Jackson is the capital of Mississippi and the most inhabited city in the state, set conveniently at the junction of Interstates 20 and 55. Jackson is home to several fantastic museums that cover a large range of topics, as well as history, civil rights, African-American culture, natural sciences, and art. Families won’t have a problem finding things to try to do with the youngsters in Jackson either – between the Children’ Museum, the Jackson Zoo, and the Petrified Forest, they’ll be occupied for days. The city also hosts a multitude of events year-round, including the Mississippi Blues Marathon in January; a Greek Fest in May; the Rhythm and Blues festival in August; and a surprising gem every September, the Celtic Fest.
Set within LeFleur’ Bluff State Park, the Mississippi museum of natural science teaches guests regarding the natural history of Mississippi through educational exhibits, specimen collections, and interactive habitats. Among the areas dedicated to life may be a 100,000-gallon storage tank network that homes over two hundred native species of aquatic life. The museum also houses a singular greenhouse named “The Swamp,” home to soil flora, still as typical inhabitants like turtles and alligators. Exhibit halls embrace an outsized fossil collection, an up-close check up on native white-tailed deer, and data regarding Mississippi’ vulnerable species.
The Jackson zoo is a hit with families and animal-lovers, home to over two hundred species of animals from 5 continents, as well as endangered species. African animals embrace primates like chimpanzees and colobus monkeys, birds like storks and ostriches, and even an African fat-tailed gecko. Asia is painted by huge cats just like the Sumatran tiger and Amur River Leopard, still because the mischievous red panda, whereas a laughing kookaburra hails from Australia. South American residents include spider monkeys, tropical birds like macaws, and reptiles like the muscular anaconda.
Jackson is home to both the original capitol building, built in 1839, and also the current state capitol. The previous seat of state government is currently open to the public as a museum that highlights the historic events that took place here. Guided tours are accessible for those that need to find out additional about the design and restoration of this fine Greek revival building. The active Capitol Building, which was completed in 1903, will be toured by guests as well. Highlights are a 180-foot dome roof with a 15-foot eagle coated in gold leaf. Throughout legislative sessions, guests might view Senate and House sessions from the public gallery. Both buildings are National Historic Landmarks.
The Mississippi Children’ museum is divided into six areas, that explore varied topics to encourage curiosity and encourage children. The “World at Work” gallery focuses on STEM ideas and the way they relate to business and careers, and also the “Exploring Mississippi” exhibit consists of an enormous map of the state, which children will get on and explore whereas learning regarding geography, history, and culture. The “Healthy Fun” area encompasses a style of exhibits and activities, which teach kids regarding health and nutrition, and there’s conjointly an outsized space dedicated to exploring the humanities and private expression through music, dance, and also the visual arts. Outdoors, the attainment garden encourages language skills and reading, and another garden grows edible plants. The Pollinator’ Playground Garden, free and receptive the public, teaches about husbandry and the importance of pollinators in growing food.
The writer Eudora Welty lived for over seventy-five years in this home on Pinehurst Street in Jackson, where she wrote the majority of her fiction and essays. Her letters, however, are what most guests return to check – a complete of over 15,000 were found upon her death. These letters aren’t solely exceptional for the notable recipients and senders however conjointly for his or her content – an unfiltered peek into the society of her time and her impressions on travel, friends, and life in Mississippi.
In addition to being home to the Mississippi museum of Natural Science, LeFleur’ Bluff State Park contains a myriad of things to do. Within its 305 acres, you’ll notice a nine-hole golf course with a driving range, disc golf, playgrounds, and picnic areas, as well as places to eat and shop. This oasis is encircled by the city, however you wouldn’t are aware of it whereas hiking on one among the numerous nature trails. Mayes Lake is additionally a well-liked place for each fishing and boating, and there are many prosperous access points. There are a large vary of campsites available, from rustic to fully-equipped recreational vehicle sites, and ample bathhouse facilities
Also known as “The Oaks,” the Boyd house is one of the city’ oldest homes. Built-in 1853, this Greek-Revival house is one of the few buildings to survive the fires that leveled much of Jackson during the Civil War. The building was fixed in the 1960s to serve as the state headquarters for the National Society of The Colonial Dames of America and a museum. The house has preserved most of its original features, as well as giant double-hung windows; 10-foot ceilings; and two fireplaces, every service two rooms. The museum house conjointly features a good deal of its original furniture, the majority of that was acquired in 2006 from the last of the Boyd descendants. Among the prized items are a spooled walnut bed and matching commode, as well as a walnut turn-top card table and a walnut cylinder-top secretary.