The Ultimate Jackson Bucket List: Here are 10 things you should do while in Jackson
The city of Jackson offers beautiful scenery, enormous lakes, self-guided tours, flavorful food trucks, hidden gems, and historic museums.
Below we've gathered some of the best things to do and see in Jackson.
Here are 10 things to do in Jackson you should add to your personal bucket list.
1. Museum of Mississippi History
The Museum of history is located in the heart of downtown Jackson. "The museum explores over 15,000 years of state history, innovative exhibits, educational programs, and hundreds of artifacts," according to its website.
Features such as modern pictures, videos, and historical artifacts impact the present and the past. Also, the museum shares space with the Civil Right Museum.
The Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum opened on Dec. 9, 2017, in celebration of the state.
Self-guided tours are available for booking at http://mmh.mdah.ms.gov/
If You Go:
When: Tuesday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 222 North St., Jackson.
Admission: Adults $15, Youth (ages 4 to 22) $8, Seniors (ages 60 plus) $13, Children 3 and under admission is free. Admission is free every Sunday.
Here are 5 ways to stay cool: Looking for ways to beat the summer heat in Mississippi?
Be a tourist in your own backyard: Soak up Mississippi history, blues, and beautiful views
2. Mississippi State Capitol
"The state capitol building was designed as a National Historic Landmark in 2016, the Mississippi State Capitol has been the seat of the state’s government since 1903," according to its website.
Tours consist of the house and Senate Chambers, Old Supreme Court, and Hall of Governors. Guided tours are given Monday through Friday four times per day.
The new building includes ornate decor, theater lights, self-guided tours, and scavenger hunts.
"The 171,000-square-foot building was designed by Theodore Link, an architect from St. Louis, Missouri, and was constructed by the Wells Brothers Company of Chicago," their website states.
The state capitol is the third capitol constructed in Jackson. The first building was completed in 1822. The second building was completed in 1839 and served as the Capitol until 1903.
If You Go:
When: Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 400 High St. Jackson
Admission: Free. To reserve a guided tour for groups of 70 or fewer, please call 601- 359-3114 or email tours@house.ms.gov. Drop-in tours for visitors, which do not require a reservation, will be conducted at 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 2:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Groups of 10 people or more must schedule a tour.
3. The Jackson Zoo
The Jackson Zoo is a highly recommended place to visit as the zoo continues to grow, offering more exotic animals and events than ever.
For hot summer days, the zoo also has a splash pad area for children and adults to beat the heat.
"The zoo was previously owned by the city of Jackson but is currently under the direction of the City of Jackson Parks & Recreation Department," according to their website.
With new management, the zoo now contains 11 endangered species and houses over 200 animals.
In 1919, "The original zoo consisted of fireman’s pets, squirrels, deer, raccoons, alligators, and rabbits," according to their website. "The collection was housed in the Central Fire Station in downtown Jackson, which is now the Jackson Chamber of Commerce Building."
In 1921, "The city council voted to situate the zoo on the land acquired from Samuel Livingston and became known as the Livingston Park Zoo," according to its website. "Some of the initial exhibits such as the Monkey Castle and the Elephant House Café still stand today."
If You Go:
When: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 2918 West Capitol St., Jackson
Admission: Ages 13 years old and up $8.00 each, Ages 2 to12 years $5 each, under the age of 2 years, admission is free. $2 Tuesdays: $2 for each person, of any age. Tickets can only be used on Tuesday.
4. Alamo Theatre
Alamo Theatre is a non-profit nostalgic theatre that is known for events, including concerts, movie premieres, and comedy shows.
Alamo Theatre is located in Jackson's Farish Street District.
The theatre has housed famous singers such as Tiny Bradshaw, Nat King Cole, and Elmore James.
"The newly renovated structure was built in the early 1940s in the Farish Street Historic District," their website states. "The first structure was located on Farish Street in the 100 block across from McCoy Federal Building, and the second Alamo was located on West Amite Street at Roach Street."
If you are looking for relaxed and vibrant weekend events in the Jackson area, this is the place to be.
If You Go:
When: Times vary depending on events
Where: 333 N. Farish St. Jackson.
Admission: Prices vary upon events
5. Duling Hall
Duling Hall is a hidden gem located in the heart of Fondren in Jackson. "The space is a well-known award-winning live music and event venue with an intimate feel," according to its website.
Today, the building is known for weddings, receptions, fundraisers, private parties, and rentals.
The building also offers summer movie nights at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays for children and adults. Food such as shrimp and crawfish nachos, saltine burgers and fries, and chicken po' boys with a choice of beer or wine is served.
"Duling Hall was built-in 1927 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places," their website states. "The venue is located within what was the Lorena Duling School institution that served as a center of the Fondren community."
If You Go:
When: Monday to Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday 8 a.m to 5 p.m.
Where: 622 Duling Ave, Jackson
Admission: Prices vary upon events
6. Capital City Kayak Adventures
Capital City Kayak Adventures is located in Jackson, and was created by a Jackson resident, Christopher Lockhart in 2015.
Lockhart, 27, owner of Capital City Kayaks, opened his business as a way to share his love of kayaking with the community. The business offer canoes and kayak rentals, as well as tours along local waterways such as the Pearl River and the Barnett Reservoir.
The kayaking adventure offers a cold splash of fun while becoming familiar with the ends and outs of local rivers.
Guided tours last approximately 1 to 2 hours. "The tours are meant to build confidence for non-swimmers with pre-trip instructions and existing assistance," according to their website.
Solo tours can last up to 5 hours.
If You Go:
When: Monday to Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Flowood Dr, Jackson
Admission: $35 for a single kayak (275 lb* capacity), $60 for a tandem kayak (450 lb* capacity). A 10% discount will be given to families and groups making one consolidated payment with a credit or debit card.
7. LeFleur's Bluff State Park
The well-known park is located in Jackson with a widespread of outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, canoeing, nature trails, and picnic areas.
The camping site is well equipped with water and electrical accessories that are RV accessible. In addition, the pavilions and lakes are easily accessible for picnics and fishing.
"The park is named after Louis LeFleur, a French-Canadian explorer who established a trading post on the banks of the Pearl River in the late 1700s," according to its website.
If You Go:
When: Monday to Sunday 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: 3315 Lakeland Terrance, Jackson
Admission: $2.00 per person, children 5 years of age and under are free
8. One Guy Steak and Chicken
One Guy Steak and Chicken is a southern food truck that is known for its steak fingers, crab cakes, fried mashed potatoes, and secret sauce.
Kendrick Gordon, owner of One Guy Steak and Chicken studied at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris where he perfected his techniques and sauces.
Gordon food truck gives residents in the Jackson area and visitors great food at a reasonable price.
The food truck is located in Flowood but makes additional stops through the Jackson area.
If You Go:
When: Monday through Wednesday 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: 1500 Old Fannin Road. (Location is subject to change depending on events.)
Cost: $18 for a grilled chicken meal, $20 for a steak finger meal, $17 for a crispy chicken meal, $17 for a grilled chicken taco meal, and $18 for a ribeye meal. All meals come with a side of fries or a vegetable.
9. Burgers Blues Barbecue
Steven Sahler, the owner of Burgers Blues Barbecue, opened with the idea to have a place where anyone of any background and age could come and have a good time while enjoying great food, drinks, and music, according to their website.
The food trucks are known for their burgers, pork chops, country-fried steak, service, and family-friendly atmosphere. The food is prepared fresh every day.
Burgers Blues Barbecue has locations in Brandon and Madison but both sites share the same management.
If You Go:
When: Hours of Brandon Location: Monday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.,
Friday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.Hours of Madison location: Monday to Thursday 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday to Saturday 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Breakfast is served Monday to Saturday from 6:30 a.m to 10:30 a.m.)
Where: 168 West Government St., Brandon and 2077 Main Street, Madison
Cost: Sides $4, Drinks $2.50 to 3, $ 12 sandwiches, $8 to 14 starters, $11 build your own burger.
10. Nothing Bundt Cakes
Dena Tripp and Debbie Shwetz, owners of Nothing Bundt Cakes started their business in 1997 in their Las Vegas home kitchens.
Since its start, the business has grown to more than 430 bakery locations, according to the company's website.
Nothing Bundt Cakes is located in Flowood.
Nothing Bundt Cakes are handcrafted and made with delicious flavors and sizes such as key lime, red velvet, and confetti.
Cakes are sold in bundles, bundtinis and bundt'iques.
The cakes offer a sweet modern spin on a classic treat with various decor patterns as a touch of art.
If You Go:
When: Monday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: 163 Ridge Way, Suite E, Flowood
Cost: $5.99 for packs of 8, $23 for packs of 12, and $4.50 for individual bundles.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: 10 things to do in Jackson, Mississippi: Visit these spots on vacation
