10 Places to Visit in Historic Vicksburg

Located on the western edge of the state where the Yazoo and Mississippi rivers meet, Vicksburg is a mix of rich history, culture and cuisine. It was the site of a major Civil War battle that Abraham Lincoln called a “key” to winning the war.

“Our local heritage is unmistakable,” says Kim Hopkins, executive director of Downturn Vicksburg’s Main Street Program. “You can stand on bluffs that overlook the Yazoo Diversion Canal of the Mississippi River. Then turn around and see our historic courthouse. Walk past our shops, museums, galleries, and restaurants and you’ll get a sense of our past and our future.”

Vicksburg expresses itself beautifully through the arts and delicious food. It especially loves telling stories about its past. This is why museums feature prominently on this list of 10 popular places to visit here.

Before you go, check websites for up-to-date visitor information.

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1. Vicksburg National Military Park

Many historians rank the Siege of Vicksburg as one of the top five most important battles of the Civil War. So this park a must-see. Established in 1899 and now operated by the National Park Service, the Vicksburg National Military Park preserves battlefield features as they appeared back in 1863. The grounds also include an impressive collection of 1,400 monuments and sculptures.

2. Old Depot Museum

Civil War and transportation history come together at the Old Depot Museum, housed in the former Yazoo and Mississippi River Valley Railroad Station. Train enthusiasts of all ages will appreciate the model railroad layouts and miniature re-creations of Vicksburg architecture. In addition to collections of model ships and riverboats, the museum includes a detailed diorama of the Siege of Vicksburg.

3. Jesse Brent Lower Mississippi River Museum

Vicksburg’s most prominent geographical feature, the Mississippi River, is a major avenue for river commerce. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has a long history of working to tame this powerful waterway, making it both easier to navigate and less prone to flooding. The free Jesse Brent Lower Mississippi River Museum tells this and other stories through exhibits, films, models and an aquarium of native fish.

4. Old Court House Museum

It was here where the U.S. flag was raised on July 4, 1863, as Confederates officially surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant. And with a guest list including Booker T. Washington, Jefferson Davis and three U.S. presidents – Grant, McKinley and Teddy Roosevelt – it’s hard to argue with the claim that this is Vicksburg’s most historic building. Now called the Old Court House Museum, it holds thousands of artifacts going back to pioneer days.

5. Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum

Coca-Cola was born in Atlanta, but Vicksburg is where confectioner Joseph Biedenharn first bottled the now-famous soft drink in 1894. His old candy store now houses the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum, operated by the Vicksburg Foundation for Historic Preservation. See Coca-Cola memorabilia and reproductions of the bottling equipment Biedenharn used. Then stop by the soda fountain counter for Cokes, floats and ice cream.

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6. Jacqueline House African American Museum

Opened in 1995 in memory of local citizen Jacqueline Robbins Rose, the Jacqueline House African American Museum celebrates the history and contributions of Vicksburg’s Black community. Its extensive archive of historical newspapers, books, photographs, manuscripts and artifacts numbers more than 20,000 items. Although only open on Saturdays or by appointment, the museum tells important stories that might otherwise be forgotten.

7. Catfish Row Museum

Like the Jacqueline House, the newer Catfish Row Museum offers a more diverse historical perspective of Vicksburg than you might find elsewhere. Rather than focusing on the local Civil War battle and its legacy, this cultural museum highlights the city’s artistic, literary and culinary histories. It particularly focuses on how local minorities helped shape them.

8. Historic Tour Homes

If you love architecture, Vicksburg has 11 historic tour homes dating between the 1790s and the early 1900s, representing styles like Greek Revival, Eastlake, Victorian and Italianate. The McRaven Tour Home has a particularly eclectic history, and it’s widely considered the “most haunted house” in Mississippi. As a bonus for visitors spending multiple days in town, at least seven of these homes offer bed-and-breakfast accommodations.

9. Riverfront Murals

Beginning in 2001, artist Robert Dafford transformed the Levy Street seawall into a series of 32 murals. This art portrays Vicksburg’s history and heritage in vivid colors. Now a major attraction in and of itself, the Riverfront Murals depict scenes of early Native American settlements, the founding of Vicksburg, river transportation, the Siege of Vicksburg, natural disasters, local industry and education, the arts, notable civic leaders and more.

10. Vicksburg’s Finest Restaurants

Before leaving town, don’t miss sampling food from some of Vicksburg’s delicious restaurants. There’s something here for every taste. Whether you’re craving traditional Southern fried food, Italian-influenced dishes, steaks and seafood, or local craft beer. If you’re looking for great food, a relaxed atmosphere and spectacular views of the city, the 10 South Rooftop Bar & Grill is hard to beat.

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