Most Beautiful Places: Mississippi Edition

Historic sites long forgotten, a myriad of cultures leaving remnants behind, and Mother Nature testing her artistic hand on the land; all of it is transformative and spectacular. The origin of the name Mississippi comes from an Indian word meaning “Father of Waters”; even so, water is not the state’s sole attraction. Mississippi offers up mystic and sultry landscapes to all guests taking time to explore its wonders. Discover the soul of Mississippi through its dramatic and beautiful facade.

Nature and history dominate the forefront of any voyage through this Magnolia state. From long forgotten crumbling sites overrun with wildlife, to proudly restored classic antebellum mansions and everything in between, Mississippi offers some form of photographic beauty everywhere. The list of beautiful places in Mississippi is truly unending; however, we have whittled down a list to share our most unforgettable destinations. If you ever get to venture to these spots - and you really should - just prepare to be amazed.

Dunn’s Falls

Named after their creator John Dunn, an Irish immigrant, the falls came to be in the mid-1850s. Hidden among the rugged landscape around the Chunky River, the waterfall not only provides pristine beauty, but also provides the force needed to turn the iconic water wheel, before crashing 70 feet into the river below. The curious and nature lovers alike are drawn to this peaceful, idyllic spot. Whether you are looking to take part in activities such as fishing, canoeing, and swimming, or simply wish to see the marvel of 19th century engineering, this quiet landmark offers something for everyone.                                                                                                                          visitmeridian.com

Windsor Ruins

The Windsor Ruins are well and truly off the beaten path, giving visitors a private window into the centuries gone by, as no other tourist attraction can. Surrounded by natural beauty and breath-taking scenery, it’s easy to forget the Windsor Ruin’s past of slavery, war, and disaster. Built between 1859 and 1861 by a wealthy plantation owner, Smith Coffee Daniel II built a four-story Greek revival mansion overlooking the Mississippi River. Destroyed by a fire in 1890, all that remains of the grand mansion are the beautiful Greek columns and a deathly serenity--a haunting reminder of what once was.                                                                                                         portgibsonms.org

Doyle Arm, Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge

The Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge is home to not only a wide variety of Mississippi’s native wildlife but some stunning natural beauty as well. As a feeding area for migratory species, the boardwalk at Doyle Arm offers some spectacular bird watching year-round. For the more adventurous explorer, the opportunity to see alligators in their natural habitat is something not to be missed. Doyle Arm has something for everyone, offering breathtaking scenery, a host of animal-spotting opportunities, and room for quiet contemplation. The best time to visit is the fall when the leaves have begun to change and the water glistens an orange-brown hue.                                 fws.gov/refuge/Noxubee

Cinderella House in Starkville

The aptly named Starkville’s Cinderella house is the stuff of fairy tales. Its stunning pink facade glimmers in the Mississippi sunlight, brightening the day of those who take in its splendor immediately. If you happen to be in the cotton district at any point in your future, you definitely shouldn’t miss the magnificent beauty offered by the Cinderella House. The house can also be rented long-term, should you need to escape some ugly stepsisters. cottondistrictms.com

Friendship Cemetery

Formerly known as Odd Fellows Cemetery, the Friendship Cemetery fills visitors with conflicted emotions. While appreciating the natural beauty of this historic resting place, it’d be easy to forget that thousands of unknown soldiers, federal and confederate, are buried here - were it not for the graves that stretch as far as the eye can see. However, many graves have been reclaimed by Mother Nature herself, with Southern Magnolias decorating otherwise grim reminders of the bloody Civil War that raged on in the surrounding areas in the not too distant past. Friendship Cemetery is a real testament to the continuous beauty of the natural world. The most noted tombstone here is the one with a weeping angel.                                                                                                      visitcolumbusms.org

Stanton Hall, Natchez

Irish immigrant and successful cotton merchant Frederick Stanton, began the construction of his dream home in 1857. The house covered the area of a city block and was decorated with the finest marble from New York and grand mirrors imported from France. Stanton Hall has seen a vast and varied history, with its namesake dying only months after it was completed, and the hall housed Union troops throughout the Civil War. In 1894, Stanton Hall was transformed into a Ladies’ College and remained that way until 1938, when it was bought and restored to its former glory by the Pilgrimage Garden Club. Nowadays, daily 30-minute tours of the home are given, providing a unique insight into the history of this beautiful mansion. Whether you love architecture or history, Stanton Hall provides an excellent day out, and food lovers will delight in the nearby Carriage House Restaurant!                                                                                                             visitnatchez.org

Fillmore Street Chapel, Corinth

Located 90 miles or so from Memphis, the Fillmore Street Chapel is Corinth’s oldest place of worship. It was completed in 1871, and at one time served as a Presbyterian Church. From the outside, you’ll be amazed by awe-inspiring steeples and arched windows that act as mirrors reflecting Corinth’s scenery. Currently, Fillmore Street Chapel is maintained by the First United Methodist Church, and its history and landmark status make it a popular venue for weddings, baptisms, and more. Whether you’re religiously inclined or not, Fillmore Street Chapel is well worth a visit, merely to see a beautiful historical landmark that is currently making history for people every year.                                                                                                                      corinth.net

The Biloxi Lighthouse

Construction of the Biloxi Lighthouse was completed in 1848, making it one of the very first cast-iron lighthouses in the southern states. It is central to Biloxi’s image and has, since Katrina, become an iconic tribute to the city’s strength and resolve. Biloxi Lighthouse has a rather symbolic meaning for females in the area, thanks to its rather unique renown for having female lighthouse keepers; right up until the Coast Guard took on the lighthouse in 1939. Despite Hurricane Katrina’s storm surge battering a third of the lighthouse’s 64-foot tall stature, it stood firm, and the City of Biloxi re-opened it for tours in 2010, after an almost half-million dollar renovation. Whether you’re visiting Biloxi for its nightlife or culture, you’ll definitely want to visit this living tribute to the city’s triumph over Katrina’s destructive force.                                                                                                                                   biloxi.ms.us

Tishomingo State Park

Rich in history and a breathtaking sight to boot, Tishomingo State Park takes its name from Chief Tishomingo, the leader of the Chickasaw nation. Archeological surveys have indicated that Paleo-Indians were active within the Park’s boundaries as far back as 7,000 B.C.; and if that’s not enough to get you interested, the natural beauty and the array of activities offered surely will! Dissected by the Natchez Trace Parkway, the Tishomingo State Park is a landscape the likes of which you’ll only find in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains - imposing ferns scatter the ground, moss-covered boulders rise from their earthly domain, and colorful wildflowers add majesty to the harsh terrain.                                                                                  tishomingofunhere.org

Clark Creek Natural Area, Woodville

Totaling over 700 acres and dotted with over 50 waterfalls, some of which stand over 30 feet tall, Clark Creek is a paradise for all naturalists, hikers, cyclists, and outdoors lovers in general. Though the majority of the park is made up of large beech and magnolia trees, this hardwood forest also has some of the United States’ rarest flora on offer - all of which is clearly marked, helping visitors to stay out of trouble! Clark Creek Nature Area is a popular and beautiful state park, but do not be fooled - the terrain is tough going and it is highly recommended that you take the correct equipment!                                                                                                                                    mdwfp.com/parks-destinations/state-parks/clark-creek

Creating a list of Mississippi’s most beautiful destinations is truly an unending commission. This state continues to enchant visitors with its history and sultry vistas and it gives rise to a complete fascination among those who have experienced it.