Vicksburg Mississippi

History from the Battlefield to the Blues

Vicksburg’s legacy runs deep, from its strategic importance during the American Civil War to its influence on the birth of blues music. Walk through preserved battlefields and explore hundreds of historic monuments at Vicksburg National Military Park. Navigate the park on your own with mobile tours from the Vicksburg Battle App or book a guided tour with a battlefield expert for an even more in-depth experience. Stop by the Illinois Memorial, dedicated to the Union soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the Siege of Vicksburg in 1863. Leading up to the memorial are 47 steps, one for each day of the siege. The park is also home to the USS Cairo, a recovered ironclad gunboat that sank in 1862. Walk through this restored vessel to view remarkable artifacts including weapons, naval equipment and personal items from crew members.

Continue your exploration of the city's legacy with the Mississippi Blues Trail. Vicksburg’s portion includes six markers that honor Mississippi-born blues legends such as Muddy Waters and B.B. King. Follow the trail throughout the city to learn about the local blues scene, the artists who performed in the area and the lasting impact of this iconic genre.

Cultural Treasures and Casino Thrills

In Downtown Vicksburg, you can visit six museums within walking distance of each other. Visit the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum to see where Coca-Cola was first bottled in 1894, then dive into exhibits showcasing Vicksburg’s culture at the Catfish Row Museum. View battle dioramas at the Old Depot Museum and uncover rare wartime medical instruments at the Vicksburg Civil War Museum. Don't miss the Old Court House Museum, home to one of the largest collections of Civil War memorabilia in the southern USA. At the Lower Mississippi River Museum, visitors can indulge in river history and tour the Motor Vessel Mississippi IV towboat. Throughout downtown, vibrant murals are displayed along the Vicksburg Riverfront Murals Trail. These 32 painted panels by renowned artist Robert Dafford depict the city's history from prehistoric Native American settlement to modern times.

After sundown, Vicksburg's four casinos light up the riverfront. Try your hand at Ameristar Casino Hotel, Central Mississippi’s largest riverboat casino, or visit Bally’s Vicksburg Casino & Hotel for a boutique experience. Enjoy non-stop gaming at the 24-hour Waterview Casino, while Riverwalk Casino Hotel boasts outdoor dining and an award-winning southern buffet.

Vicksburg’s Natural Playground

Experience the majestic Mississippi River from multiple vantage points along Vicksburg's riverfront. For a hands-on adventure, paddle the mighty Mississippi with Quapaw Canoe Company on a guided excursion. Choose from half-day adventures or embark on full-day expeditions to explore the river’s sandbars and backwaters.

Just 15 minutes from downtown, Tara Wildlife offers 3,000 hectares of protected wilderness populated with white-tailed deer, wild turkeys and wetland creatures. Hike along maintained trails through hardwood forests or join a guided birding walk to spot over 170 species. For an enhanced experience, book a wildlife safari or fishing excursion tailored to your interests.