higher level than the street, the house sits majestically as a two-story building.
The house was built in stages and was first constructed by William Bobb, who is thought to be the first owner of the same.
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A beautiful tribute to the city’s rich history, murals at the riverfront in Vicksburg are as picturesque as it gets.
These murals are a brainchild of Robert Dafford, an artist famed across America and other countries.
First unveiled on April 12, 2002, Vicksburg Riverfront Murals are also the first riverfront mural of the city.
Advanced throughout the south, up and even down the river of Mississippi, these murals are a must-visit for every visitor who lays their feet in Vicksburg.
The murals embrace the history as well as the present of the city.
It gives a pictorial representation of Vicksburg’s role in America’s commerce, culture, history, religion, and technology.
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Live the history of Vicksburg in 3-D at the Old Depot Museum.
With memorabilia of railroads, original paintings of Herb Mott, models of railroad lines, a diorama of the Siege of Vicksburg, videos of tracks adopted by citizens and soldiers during the Siege, and finally, a collection of model gunboats used in the Civil War, you will never run out of things to see here.
You will definitely enjoy this fusion of information and entertainment.
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Carefully preserving the history of the Civil War, the Vicksburg Battlefield museum owns the world’s largest collection of model gunboats of Civil War, an 8* 20-foot diorama of the Siege, 30 Inland Water War-themed original paintings.
If you want to learn more about the history, you can take time to see “Vanishing Glory” – a 30-minute documentary.
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Describe your taste in creepy and bizarre entertainment. What about haunted residences?
If this is the case, then a “McRaven House” location would be an essential must-see.
According to local legends and reports, the McRaven House in Vicksburg, Mississippi, is considered the most haunted house in the whole state of Mississippi.
National Geographic Magazine dubbed it the “Time Capsule of the South” because of all the exciting things to view and investigate.
According to folklore, five people have perished in this home, and the property’s previous owner, named John Bobb, met his demise not far from its boundaries.
In addition, some Confederate troops allegedly died on the site when it served as a field hospital.
More often in the house’s history, people have claimed to have seen ghosts roaming around and talking to them.
These events, as well as many more, have turned this mansion into a popular tourist destination.
You may take a tour of the home and discover everything it has to offer by looking at the way of life of the people who formerly lived there, for example.
Every room features museum-quality antiques, including a pioneer kitchen and other unique pieces of Americana.
You may find a splendid three-acre garden on the site of a former Confederate camp and military hospital.
You’ll also learn about the house’s renowned and notorious past residents, as well as why their ghosts remain here to this very day.
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This extraordinary gallery is actually an independent gallery and is considered to be the oldest of its kind in the whole area of Mississippi.
If you are a fan of contemporary fine art, southern folk art, glass, jewelry, handmade pottery, and items related to “blues,” the Attic Gallery should be your next stop.
The gallery also specializes in “outsider art.”
Best part?
Buying souvenirs for you and gifts for your loved ones.
Attic Gallery is going to turn 50 years old on October 2, 2021, which is a milestone, not every independent gallery gets to witness.
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The Old Court House Museum is a unique and intriguing location that you should check out.
It is a museum housed in a former Warren County courthouse.
Vicksburg’s courthouse is a historically significant edifice.
A National Historic Landmark and a Mississippi Landmark, it was constructed in 1858.
This structure stands as a testament to the Confederate people’s will to resist during the Vicksburg siege.
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As a result of its long history has played home to several notable figures, including General Ulysses S. Grant, Confederate President Jefferson Davis, Author Booker T. Washington, and former United States President Teddy Roosevelt.
Visitors to this museum can thoroughly explore it due to the sheer number of things to see and do.
You’ll see numerous items from this region, for example, when you go around the museum.
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Even a tie used by Jefferson Davis at his inauguration is on display, along with antique Confederate flags.
Additionally, this location offers everything from Confederate money to gowns to weapons and artillery to furnishings.
There will even be a friendly Siamese cat that follows you around the courthouse while you’re exploring.
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Vicksburg’s old downtown district provides a great chance to make the most of a leisurely day spent with loved ones.
It is home to various activities, from fascinating museums to delectable local eateries.
You won’t have any problem finding a souvenir to remember your time in Vicksburg since the city’s small businesses provide many unusual treasures.
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Make time for a delicious supper at one of the city’s renowned restaurants after you’ve toured the unique assortment of stores and galleries throughout downtown Vicksburg.
Vicksburg was established in 1811 and became a city in 1825 has a long history that visitors can explore from the several local museums.
By exploring the interesting museums in downtown Vicksburg, you may polish up your knowledge of Southern history.
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Anchuca, commonly called the Victor Wilson House, is a significant American Greek Revival home in Vicksburg, Mississippi.
The name Anchuca is said to be Choctaw for “happy home.”
Tom Pharr and his ex-partner in business, Chris Brinkley, decided to buy Vicksburg’s Anchuca B&B in 2001.
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Anchuca has increased its amenities over the past 18 years by adding a restaurant, more venues for special occasions, and recently renovated suites and restrooms.
Every guest rooms have private bathrooms, dressing spaces, flat-screen cable TVs, soaps and shampoo, coffee machines, a mini fridge, and excellent bedding.
Their café offers a relaxed yet classy quality of food with exquisite southern meals that have won awards.
The H.C. Porter Gallery is situated on Washington Street in Vicksburg, Mississippi’s picturesque downtown.
The H.C. Porter’s current headquarters and hallmark gallery is a four-story structure from the nineteenth century.
H.C. Porter is a well-known painter, engraver, and photographer on a global scale.
In a current effort, H.C. Porter worked with the Vicksburg National Military Park to produce a classic Civil War painting that highlights her passion for the old days, dedication to the city of Vicksburg, and unwavering belief in the humanity of all people.
Browse the collection of original works by Mississippi artist H.C. Porter and fellow contemporary Southern artisans, including unique paintings, serigraphs, fine art prints, and photos.
Rusty’s Riverfront Grill has brought the finest steak, fresh fish, and Cajun-inspired meals in a relaxed, fun environment since 2001.
They’ve situated two blocks from the Old Courthouse Museum and a block from the famous Riverfront Murals.
Tourists come across the globe to sample their delectable steaks and seafood meals.
Each day, fresh, high-quality ingredients are used to make every item on the menu produced in-house.
They base each of their highlighted specials on the current season.
Come to Rusty’s Riverfront Grill the next time you’re searching for a delicious lunch or an exciting night out.
Waterview Casino & Hotel features 122 cozy rooms, several of which have breathtaking river views.
It boasts a casino floor with more than 30,000 square feet of poker machines, action-packed slots, and gaming tables.
You can always discover both the newest games and your classic favorites!
A buzzing new 7,000-square-foot event space will amaze you with a bursting schedule of thrilling events, from world-class performances to up-and-coming artists!
Bands play every Friday and Saturday from 7 to 11 p.m., while DJs spin from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m.
The Event Center at the Casino & Hotel has space for both modest and big parties!
From table settings that match your concept to a cuisine that offers a memorable dining experience, you will surely leave with a full stomach and unforgettable memories.
Vicksburg, Mississippi, in general, is one of the most historically significant cities in the United States.
You’ll discover that this city is full of unique and exciting things to see and do.
When visiting Vicksburg, save this list of the best things to do.
This way, you’ll know what recreational activities are available.
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