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Attractions are aplenty in Jackson! From downtown walking tours of historic sites to live animals at the Jackson Zoo and the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, there is always something to see or do. Jackson’s museums range from Old South history to modern art and from sports to Jewish and Muslim culture.
Jackson boasts one of the strongest performing arts offerings for a city its size. With the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, the Mississippi Opera, Ballet Mississippi, Ballet Magnificat! and New Stage Theatre, Jackson is truly the arts and culture capital of the state. Since 1995, Jackson has had the honor of presenting breathtaking international art exhibitions. Held every two to three years, the exhibitions have featured paintings, furniture, tapestries, jewelry, sculptures and china from cities all over the world. And Jackson is the ONLY city in the United States to host these spectacular works. Previous exhibitions have included The Palaces of St. Petersburg (1996), The Splendors of Versailles (1998), The Majesty of Spain (2001), and The Glory of Baroque Dresden (2004).
Museums | Historical Sites | Parks | Sports
Museums
Manship House Museum
420 E. Fortification St.
Jackson, MS 39202
601-961-4724
http://www.mdah.state.ms.us
One of the few remaining antebellum houses in Jackson and a rare example of Gothic Revival architecture in Mississippi, the Manship House Museum is an architectural and historical treasure. Meticulously restored, the house offers a glimpse of the daily life of an interesting 19th-century middle-class family. Charles Henry Manship, a talented craftsman who served as mayor of Jackson during the Civil War, built the house for his family in 1857. Its unusual features include several examples of Manship’s wood-graining work, which transformed plain doors and mantels into fine marble and expensive wood.
McGee's Castle
1479 Pinehill Drive
Raymond, MS 39154
601-857-8997
http://mcgeescastle.com
Located in historic Raymond, just minutes from downtown Jackson, McGee's Castle transports the visitor across the continents and back in time to the days of fair maidens and knights in shining armor. The castle, begun as a modest A-frame house in the mid-1970's, has evolved into a one-of-a-kind, luxurious home filled with 18th-century furnishings, including an authentic replica of the Knights of the Round Table and other unique architectural elements. A museum of collectible guns, swords, and Civil War memorabilia is housed on the upper floor. The Castle offers romantic bed & breakfast accomodations and caters to weddings, receptions, and other special occasions such as corporate meetings and events. Special Christmas tours feature more than 100,000 twinkling lights and Santa Claus.
Medgar Evers Home Museum
2332 Margaret Walker Alexander Drive
Jackson, MS 39213
601-977-7710
The house that Medgar Evers and his wife owned is not grand. It is evidence of
little wealth but a great deal of power. The humble house of this leader, as an
object, does not inspire awe. The small house and site of his assassination, and
the neighborhood of similar houses that surround, it make palpable the very
simple longings for freedom and opportunity that drove the Civil Rights
Movement. As a museum and a house in a historic district, the renovated
structure informs those who visit of the many sacrifices that took place in
Jackson and in Mississippi and presents a more modern link in the succession of
Mississippi landmarks that communicate the history of the state.
Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum
1150 Lakeland Drive
Jackson, MS 39202
601-713-3365
http://www.mdac.state.ms.us
This 40-acre complex, located in the heart of the city, brings to life Mississippi?s rich agricultural heritage. A 40,000-square foot Heritage Center traces the history of agriculture and forestry through an extensive collection of artifacts and life-like exhibits. Outside, the Fortenberry-Parkman Farm restoration and Bisland Cotton Gin, both circa 1860, tell the story of farm life in early Mississippi. Walk down Main Street of the Small Town, Mississippi restoration, circa 1920, and imagine a day in the lives of the people who once toiled and worshiped in these buildings. A visit to the Fitzgerald Collection, Ethnic Heritage Center, and Chimneyville Crafts Gallery complete this walk through history. Award-winning rose gardens and special interest gardens provide enjoyment year-round.
Mississippi Arts Center
201 E. Pascagoula St.
Jackson, MS
601-960-1500
Arts center houses the Mississippi Museum of Art and Gift Shop, Ballet Mississippi studios, and offices of the Mississippi Opera and other arts organizations.
Mississippi Department of Archives and History
200 North St.
Jackson, MS 39201
601-576-6850
http://mdah.state.ms.us
The Mississippi Department of Archives and History, established in 1902, is the second oldest department of archives and history in the United States. Today the Department administers the following major public programs: state archives and library, museums and historic sites, historic preservation programs, public records management, and publication programs. The Department also provides staff assistance for the Mississippi Historical Society.
Mississippi Museum of Art
201 E. Pascagoula Street
Jackson, MS 39201
601-960-1515
http://www.msmuseumart.org
Mississippi’s oldest and largest professional arts organization, the Mississippi Museum of Art holds an extensive collection of more than 3,000 works including the world’s largest collection by and relating to Mississippians and their culturally diverse heritage. Its collections are also notably strong in 19th- and 20th-century American landscape paintings, 18th-century British paintings and furniture, Japanese prints, Southern photography, folk art, pre-Columbian ceramics, and Oceanic art. Each year, various rotating and traveling exhibitions are complemented by lectures and special programs.
Mississippi Museum of Natural Science
Located at LeFleur's Bluff State Park 2148 Riverside Drive
Jackson, MS 39202
601-354-7303
http://www.mdwfp.com/museum
The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science offers an intimate way for visitors from all fifty states and foreign countries to become acquainted with the inhabitants of Mississippi's forests, rivers, skies, and soils. The 73,000-square foot facility is nestled against a 300-acre natural area showcasing the state's rich natural heritage through life-like displays and living, breathing species. White-tailed deer to waterfowl, catfish to snapping turtles-each incredible exhibit captivates as it educates.
Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum
1152 Lakeland (I-55 and Lakeland Drive)
Jackson, MS 39236-6021
601-982-8264
http://www.msfame.com
Mississippi’s first museum for the 21st century contains an array of interactive exhibitry. Touch-screen television kiosks allow museum visitors to access archival footage, achievement data, biographical information, and more than 500 interviews with famous Mississippi athletes like Jerry Rice, Brett Favre, Archie Manning, Ralph Boston, and Dizzy Dean.
Oaks House Museum
823 N. Jefferson St.
Jackson, MS 39202
601-353-9339
http://www.greaterbelhaven.com/photos/oaks_usm_dig_2004june/
Circa 1850. The Oaks is probably the oldest house in Jackson and the oldest residence in the city to be continuously occupied. It was built around 1850 by James Hervey and Eliza Boyd and survived the fire of 1863, which reduced most of Jackson to ashes. The home is rumored to have served as headquarters for Gen. William T. Sherman during the siege of the city by Union troops. James Hervey Boyd was mayor of Jackson for 4 two-year terms. The House exemplifies the Greek Revival Cottage style that was popular in the mid 19th-century. Lovingly restored and furnished with period antiques by its present owner, the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Mississippi, The Oaks remains a treasured part of Mississippi history.
Old Capitol Museum
100 S. State St.
Jackson, MS 39202
601-576-6920
http://www.mdah.state.ms.us
A National Historic Landmark and one of America’s finest examples of Greek Revival public architecture, the Old Capitol building served as state capitol from 1839 to 1903, housing such notable events as the passage of the Ordinance of Secession. The Old Capitol was restored from 1959 to 1961 for use as the state historical museum. The Old Capitol Museum offers exhibits on Mississippi from prehistory through the Civil War, Reconstruction, the cotton culture, and the Civil Rights Movement.
Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center
528 Bloom Street
Jackson, MS 39202
601-960-1457
http://www.city.jackson.ms.us/CityHall/robertson.htm
Located in the heart of Jackson's historic Black community, Smith Robertson is a comprehensive depository of artifacts portraying the African/American Mississippian's experience in the fields of history, art, music, and literature. The museum was Smith Robertson Elementary School, the first public school for African/American children in the city of Jackson.
The City of Jackson Fire Museum and Public Fire Safety Education Center
355 Woodrow Wilson
Jackson, MS 39213
601-960-2433
http://www.city.jackson.ms.us/Fire/pfsed_museum.html
The City of Jackson Fire Museum and Public Fire Safety Education Center consists of artifacts including records, an 1870 parade uniform, communication equipment, pictures, helmets, and fire apparatus such as a 1904 horse-drawn steamer, 1917 chain-driven American LaFrance, and a 1936 Seagrave. Visitors see the history of the Jackson Fire Department from the early 1800s to the actual equipment used in fighting fires today. This complex has educational displays and materials which provide valuable information for the public in how to prevent and protect their lives and property from fire loss/damage.
The International Museum of Muslim Cultures
117 East Pacagoula Street
Jackson, MS 39201
601-960-0440
http://www.muslimmuseum.org
Jackson's newest museum, the International Museum of Muslim Cultures celebrate contributions Muslims have made to the city of Jackson, the state of Mississippi, the region, the nation and the world. Exhibits describe the Muslim experience and places it in context with other cultural and religious groups.
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African American Heritage
The Alamo Theater
333 North Farish Street
P.O. Box 3259, 39207-3259
Jackson, MS 39202
601-352-3365
524 seat theater available for rent to groups functions. The building functioned as a cinema featuring "chase westerns" and African American films. The facility also served as a performing arts theater featuring Black Vaudeville acts, stage bands, and Black performing artists.
Ayer Hall
Jackson State University 1700 John R. Lynch Street
Jackson, MS 39217
601-968-2272
http://www.jsums.edu
Ayer Hall is named in honor of Dr. Charles Ayer, first President of what is now
Jackson State University. This historic building is a cornerstone of the early 20th Century renaissance of Jackson College.
Black Arts Music Society
4110 W. Capitol St.
Jackson, MS 39209
601-353-0371
Presents and preserves African-American arts.
The Boddie Mansion
Tougaloo College 500 West County Line Road
Jackson, MS 39174
601-977-7842
The Boddie Mansion is one of the few houses in the Jackson area that withstood the Civil War.
Bronze Statue of Medgar Evers - Medgar Evers Blvd. Library
4215 Medgar Evers Blvd.
Jackson, MS 39213
601-982-2867
This city library located in Ever's former neighborhood along with the street on which it sits was renamed in dedication to the memory of Medgar Evers.
Central United Methodist Church
500 North Farish Street
Jackson, MS 39202
601-355-7854
The Central United Methodist Church was organized on August 15, 1890. The building has been remodeled, and is very much a part of the Farish Street
Historic District in that many of the leaders of Black Mississippi came out of
this church.
Civil Rights Exhibit at the Old Capitol Museum
100 S. State Street
Jackson, MS 39201
601-359-6920
The first permanent exhibit in the United States on the Civil Rights Movement.
Dr. A. H. McCoy Federal Building
100 W. Capitol Street
Jackson, MS
Named for an African-American, this site is in the heart of the business and professional district of the African-American community of Jackson.
Farish Street Historical District
Amite Street across to Fortification Street and Mill Street to Lamar Street Contact: Farish Street Historic District Neighborhood Foundation Tel: 601-949-4000 www.farishstreet.com
Jackson, MS 39202
http://www.farishstreet.com
125 acre, late nineteenth century grid patterned neighborhood is the largest and only primarily residential district in Jackson spanning more than 100 years. The District is made up of residences and diversified businesses and was placed
in the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, due to efforts of many
concerned groups and citizens.
The Jackson Advocate
438 Mill Street
Jackson, MS 39202
601-948-4122
The Jackson Advocate, a Black weekly newspaper, was founded in 1938 by Percy
Greene. Mr. Greene was a veteran of World War I and was a Civil Rights leader in
the 1940's and 1950"s. Greene was determined to make a contribution to the struggle of African-American people during a time when they were severely oppressed. The Advocate has received numerous awards and citations in its 55 years of service as the voice of Black Mississippians.
Medgar Evers Home Museum
2332 Margaret Walker Alexander Drive
Jackson, MS 39213
601-977-7710
The small house and site of his assassination, and the neighborhood of similar houses that surround it make palpable the very simple longings for freedom and opportunity that drove the Civil Rights Movement.
Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center
528 Bloom Street
Jackson, MS 39202
601-960-1457
http://www.city.jackson.ms.us/CityHall/robertson.htm
A comprehensive museum of artifacts portraying the African/American Mississippian's experience in the fields of history, art, music, and literature.
Woodworth Chapel
Tougaloo College 500 West County Line Road
Jackson, MS 39174
601-977-7842
Erected in 1901, Woodworth Chapel is the center of religious life for Tougaloo
College and the surrounding neighborhood. It was named in honor of Dr. Frank G.
Woodworth who served as Tougaloo College president from 1887 to 1912.
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Parks & Recreation
Champion Community Center
1355 Hattiesburg Street
Jackson, MS
Funtime Skateland
820 Cooper Road
Jackson, MS
601-373-9311
Grove Park
1800 Avenue J
Jackson, MS 39213
601-960-2074
Jackson Mini Golf World
5124 N. State Street
Jackson, MS
601-981-8889
Jackson Zoological Park
2918 W. Capitol Street
Jackson, MS
601-352-2581
http://www.jacksonzoo.com
Lakeland Skating
2929 Layfair Drive
Jackson, MS
601-932-5323
Larwil Lanes
1423 Old Square Road
Jackson, MS 39211
601-362-1513
LeFleur's Bluff State Park
2140 Riverside Drive
Jackson, MS
601-987-3985
Mynelle Gardens
4736 Clinton Blvd., Jackson, MS Tel: 601-960-1894
Jackson, MS
Parham Bridges Tennis Center
5055 Old Canton Road
Jackson, MS 39211
601-956-110
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Sports
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