Things to do in Vicksburg

Vicksburg, Mississippi, is a city steeped in rich history, particularly known for its pivotal role in the American Civil War. Situated on the Mississippi River, Vicksburg offers visitors a blend of historical landmarks, museums, and scenic riverfront views.The city’s neighborhoods reflect its deep cultural heritage, with well-preserved sites that tell the story of the Siege of Vicksburg and the broader history of the region. Visitors can explore battlefields, historic homes, and museums that provide insight into the past while enjoying the charm of a river town.

Vicksburg National Military Park

This park commemorates the campaign, siege, and defense of Vicksburg during the Civil War. It features over 1,300 monuments, markers, and plaques, along with preserved battlefield landscapes and a national cemetery.

Visitors can explore the USS Cairo Museum, which houses the restored ironclad gunboat, and enjoy scenic drives, walking trails, and guided tours that bring the history of the siege to life.

Old Courthouse Museum

Located in the historic Vicksburg downtown, this museum is housed in a beautiful 19th-century courthouse building. It offers exhibits on local history, including artifacts from the Civil War, Native American culture, and the development of Vicksburg.

The building itself is an architectural landmark, and the museum provides educational programs and special events throughout the year.

Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum

This museum is dedicated to the history of Coca-Cola and its bottling in Vicksburg. It is located in the former home of Joseph A. Biedenharn, who was the first to bottle Coca-Cola in 1894.

The museum features vintage Coca-Cola memorabilia, bottling equipment, and exhibits on the beverage’s cultural impact, making it a unique stop for fans of Americana and industrial history.

Lower Mississippi River Museum and Interpretive Center

This museum focuses on the history and ecology of the Mississippi River. It offers interactive exhibits about river navigation, flood control, and the river’s role in commerce and culture.

Visitors can learn about the river’s impact on the region and enjoy views of the river from the museum’s location on the riverfront.

Anchuca Historic Mansion

Anchuca is a historic antebellum mansion that served as a hospital during the Civil War. The home is preserved with period furnishings and offers guided tours that highlight its architectural and historical significance.

The mansion is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is a popular venue for events and weddings.

Grant’s Canal

Grant’s Canal was an ambitious Civil War engineering project intended to bypass Confederate artillery by digging a canal across the peninsula opposite Vicksburg.

Though the canal was never completed, the site is historically significant and accessible for visitors interested in Civil War history and engineering efforts during the siege.

Vicksburg Riverfront Murals

The riverfront area features a series of murals that depict the city’s history, culture, and connection to the Mississippi River.

These murals provide a colorful and artistic way to explore Vicksburg’s heritage while enjoying a stroll along the riverwalk.

Old Depot Museum

Housed in a historic railroad depot, this museum showcases Vicksburg’s railroad history and its role in the city’s development.

Exhibits include vintage photographs, artifacts, and model trains, offering a glimpse into the transportation history of the region.

Cedar Hill Cemetery

This historic cemetery is the final resting place of many notable figures from Vicksburg’s past, including soldiers from the Civil War.

The cemetery features beautiful monuments and offers a peaceful setting for reflection on the city’s history.

Vicksburg Battlefield Trail

This trail allows visitors to explore key sites of the Vicksburg Campaign on foot or by car, with interpretive signs and markers explaining the significance of each location.

It provides a comprehensive way to understand the military strategies and events that shaped the outcome of the Civil War in this region.