Location: Vicksburg
Top Things to do in Vicksburg
- 1. U.S.S. Cairo Museum
- 2. Vicksburg National Military Park
- 3. Vicksburg National Cemetery
- 4. Old Courthouse
- 5. Jesse Brent Lower Mississippi River Museum and Interpretive Center
- 6. Vicksburg Riverfront Murals
- 7. Vicksburg National Monument
- 8. The Old Depot Museum
- 9. Old Court House Museum - Eva W. Davis Memorial
- 10. Anchuca Mansion
Top Restaurants in Vicksburg
The 10 Best Things to Do in Vicksburg, United States
Sitting high atop a bluff overlooking the Mississippi and Yazoo Rivers, the city of Vicksburg was the setting of a bloody 47 day siege during the Civil War. The site of this epic battle is now Vicksburg National Military Park, preserving original fortifications and the U.S.S. Cairo, an ironclad gunboat that once prowled the waters of the Mississippi River. Vicksburg is also the place where Coca-Cola was first bottled, a fact that is happily immortalized at the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum.
Restaurants in Vicksburg
1. U.S.S. Cairo Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Tour the first boat to be sunk by a torpedo.
Reviewed By nurse01_12 - San Antonio, Texas
If you are limited on time, this is a must do. Really interesting museum with all kinds of civil war artifacts that were found from the ship. Highly recommended! It is included with the price of the entrance fee, which is very well worth it. One of the best bangs for your buck in Vicksburg.
2. Vicksburg National Military Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
1800 acres of now peaceful countryside, this park was once the scene of a bloody 47-day Civil War battle.
Reviewed By GlassInMS - Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Spent about 3 hours touring the Vicksburg Military Park, and could probably have used another hour or two to do it right. Part of the loop drive through the park was closed, which meant we had to double back to pick up one whole section -- and the delay meant we had to miss the Cairo Museum. Plan to spend most of a day at the Park, if you want to see the complete layout of the Union and Confederate lines during the 47 day siege of Vicksburg.
As a whole, the park is a sobering experience, as it displays how intense the fighting was and how close together the battle lines were during the siege. Be sure to watch the film in the welcome center before beginning the tour, and also ask the Park staff if any of the route is closed.
3. Vicksburg National Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 306 reviews
Established by the U.S. Congress in 1865 as a military burial ground, the 116-acre cemetery is the final resting place of more than 17,000 Union Soldiers.
Reviewed By Barbara W - Thedford, Nebraska
14 miles of drive through this beautiful park, the 15 dollar fee was worth it however several miles of the route was closed and the directions given att the welcome center were vague and confusing, we missed a few miles due to that, I would go again when we could go to the huge cemetery and see the different beautiful head stones.
4. Old Courthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 352 reviews
Reviewed By sunni014 - Kilgore, Texas
Such an awesome building and grounds, very well maintained. It was so impressive to step into a building where you just feel the power of the courts from so long ago. There are various pictures on the walls, artifacts scattered about and stories of trials that were conducted there. A very interesting place to visit.
5. Jesse Brent Lower Mississippi River Museum and Interpretive Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 199 reviews
Reviewed By Dave_in_Reno - Reno NV
If you like museum boats, the Lower Mississippi River Museum is the place to go. The M/V Mississippi IV has been moved ashore and is open for tours.
Unlike most museum boats, virtually 100% of this boat is accessible during your visit. Among other activities, the boat was used for community outreach along the Mississippi and features a larger meeting area in the center of the boat.
6. Vicksburg Riverfront Murals
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 394 reviews
Reviewed By Kurt R - DeKalb, Illinois
This art work is quite good. The paintings are on the river flood wall over about a block or two area. Worth seeing when you are in town.
7. Vicksburg National Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 107 reviews
Rent an audio tape and it will guide you through the parks interesting sites.
Reviewed By ElaineAndGreg - Chesterland, Ohio
Vicksburg National Battlefield is much like Gettysburg (whose end occurred coincidentally the same day) in that it is covered by grand monuments of the various states, in recognition of the consequence of the battle and this place.
The Illinois State Monument is probably the grandest of them, which might explain why this is listed as the "national monument." It's along the parkway through the Vicksburg Battlefield and there is parking right out front, so it is very easy to visit.
Illinois troops served here on behalf of the north, but Illinois was also important because Lincoln (although born in Kentucky) was raised in Illinois and considered its citizen. Ulysses Grant was actually born and raised in Ohio, but he, too moved to Illinois and was appointed to his first senior military posts through that state. You'll see both their names front and center when you enter.
Ironically, this monument is built from stone from Georgia.
Others have mentioned the acoustics, which are indeed very fun. The shape of the monument inside results in a strong "reverb" effect, so talk or sing inside for a neat effect.
Beautiful structure, great historical associations, and a fun effect. You'll want to visit here.
8. The Old Depot Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 180 reviews
Reviewed By AnnTRockHill_SC - Rock Hill, SC
Great museum for people who love railroad or ship models. Some very talented people created a wide range of ships and boats from US history. We especially enjoyed the diorama of the Vicksburg battlefield. Having just ridden the entire tour, this diorama showed us how it was all set up during battle. It would be great if the diorama could have been at Vicksburg Military Park visitors' center - helped so much to understand how all the battle lines were set up and how terrain looked during battle - unlike today with so many trees, etc.
9. Old Court House Museum - Eva W. Davis Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 88 reviews
Reviewed By Doug_K17 - Denver, Colorado
Museum housed many relics from the Civil War, particularly the Vicksburg campaign and siege. Learned a great deal of information that guidebooks leave out, for instance Lincoln used 5000 negro troops to occupy the city after it surrendered--seems like a bit of vengeance on his part to punish this proud Southern city.
10. Anchuca Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 90 reviews
Tour Anchuca Mansion,Vicksburg's first Columned Mansion and the town's first antebellum homes to open to the public for daily tours in 1955. This Greek revival landmark, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, opens it doors to visitor from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. Walk in the footsteps of many famous Americans, including President Jefferson Davis, to see the opulent interiors with fine antiques and art representing the past three centuries. Tours are $10.00 per person. Most all major credit cards are excepted. Thank you for helping preserve Anchuca.
Reviewed By Marla2015 - Freeburg, Illinois
Last week, my nephew and I spent 4 nights in The Wilson Suite at Anchuca. The house is filled with antiques, pictures, lovely furnishings, and is spotlessly clean. A maid attended to our rooms each each day; we wanted for nothing. We had excellent breakfasts....eggs, cheese grits, biscuits, waffles, fruit, juice, bacon or sausage, and coffee. Two evenings we dined in the Anchuca Cafe. While the menu is not extensive, there were chicken, seafood, pasta, and beef choices. One night I had the Petite Filet. I had always heard people talk about beef melting in their mouths, but had never experienced that until last Monday night. The steak honestly melted in my mouth. As good as it was, my favorite entree was the shrimp and grits. Absolutely wonderful. The people who work there were all terrific: friendly, helpful, courteous. The owner came in one morning and answered all the questions I had.... We were given the "run" of the house. If no one was staying in a room, we were welcome to go in. After doing tours for 3 days, I chose to spend time at the pool. It, too, was delightful. Obviously, I loved this place! It may cost a tad more than other B & Bs, but it was more than worth the price. As I told anyone who would listen, I felt like I fell asleep and awoke in Southern Belle heaven...safe, indulged, happy.
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