Vicksburg takes pride in its status as “the key to the South.” Most famously known for the decisive Union victory at the Battle of Vicksburg, the city lies on the banks of the Mississippi and Yazoo Rivers. A must stop for any history lover, you’ll also find family-friendly activities and plenty of homestyle cooking. Ready to discover how to spend a day in Vicksburg, Mississippi? Our guide can help.
Thanks to the American Queen Steamboat Company and Visit Vicksburg for hosting us.
History of Vicksburg, Mississippi
Originally home to the Natchez Native American Tribe, French colonists arrived in 1719. The city itself was founded in 1825 by Newitt Vick, a Methodist minister, and his family. He and his wife died two hours apart of yellow fever, leaving behind their 13 children, the youngest of whom was two months old.
How to Spend a Day in Vicksburg, Mississippi
Start the day with a visit to the Flood Wall Murals. These levees, completed in 1924, were built to repel floodwaters from the Mississippi. The 32 murals were created by Robert Dafford and showcase images of historical significance in the city’s history. Beginning with “Welcome to Vicksburg: A Fascinating City” each mural boasts a plaque weaving through the past and ending with the present. A 33rd mural, an abstract by Vicksburg artist Martha Ferris, was the first mural completed in 2001. Afterward, stroll across the street to Catfish Row Children’s Art Park, which includes artwork by local children and, in season, a splash park.
A few steps away is the Old Depot Museum brings Vicksburg’s past to life in miniature. Billed as “travel and transportation from a bygone era,” you’ll find displays from the major architectural styles used in historic buildings to the thriving history of the railroad in the Old South. Their extensive collection of boats is divided into categories of paddle wheelers and tugboats, Union and Confederate gunboats, US Naval vessels, and civilian crafts used on the Mississippi. New models are added each month. Also featured is an exact replica of the 47-day siege of the Vicksburg Battlefield.
Travel up a block to find the Jesse Brent Lower Mississippi River Museum and Interpretive Center, a favorite spot for kids. Home to a 1,515-gallon aquarium of fish found in the Mississippi River, visitors can learn how the river has changed over the course of history. The devastating flood of 1927, one of the worst in US history, is memorialized in the 1927 Flood Wall and Tent Exhibit, along with factors determining the flow of the Mississippi.
Think Atlanta is the home of Coca-Cola? Nope! It was first bottled in Vicksburg in 1894. You can find the history of Coca-Cola, along with a collection of memorabilia, at the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum. This self-guided tour showcases the Biedenharn Candy Building, which has been restored to its original state by the Biedenharn family. Guests can treat themselves to a Coke Float after the tour.
Anchuca Mansion– Built around 1830, this Greek Revival mansion was home to the Wilson family and later used as a hospital during the War Between the States. The word Anchuca is a Choctaw word meaning “happy home” and owner Tom Pharr has lovingly restored it to its former state. Mr. Pharr has a passion for Vicksburg, working on revitalization efforts for the downtown area, and bringing new life into old neighborhoods. His passion has inspired him to purchase artifacts and pictures from local estate sales. If you have the chance to talk with Mr. Pharr, do so. He has a wealth of knowledge on the history of the area and brings the past to life in his conversations.
Old Court House Museum– This building has led a charmed existence. After completion in 1860, it survived the siege of Vicksburg and a direct hit from a tornado in 1953. The iron shutters and doors are original to the building. Inside the building, you’ll find a photographic tour of Civil War Vicksburg, along with artifacts from the residents. You’ll also find surprising items, like a teddy bear given to a local child by Theodore Roosevelt. And, if you’re an animal lover, I also found a cat resting cozily on the floor in one of the display rooms.
Venture upstairs to view the courthouse, which is preserved in its original state. Before leaving, be sure to pick up a free walking map of the city which gives directions to 16 historical sites and 7 restaurants within walking distance.
No visit to Vicksburg is complete without a stop at the Vicksburg National Military Park. With over 1400 monuments, markers, and tablets, it was called “the art park of the world,” by a Civil War Veteran. The park is divided into several sections, The Union, The Confederate, the USS Cairo Museum, and the National Cemetary.
The 16-mile drive winds through the park and offers picturesque views. Don’t miss the Illinois monument, which is designed with marble from Stone Mountain, Georgia, and is designed to resemble the Parthenon.
Located within the park is the USS Cairo Museum. This museum features the history of and artifacts from the USS Cairo, a Union ship sunk by underwater mines near Vicksburg. The Cairo rested underwater, forgotten, until the 1950s. In 1964, the Cairo was raised, and in 1972, the National Park Service was given permission to restore what was left of the ship for display. Today, visitors can once again walk through the great ship before entering the National Cemetary.
Interested in spending an evening in Vicksburg? Don’t miss the Haunted Vicksburg tour or a visit to the Baer House.
Things to Know Before You Go:
*If you are visiting with the American Queen, Hop-on Hop-off buses run every 15-20 minutes. Stops include the Church of the Holy Trinity, Anchcuca Mansion, the Old Court House Museum, the Downtown Shopping District, the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum, the Lower Mississippi River Museum, the Old Depot Museum, and the Riverfront Murals.
*Two optional premium tours- A Round of Golf at the Vicksburg Country Club, a day of golfing followed by a casual lunch at the Anthony, the restaurant at the Golf Course, and On the Front Lines of the Civil War, a tour of the Vicksburg National Military Park and the USS Cairo Museum-are offered to American Queen passengers.
Anchuca Mansion is located at 1010 1st East Street.
The Flood Wall Murals are located on Levee Street across from the Catfish Row Art Park.
The Old Court House Museum is located at 1008 Cherry Street.
The Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum is located at 1107 Washington Street.
The Old Depot Museum is located at 1010 Levee Street.
The Jesse Brent Lower Mississippi River Museum and Interpretive Center is located at 910 Washington Street.
Vicksburg National Military Park is located at 3201 Clay Street. The USS Cairo Museum is located inside the park.
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It sounds like Vicksburg is a great place to visit! I’ve never been to Mississippi but I’d love to check it out someday.
Seems to be a nice place and there are some interesting places to visit si things to see. Thanks for sharing!
Quite a laid back place to venture. This is great for people who are not keen taking themselves to crowded places. Well recommended.
You got me at the 13 kids left behind. Who took care of them? So sad! I’ve not been to Mississippi and Vicksburg is absolutely charming. So much history. A great tidbit about Coca Cola bottled in Vicksburg first.
I haven’t been in Mississippi since I was a kid. I love seeing all the old buildings and learning about the history of a city. I’m also a big fan of southern cooking!
I have never been to Mississippi before, but my mom really wants to take a steamboat tour through it. It looks like it has a lot of interesting places to see.
I love going to Mississippi. They have a lot to do down there; I have friends there too.
I’ve never been to Mississippi before. Looks like a beautiful state to visit though. A lot of great attractions.
I have actually driven through Vicksburg Missississippi but never stayed there. My grandparents, on the other hand, took a trip there one time and had fun site seeing.
Such a lovely, beautiful and historical place to visit I wish to be in that place someday and I think having a one day trip in that place is not enough for me..
The hubs had been to Mississippi, but not me. Not sure which part of Mississippi he explored too. I’d like to go there and explore.
Thanks for all the great ideas. I’m a big fan of hop on hop off buses to get an overview and then decide where to spend more time. Looks like seeing some of the great art would be fantastic!
This looks like such a quaint place to travel to. I would love to experience Vicksburg some day. I’ve never been to any states beyond the New England states except a couple like NC and Florida years back.
i love visiting old towns like this and it seems like such a great one that you found! adding to to my list for sure
I LOVE visiting old towns like this that are rich in history. I definitely need to add it to my list of US destinations to tour through!
I’d love to go here one day! I’ve always wanted to visit Mississippi. This looks like a gorgeous spot area.
Oh how lovely. I’m in the UK, but I just love the Amercan history and all of those beautiful buildings. So sad about Mr and Mrs Vick and all their children they left behind. That is a very sad tale. Thank you for teaching me more about the rich US history. Off to get some Coca Cola.
It looks like such a nice town. In the heart of the south and with so much history it is really worth seeing if I get to that part of the country.
Oh my! Thanks for bringing me there. Those pictures feel me that I am there too. But I wanna see those places! I love your blog.